Bilirakis honors 85 volunteers at Brooksville Heroes Among Us ceremony

One by one, 85 volunteers crossed the floor at Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 on County Line Road as nearly 400 guests looked on and proclamations were read aloud for service that ranged from veteran support to historic preservation.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis hosted the annual Heroes Among Us ceremony in Brooksville and told attendees, “you are our unsung heroes,” while also stressing that volunteer service often depends on people at home who give up time and energy too. “They make the sacrifice as well,” he said.

Honorees had been nominated by local government entities and nonprofit organizations across Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties. Summer Blevins, Bilirakis’ deputy chief of staff, read the proclamations that explained why each person or group was being recognized. The ceremony drew volunteers from organizations including Save Crystal River, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, the Citrus County Fair Association, Pasco Aging Network, the Community Service Council of West Pasco, Pasco County Misdemeanor Probation and the Free Senior Health Clinic.

Hernando County names were woven through the list as well. A group honoree entry recognized members of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and a photo caption identified Pastor Freddie Hinson, Jr. and Martha Maner with Hernando County Family among the honorees. Brooksville Main Street nominees were also among those singled out, underscoring how much of the county’s civic life depends on residents who give their time without pay.

The ceremony has become a steady civic fixture in Hernando County and the surrounding district. Bilirakis’ office said nominations were being accepted earlier this year for the 2026 Heroes Among Us Congressional Award, and the annual event has repeatedly drawn large turnouts, with more than 90 volunteers honored in 2025 and 92 recognized in the 2024 celebration.