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Debary City Hall Unveils Bronze Banners to Honor Eight Local Heroes

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 17:36 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

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Debary Honors Eight Hometown Heroes With Banners Near City Hall

On Tuesday, November 10, the city of Debary, Florida, celebrated the lives and contributions of eight local residents by unveiling bronze‑backed banners near City Hall. The ceremony, held in the small park adjacent to the municipal building, drew a crowd of over 300 people, including city officials, community leaders, and families of the honorees.

The Ceremony

Mayor Lisa Henderson opened the event with a brief address, thanking the city council and the residents who had supported the project. “Our community thrives because of the dedication and service of people like these,” Henderson said. She noted that the banners would be a permanent fixture, serving as a visual reminder of Debary’s rich history of volunteerism, leadership, and civic pride.

The city council’s “Community Recognition Committee” presented the banners one by one, each bearing the name of a honoree and a concise statement of their achievements. After each unveiling, a member of the honoree’s family spoke, expressing gratitude and sharing anecdotes that illustrated why their relative earned the city’s highest honor.

The Eight Honorees

1. James “Jim” Carter – A retired fire chief who spent 35 years protecting Debary’s neighborhoods. Carter is credited with modernizing the fire department’s equipment and leading several high‑profile rescue missions. A quote from his daughter during the ceremony highlighted his lifelong commitment to safety and mentorship for young firefighters.

2. Maria Rodriguez – A lifelong resident and teacher at Debary Elementary School, Rodriguez has served the city’s children for over 25 years. Her dedication to educational excellence earned her the state’s “Teacher of the Year” award in 2018. The banner includes a short excerpt of a student’s heartfelt letter expressing how Rodriguez’s guidance shaped their future.

3. Samuel Lee – Founder of “Debary Food Bank,” a nonprofit that distributes fresh produce and groceries to families in need. Lee’s organization has served more than 10,000 households annually. His banner features a photo of volunteers sorting donations at the food bank’s main warehouse.

4. Lillian Brown – A volunteer coordinator for the local American Red Cross chapter. Brown has organized over 200 blood drives and emergency relief efforts during hurricanes. Her banner displays an image of a packed blood donation center, symbolizing her tireless efforts to keep Debary prepared for crises.

5. Robert “Bob” Miller – Retired police officer and community safety advocate. Miller was instrumental in establishing the “Neighborhood Watch” program, which helped reduce local crime rates by 15% during his tenure. The banner highlights his award from the Florida Police Benevolent Association in 2020.

6. Angela Kim – Founder of “Green Steps,” a neighborhood sustainability initiative that has planted more than 3,000 trees and implemented a city‑wide recycling program. Kim’s work earned her the 2022 Florida Green Initiative Award. Her banner includes a small illustration of a tree and the phrase “Growing a greener Debary.”

7. Thomas Nguyen – A respected local dentist who has served Debary’s residents for over 30 years. Nguyen is recognized for his volunteer dental clinics that provide free care to low‑income families. The banner bears a quote from a grateful parent who received life‑changing dental treatment for their child.

8. Patricia “Pat” Ellis – Former Debary city council member and longtime advocate for downtown revitalization. Ellis’s tenure saw the completion of the “Historic Downtown Project,” which restored the old courthouse and turned it into a cultural center. Her banner features a black‑and‑white photo of the courthouse’s grand interior.

Community Impact

City officials emphasized how the banners serve more than an ornamental purpose; they represent the collective memory and values of Debary’s citizens. “We want future generations to see that service, dedication, and compassion are celebrated here,” Mayor Henderson explained. She added that the banners will also serve as a point of pride for tourists and newcomers, illustrating the city’s commitment to recognizing outstanding local citizens.

The event concluded with a communal potluck, featuring food contributed by local businesses and households. A “memory wall” beside the banners allows attendees to leave notes and memories, further cementing the honorees’ legacies within the community.

Looking Ahead

Debary’s Community Recognition Committee plans to continue its tradition of honoring local heroes in the coming years. The committee will conduct a public nomination process, encouraging residents to nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to the city. The committee hopes that this ongoing practice will keep the city’s spirit of gratitude alive and inspire future acts of community service.

As the banners stand proudly in front of City Hall, they serve as a daily reminder of the individuals who have shaped Debary into the vibrant, resilient community it is today. The city’s residents leave the ceremony with a renewed sense of pride and a shared commitment to uphold the values of service, generosity, and civic responsibility.