Every Florida neighborhood has someone who quietly makes life better for everyone around them. This spring, Tropical Financial Credit Union and the Florida Panthers are shining a spotlight on everyday champions through the 2026 Community Hero award.
The award is part of the credit union’s commitment to the communities it serves. Tropical Financial supports charities and causes that touch everyday lives across Florida. In recent years, it has contributed tens of thousands of dollars through donations and event sponsorships to organizations making a local impact.
Tropical Financial helps the South Florida chapter of the American Red Cross assist families affected by disasters and participates in events such as the Dine & Dock Humanitarian celebration and the “Sound the Alarm” home fire safety campaign.
The credit union and its employees also support animal welfare and local families through activities such as the Humane Society of Broward County Walk for the Animals and “Pooches in the Pines,” which reunites lost dogs with their owners. Each holiday season, branches serve as collection sites for WPLG Local 10’s Big Bus Toy Express benefiting Toys for Tots, with staff helping load donated toys.
Credit union employees also volunteer at charity walks, food drives, Local 10’s Day of Giving, and Autism Walks.
What is the Community Hero award?
You’re invited to nominate someone whose selfless work is enhancing neighborhoods, helping others, and creating positive change across Florida. The honored Community Hero will be recognized during the Panthers’ home game against the Detroit Red Wings on April 15 in front of thousands of fans.
The winner will receive a $2,500 cash award, and Tropical Financial will donate an additional $500 to a charity of their choice. It is Tropical Financial’s and the Panthers’ way of saying “thank you” to someone who rarely asks for recognition but deserves to be celebrated.
Community Heroes can be volunteers, nonprofit founders, mentors, activists, caregivers, environmental stewards, educators, or a neighbor of yours who consistently goes above and beyond for others, animals, the environment, or their local neighborhood. Nominees must be at least 18 years old and live in Florida. They do not need to be members of Tropical Financial to be eligible.
A panel of judges will review nominations based on three key criteria: the impact of the nominee’s work; the number of people their efforts have reached; and the compelling nature of their story. The stronger and more specific the story you share, the better you can help your hero stand out.
Take inspiration from past heroes
Last year’s South Florida Community Hero, Layla Crehan, was selected from more than 460 nominations. An artist, athlete, and advocate on the Autism spectrum, Layla has raised funds for families in need, logged hundreds of volunteer hours, and inspired others through her commitment to inclusion and giving back.
Her story shows that you do not need a title or a spotlight to make a powerful difference—just a willingness to care and act. Somewhere in your community, there is another hero like Layla whose story deserves to be told.
Nominations are open now through March 6. It only takes a few minutes to participate. Visit www.tropicalfcu.com/communityhero to submit your nomination. On the webpage, share your hero’s story, and upload photos or videos that bring their impact to life.
They have taken the time to care. Now, you can celebrate them. Nominate your Community Hero today and help Tropical Financial and the Panthers recognize the people who make Florida a better place to live.
