Presented at the association’s annual statewide summit, the awards recognize Florida’s most outstanding public relations programs, campaigns and practitioners
OVERVIEW
- Children’s Week Florida™: Recognized for helping celebrate its 30th milestone by uniting advocates, families, and lawmakers at the Capitol.
- Florida Association of Counties: Acknowledged for a successful email marketing campaign that boosted sponsor involvement and sold out conference slots.
- April Salter: Founder and CEO – Member of the Year.
- Heidi Otway:President and Partner – Silver Mentor of the Year.
- Lexie Savedge: PR and Public Affairs Director – Joe Curley Rising Leader.
SalterMitchell PR’s award-winning campaigns utilized targeted, audience-first methodologies, including real-time, multi-layered storytelling for Children’s Week and a high-frequency, thematic email strategy for the Florida Association of Counties. These approaches emphasized rapid content distribution, legislative collaboration, and personalized messaging to drive engagement and conference participation.
RECOGNITION AND SUCCESSES
SalterMitchell PR (SMPR) earned two honors at the 2026 Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Golden Image Awards. Founded in 1938, FPRA is one of the longest-running public relations associations in the United States and serves as a professional organization for public relations and communications professionals across Florida.
In the Special Event category, SMPR was recognized for a public relations campaign surrounding the groundbreaking of Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, a local nonprofit organization. In the Digital Tools of Public Relations category, SMPR was recognized for a strategic, multi-platform communications campaign to promote the firm’s podcast, “Fluent in Floridian.”
“At SMPR, we strive to elevate clients and leaders creating lasting, positive change across Florida,” said Heidi Otway, president and partner. “I am proud and honored that the dedicated work and creativity of our team has been recognized and celebrated.”
Award of Distinction: The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch Groundbreaking Ceremony
SMPR was honored for its work with the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, promoting a landmark groundbreaking event to elevate awareness of the nonprofit as a premier sports destination.
The campaign positioned the Ranch and its services for youth, teens and families to key donors, partners and community leaders, securing coverage across top media outlets and fulfilling primary campaign objectives.
Award of Distinction: Fluent in Floridian
Since 2017, SMPR’s Fluent in Floridian podcast has invited listeners into conversations with leaders across Florida who are shaping the state.
Hosted by SMPR President + Partner Heidi Otway and Founder + CEO April Salter, the podcast features conversations from a range of Florida voices, with past guests including astronaut Norm Thagard, legendary sports broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan and more. Through a strategic content plan, expanded video production and targeted social media promotion, the podcast achieved more than double its audience growth over the past year through organic engagement.
FPRA’s annual PR & Communications Summit brings together public relations professionals from across Florida to recognize standout work from all sectors. Campaigns are judged on creativity, impact, and results.
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