Gainesville residents honored by Governor at Second Annual Florida Heroes’ Reception

Staff report

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two Gainesville residents were honored at the Florida Governor’s Residence on April 26 for their contributions to others and for exhibiting exceptional courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Seventy-five Florida heroes were honored at the ceremony, including first responders, doctors, veterans, law enforcement, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, parents, and innovators who have all exhibited bravery and self-sacrifice. Also honored were members of the community who have dedicated themselves to helping others overcome adversity through nonprofit efforts, adoption and foster care, careers in education, and advocacy.

Trooper Josh Allen

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Josh Allen of Gainesville was deployed to Eagle Pass, Texas, to help secure the southern border when he and other Troopers saw a mother and two young girls walking down the banks of the Rio Grande River toward their location. One of the children was seven years old and in medical distress – limp, pale, and unresponsive. Thanks to Trooper Allen and Trooper Jeffery Ryan of Jacksonville, the small child was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated for heatstroke.

Dr. Kay Roussos-Ross, MD

Dr. Kay Roussos-Ross of Gainesville and her team developed the UF Gator MOMitor phone app in partnership with the Florida Department of Health. The app allows for daily assessment of risk factors and health conditions such as postpartum depression, hypertension, post-surgical infection, and diabetes. Since its implementation, 2,000 women have been assessed through the app and received medical care as needed.

“This evening it was a privilege to recognize and personally thank each Florida hero in attendance for their selfless dedication to their communities and our state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we want to recognize and extol the virtues of selflessness and service, and these 75 individuals embodied those virtues through their actions and achievements.”

“We are proud tonight to share the goodness of Floridians,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We were glad to highlight the inspiring stories of first responders, community leaders, foster parents, veterans, doctors, and others.”

Each hero had their story highlighted during a recognition ceremony and displayed throughout the Governor’s Residence. To read each of the 2024 Florida heroes’ stories click here.