When I describe Tom Smith, the My Winter Park Neighbor of the Year 2024, to others I consistently say this: He's the nicest guy in Winter Park. I might add: And I am not prone to exaggeration.
It's as true a statement as I could ever make.
Tom, of course, is very well known. He's known by lots and lots of locals, having lived in the community for decades. A long popular member of the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour boat drivers, he's also one of the first Winter Park residents so many of our visitors meet. That's a definite positive for our community because you couldn't ask for a better ambassador. On and off the water, Tom is always eager to share insights on Winter Park and his experiences here.
The term influencer gets thrown around a lot these days. It seems everyone's an influencer or a public figure. Tom is that in the old-fashioned and best understanding of those terms as his kind and genuine interest in others sets a quiet but obvious example, surely inspires others to be likewise. He's the guy who volunteers his time, suggests how he can help and assist others, celebrates and cherishes his family. In addition to being My Winter Park Neighbor of the Year, he'd be a understandable perpetual nominee for 'Father of the Year'.
Yes, he works for the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. But he's also known for loving evenings with friends on his own boat, out showing off the watery views of Winter Park of which he is an enthusiastic fan.
It is to Winter Park's benefit each and every day to have Locals like Tom Smith out there representing us, helping to introduce our LUVly community to those who visit us. Tom Smith is a wonderful ambassador. He's also a truly wonderful neighbor.
About My Winter Park Neighbor of the Year
The My Winter Park Neighbor of the Year was born in 2020. As everyone was looking for answers and ways to persevere, I noticed many making a real impact were quietly doing so in the background. They didn't have titles which required they take action. They were speaking up and making a difference out of concern for others, their community.
I will tell you it is, of course, nice to receive accolades from others. But nothing compares to spotlighting wonderful, giving and thoughtful people who do what they do just because, never expecting to be celebrated for it. It is those people, I believe, who should be highlighted because these are the people who truly inspire those behaviors in so many others.
Thank you to the wonderful neigbhors out there. In Winter Park, in Orlando, in Florida and across the nation, around the world.
When you do good, when you do what's right, you may think no one is paying attention. I assure you they are. And the good you do has ripple effects far beyond where you even may believe possible.