Person of Vision Announcements

Preserve Vision Florida (PVF), the state’s premier nonprofit committed to vision screenings and eye health education, has selected Darryl Shaw as the recipient of its 2027 Person of Vision Award.

The award will be presented to Mr. Shaw, the 60th honoree, at the Person of Vision Award Dinner, Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, when PVF will also celebrate its 70th anniversary. A reception at 6 p.m. will be followed by dinner, toasts, and the award presentation starting at 7 p.m.

A driving force behind the Ybor City historic district revitalization, Shaw perfectly embodies the values and impact the Person of Vision Award was created to recognize. “When considering who we might honor at this signature event, Darryl’s name was top of mind, given the vision he has created for Ybor City and the considerable work done, underway and forthcoming to fulfill that vision,” said PVF Board Chair Kevin Bakewell.

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You can support the mission and work of Preserve Vision Florida by participating in our Person of Vision Award Dinner, scheduled for February 3, 2027, when we will honor Darryl Shaw as our 2027 Person of Vision and celebrate our 70th anniversary.

Sponsorships from $10,000 to $35,000 may be reserved through our President and CEO, Joanne Lighter. Email her or call her at 813-874-2020. Please call or email if you require an invoice and/or a W-9 form.

Online reservations are now open.

If you prefer to register by mail and pay by check, download a printable form here.

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Preserve Vision Florida honored Dr. John L. Smith, Jr. and Dr. Juel Shannon Smith at our 46th Annual Person of Vision Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The Award honors Persons of Vision who have had a profound impact through true community leadership and vision. The scope of accomplishments of our Honorees, first awarded in 1979, tells an amazing and compelling story about their impact on Tampa Bay, the state of Florida and far beyond.

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A Gala Reception & Dinner was held February 5, 2024 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St, Tampa, FL 33610. Reception at 6 p.m. Dinner and awards at 7 p.m.  Preserve Vision Florida has selected Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams, above, as its 2024 Persons of Vision in recognition of their visionary leadership in Tampa Bay’s history and its future. The 45th Annual Person of Vision Award Gala was Monday, February 5 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa. Richard Gonzmart and daughter Andrea Gonzmart Williams are the fourth- and fifth-generation caretakers of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, a…

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