Congratulations to 2026 Strong Leader Awardees: Marsha Passmore and Tim Lovett

Last week, the Plant City community gathered to honor two lifelong residents who have demonstrated a continuous commitment to making a positive impact on their community.

The Plant City Family YMCA honored community members Marsha Passmore and Tim Lovett for their annual Strong Leaders Award ceremony. Presented by Unity in the Community and the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Strong Leaders Award honors community leaders who exemplify the Y’s commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 

As members of the Plant City Family YMCA’s advisory board, Marsha and Tim lead by example. 

In her decades of service to the Plant City community, Marsha has held volunteer and leadership roles in various civic and service groups. In addition to the Plant City Family YMCA, Marsha has made an impact through her work with the United Food Bank, the Florida Strawberry Festival and Unity in the Community, a nonprofit organization that serves families in need throughout Plant City. 

As a retired sergeant with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Lovett’s work in the Plant City community extends far beyond his professional career. Lovett remains deeply involved, serving on the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Strawberry Festival and helping young people develop confidence and character as a mentor in the Plant City Youth Basketball League. 

Friends, family and colleagues took the stage to speak on Lovett and Passmore’s achievement, sharing stories of decades-long commitment to small moments of kindness that made a lifelong impact. After accepting his award, Lovett left the audience with a call to action: “You don’t need a title to serve. You don’t need an award to make a difference.”