Unicorn Jogger, Face Masks, Meal Help: FL Local Heroes In 2020

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The year 2020 showed us that heroes are everyday people that we must not take for granted. From grocery store workers to doctors, there are people who continue to be frontline workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In partnership with Ring, Patch received local hero nominations from all over Florida in 2020, and we put together a list of the top 20 that went above and beyond for their communities.

Local Hero: Student Starts Project To Help Feed Foster Families

Clearwater student Samantha Kopec was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Be More Fund by the National Society of High School Scholars for her world betterment project. Kopec's project, Feeding the Fosters, helps foster parents feed their families.

Local Hero: Sheriff's Employees Makes More Than 800 Face Masks

In her spare time, Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy Sherie Nichols sewed more than 800 face masks for co-workers, family and friends, first responders and health care workers in her community. "If my masks help prevent someone from getting COVID-19, I'll keep making them," said Nichols.

Yes, Unicorns Do Exist During FL Coronavirus Pandemic

Corey Jurgensen got fresh air and exercise during the statewide stay-at-home order by jogging through her neighborhood wearing a 7-foot-tall inflatable unicorn costume as comic relief for neighbors. "I felt people really need an escape, even if it's for a few moments," said Jurgensen. "I think it's more fun for me doing it. It's just a bonus that everyone else likes it, too."

After Combating The Coronavirus, Home Health Aide Helps Seniors

A Clearwater senior citizen was honored by her employer for stepping up to help fellow seniors weather the coronavirus pandemic. Seniors Helping Seniors, an in-home care services franchise helps seniors maintain their independence while brightening their lives by pairing them with fellow seniors, such as Rhonda Nevers, a home health aide in Clearwater. "Rhonda's caring heart and determination didn't just impress us, it inspired us."

More Local Heroes:

• Woman Delivers More Than 10,000 Meals In Coronavirus Pandemic
• Serving Veterans In The Tampa Bay Community: St. Pete Hero
• 9/11 First Responders Share Thoughts 19 Years Later: Local Heroes
• 74-Year-Old Woman's Dedication During Coronavirus: Dover Hero
• Local Hero: Bon Appetit Chef Reacts Quickly To Save Woman's Life
• Meals On Wheels Volunteer: St. Pete Hero
• Local Hero Goes Beyond Call Of Duty As Pasco Bus Driver
• Tampa Couple Honored For 30-Year Commitment To Boy Scouts
• Volunteer Donates Mask Proceeds To Hospital: Lakeland Hero
• Detention Deputies Bring Cheer To 2 Hillsborough Families In Need
• Local Heroes: Pasco Volunteers Collect 40,000 Pounds Of Trash
• Local Hero: Pasco Honors Veteran Jim Rickes On 100th Birthday
• Dunedin Awards Students For Essays On Inspirational People
• Commitment To Families And Sick Children: St. Pete Hero
• Charity Brings Comfort To Children Undergoing Medical Treatment
• Fast Learning Mask Sewer: Lakeland Hero

Thank you for all you do, Local Heroes!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Florida here.