FHCA Honors Top Nurses in Florida as Recipients of 2025 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards

Bonita Springs, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today honored the top long term care nurses in the state of Florida during the Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Award Ceremony at its annual Nurse Leadership Program in Bonita Springs, Florida. The award ceremony recognizes nurses and nursing assistants in Florida who embody FHCA’s mission to provide the highest quality of care to long term care residents across the state.
 
 “Each of our 2025 award winners demonstrates a commitment to long term care nursing that exemplifies why Florida is the gold standard when it comes to high-quality care,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “We are delighted to honor these outstanding caregivers for their leadership in quality outcomes, mentorship of fellow nurses and compassion for the residents entrusted to their care.”
 
Jody Wakelee, Director of Nursing at Okeechobee Health Care Facility, was named the 2025 Nurse Administrator of the Year. Wakelee began her career at Okeechobee Health Care Facility 27 years ago, starting as an LPN and floor nurse. After returning to school to earn her nursing degree, Wakelee was promoted to the center’s Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). In the ADON role, Wakelee was an active member of the center’s interdisciplinary team, auditing charts and reviewing care plans while also mentoring team members to support resident care and improved outcomes. Upon being promoted to Director of Nursing, Wakelee has led the center in improving several quality measures, strengthening recruitment and reducing staff turnover.
 
Shana Myer, Registered Nurse at Aspire at Ridge Haven in New Port Richey, was named the 2025 Registered Nurse of the Year. Myer began her long term care career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Med-Tech, a foundation that helped shape her deep understanding of the essential role that nurses play in residents’ lives. Myer is actively involved in mentoring new staff, assisting with frontline and administrative duties, coordinating resident care planning with the full interdisciplinary team and making meaningful connections with residents and their families. She is an essential member of the center’s emergency response team and demonstrated resilience during Hurricane Milton, which involved a more than two-week resident and staff evacuation.
 
Jazzmyne Davis, LPN at Hillside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Zephyrhills, was named the 2025 Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year. Davis is known for being a champion of quality at Hillside and has made significant contributions toward the center’s reduction of falls and rehospitalization rates, while also enhancing individualized dementia care practices. Davis is a strong advocate for residents and their families and is a compassionate presence when it comes to residents’ complex medical needs and end-of-life care. Davis brings a resident-first mindset and important clinical insight, and is a valued member of the center’s nursing team.
 
Gloria Bellamy, Certified Nursing Assistant at Community Convalescent Center in Plant City, was named the 2025 Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year. Bellamy has worked at Community Convalescent Center for over 52 years. Her career began at the age of 17, first as a housekeeper before stepping into a frontline caregiver role and earning her CNA license. Bellamy is known as a pillar of the community and is described by the residents as hard-working, caring, an incredible patient advocate and family member to many who may be without. Bellamy uses her historical knowledge to mentor new CNAs, providing coaching and support to help them be successful in their roles.
 
Amanda Justice, Assistant Director of Nursing at Crestview Rehabilitation Center, was named the 2025 Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing. Justice began her role as a cart nurse, and through hard work, determination and a passion for excellence, she steadily advanced into the role of Assistant Director of Nursing/Unit Manager. Justice demonstrates resilience during crises, most recently showing her strength in leadership during a hurricane evacuation and the panhandle’s snow event. She has implemented several evidence-based practices that have led to improved resident outcomes and developed comprehensive trainings for newly hired staff. Justice is a graduate of FHCA’s Executive Nurse Leadership Academy, which gave her further insights into leadership development and quality improvement initiatives.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org