On Friday, October 6, Mr. Glenn Burns of Montverde was presented the Garry Balogh Inspiring Excellence Award; the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Department of Transportation, Scenic Highways Program. The award recognizes leadership, innovation, stewardship, and achievements that have made a significant and lasting impact on a scenic highway, scenic highway community, or the statewide program.
Mr. Burns, a local leader and 17-year advocate for the Green Mountain Scenic Highway, accepted the award at the Oakland Nature Preserve; celebrating there with thirty close friends and family. The award was established in 2015 to honor Garry Balogh, a popular Department of Transportation employee responsible for the designation and successful implementation of many Florida Scenic Highways, including Green Mountain. Mr. Burns served the Green Mountain Scenic Byway as community liaison, administrator and grant writer, but also spent countless hours representing the byway at public meetings and special events. His deep institutional knowledge helped guide new board members, and he is described by many as Green Mountain’s greatest champion.
Garry Balogh and Glenn Burns actually worked together closely for many years. According to Green Mountain Chairman Greg Gensheimer, “Like Garry, Glenn has lead from behind the scenes. There’s no rah-rah speeches, no war cries, no rallying of the troops. When the rest of us got to where we were going, Glenn and Garry were there and we understood the effect of their efforts.” Mike Dew, Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation, offered his congratulations to Mr. Burns, and noted, “Glenn’s contributions to the Green Mountain Scenic Byway are significant and lasting.”
See the accompanying video of the presentation of the award and award dinner hosted by Green Mountain Scenic Byway at the Oakland Nature preserve. The award was a surprise to Glenn, who did not now this was going to be an event about him.
