At the 2025 Flagler Awards, the team received the Henry Award, the highest honor in each category, presented by VISIT FLORIDA. Our campaign, FLORIDA WILD, won the Henry Award for Rural Marketing.

We’re thrilled to be recognized for our new branding effort, Florida Wild. It captures the rugged, resilient spirit of DeSoto County – where life still moves close to the land along the Peace River.

We’re not a theme park or a beach; we’re the wild heart of Florida.

Sondra Guffey

Economic Development Director, DeSoto County

The 2025
Flagler Awards

The Florida Wild campaign showcases DeSoto County’s unique natural assets, from its scenic rivers and wildlife to its authentic small-town charm.

Through a blend of strategic branding, compelling storytelling, and immersive visuals, the campaign invited visitors to experience the wild, untamed beauty of DeSoto County—encouraging eco-tourism and sustainable travel. The campaign’s success was marked by increased visitor engagement, positive media coverage, and a renewed sense of pride within the local community.

Winning the Flagler Award is a testament to the power of collaboration and creative vision in elevating lesser-known destinations and supporting local economies. The 2025 competition received a record-breaking 300+ entries, making us even more humbled by this honor. We are proud to have played a role in this achievement and look forward to continuing our work in helping communities across the country tell their stories and attract new visitors.