News Summary
The annual ’40 Under Forty’ awards gala in Central Florida celebrated 40 remarkable young professionals from Volusia and Flagler counties. Abbie Teague, vice president at Brown & Brown, received the prestigious title of Young Professional of the Year for her significant contributions to both her industry and community. The event honored not just professional achievements, but also the dedication of these individuals to community service and philanthropy, showcasing their impact across local initiatives.
Florida – Central Florida’s annual “40 Under Forty” awards gala took place on Tuesday evening in Daytona Beach, recognizing 40 outstanding young professionals from Volusia and Flagler counties for their extraordinary contributions to their professions and communities. Among the honorees, Abbie Teague, the vice president at Brown & Brown, was awarded the prestigious title of 2023 Young Professional of the Year.
The ceremony, hosted by a leading local media outlet and its digital marketing arm, celebrated achievements through reader nominations, elevating the profiles of the selected individuals for their professional success and community volunteer efforts. As part of the award, Teague received a $500 donation check that she can allocate to a charity of her choice, emphasizing the spirit of giving associated with the recognition.
Teague’s gratitude for the honor was palpable, as she expressed her sentiments following the award’s presentation. She is recognized not only for her accomplishments in the commercial insurance industry but also for her significant contributions to the local community. Teague serves as board chair for the Atlantic Center for the Arts, is actively involved in United Way’s Women United Volusia organization, and volunteers at her church, showcasing her commitment to community betterment.
A total of 40 young professionals were acknowledged during the gala for their achievements. Eight of these honorees received special awards from a panel of judges consisting of previous award winners. Kristina Circelli, who was honored as the Young Professional of the Year in the prior ceremony, presented Teague with her award, highlighting Teague’s exemplary leadership and dedication to community service.
The gala took place in Kenneth Grant Inzpiration’s new 7,000-square-foot Cultuvue exhibit space, located within the International Speedway Square shopping center, which provided a fitting backdrop for the event. Approximately 200 guests attended, enjoying a cocktail hour and tasting a variety of appetizers and desserts, all accompanied by live music from DJ Kid K. The evening’s discussions were framed by opening and closing remarks from a regional vice president, emphasizing the importance of local leadership.
The “40 Under Forty” program has been recognizing emerging leaders since 2006 and has played a vital role in honoring the achievements of young professionals in the region. The event not only highlights their personal career paths but also showcases their dedication to philanthropy and public service within the community.
A future edition of the local newspaper will feature a special section dedicated to the gala, including Q&A pieces with the award winners and photographs of the honorees, set to be released on March 26. This addition aims to further elevate the accomplishments of the young professionals and inspire others within the community.
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
