City of Tavares Wins National APWA Management Innovation Award

On August 18, 2025, the City of Tavares was honored with the prestigious 2025 Management Innovation National Award by America's Public Works Association. The accolade was bestowed upon James Dillon, Director of Public Works, for their exceptional vision and dedication in establishing the Public Works Transportation Training and Innovation Center (PWTTIC), a pioneering facility that has set new standards in public works training and innovation.

The PWTTIC has been the fruit of five years of meticulous planning and collaboration among local, state, and federal officials, educators, and business leaders. This groundbreaking center is designed to serve as a vital training hub for professionals in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) fields, specializing in automotive, diesel, and emergency vehicle technologies.

In partnership with Lake Technical College, the PWTTIC is committed to enhancing the skills of students and promoting safety within the community. Lake Technical College plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing top-notch educational resources and expertise. With the capacity to support 172 students annually, the center offers transformative job shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities, addressing pressing transportation workforce shortages in the Central Florida region. This collaborative effort aims to meet the urgent demand for ASE and EVT-certified automotive and diesel technicians.

Congratulations to our dedicated Public Works team!