The City of St. Augustine is set to honor Pastor Laverne March with the prestigious Order of La Florida Award, to be presented at a ceremony on September 23 at The Alcazar Room of City Hall. According to the City of St. Augustine, the award acknowledges March's unyielding dedication to improving the lives of the community's citizens through her tireless service and leadership in various social justice and collaborative initiatives.
As mentioned by the City of St. Augustine announcement, City Commissioner Cynthia Garris nominated Pastor March for her commitment to the city and its heritage, a legacy marked by her unselfish devotion of time and talents, which aligns with the award's criteria which has been established since 1975 – it seeks to honor individuals over 55 who have devoted a significant portion of their lives to the welfare and betterment of the community. March, previously engaged in logistics engineering, felt a calling to continue God's work, leading her to become the Senior Pastor at Living Waters Ministries and engaging in long-term social justice efforts.
Pastor March's impact is seen through groups like "Pride in the West Side," which she organized to help revitalize West Augustine by working with local residents to fix and improve homes. This effort brings not just a visual improvement but also hope, dignity, and healing. Her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Saint Leo University and her mentoring roles at local schools further show her dedication to community growth. She is involved in mentoring at St. Augustine Technical High School and teaching at Flagler College, aiming to inspire the next generation, as stated by the City of St. Augustine.
As a respected figure in City of St. Augustine, Pastor March's influence extends beyond her pastoral work. She has played a key role in "Building Bridges," a local government group that promotes cross-cultural collaboration. Despite her numerous accolades, Pastor March humbly attributes her achievements to a divine calling, always prioritizing her faith and service to others. Her dedication is recognized by the Order of La Florida Award, given to a maximum of ten living recipients at any time, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the St. Augustine community.
