City of Clearwater public utilities staffers win awards

CLEARWATER – The Florida Water Environment Association has recognized staff of the city of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department with two awards.

The association helps to unite Florida’s clean water professionals responsible for protecting the environment through education programs, professional development and promotion of sound public policy.

The Integrated Water Resources Award was given to Tracy Mercer, public utilities director.

A team of staffers received an award given in recognition of Samuel R. Willis, who risked his life to save another human being and in the process, sustained personal injury in November 1976. The Clearwater utilities team assisted a coworker from impending drowning and sure death at a wastewater treatment plant.