Education

Pinellas schools earn top family-friendly workplace award

By Palm Harbor-Dunedin Beacon staff · November 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Large white building with a curved red metal roof and tall palm trees under a blue sky. — The gymnasium at Palm Harbor University High School, part of the Pinellas County Schools district recognized for its family-friendly workplace policies. JGHowes, photographer (Attribution) via Wikimedia Commons

Pinellas County Schools, the district serving Palm Harbor and Dunedin schools, received a Platinum Legacy Family Friendly Business Award at the Thrive By Five ceremony Oct. 28 in Tampa.

The district said the Legacy designation marks the third time it has received the honor, according to the district's newsroom. The Platinum level, labeled "Distinguished Leader," is the program's top tier. Thrive by Five presented the Platinum Legacy designation for the first time this year to eight organizations that have maintained that commitment over multiple years.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick and Early Childhood Education Director Jennifer Mekler accepted the award on behalf of the district. Pinellas County Schools was one of eight employers to earn the Legacy recognition.

The regional program will expand statewide in 2027 as Business Champions for Florida Families. Applications for the next cycle will open in early 2027.

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Megan O'Neill

Editor

Megan published her first poem in the Sun Sentinel at the age of 11 and has been locked in ever since. She attended UF and FIU and has a degree in Communication Arts. Her professional background includes photography, editing, writing, translation, and graphic design. Megan enjoys learning language, art and vegan foods.