2020 Bryant True Heroes Winner

Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to announce Trina Middleton as the winner of the 2020 Bryant True Heroes award. Jacksonville Beach, FL resident Trina Middleton was honored with the 2020 Bryant True Heroes Award on Friday, September 11. This was a special on presentation outside of the Jacksonville School for Autism. Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. General Manager Amy O’Grady made the presentation.

In partnership with Bryant Heating & Cooling & Johnstone Supply, Charlie’s Tropic Heating & AC will be installing a brand-new HVAC system free of charge. As the first Bryant authorized dealer in the Atlantic Beach area, the team at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & AC is pleased to install a new Bryant HVAC Unit for someone so deserving within the local community.

Mrs. Middleton was honored to accept the title as our 2020 Bryant True Hero. She is the Third Local Jacksonville, FL Award Winner for the Honor of Bryant True Hero. “This project has always been a unique way to extend our appreciation and support to a Jacksonville Family dedicating their time to the community. This year the presentation became the most unique aspect of the process.” Said Amy O’Grady, General Contractor for Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. Trina Middleton was awarded following the current social distancing rules outside of the Jacksonville School for Autism. While she could not be among her peers or part of an on field presentation with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp; the Award Ceremony still held its significance and will be a moment to remember during such an unprecedented year. Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning was willing to do whatever it takes in the community to recognize this local Hero.

Trina’s Story

Trina is the Education Director at Jacksonville School for Autism who has dedicated her life working with children with special needs. She has worked so hard to facilitate the ability for students to receive remote learning during Covid-19. Trina is also the mother of 2 grown children and now 3 adopted siblings under the age of 5. She simply goes above and beyond in every way, every day.

She may not be on the front lines with Covid as a nurse but she has lived on the front lines of Autism for over 20 years, impacting the lives of her students and families. She is a True Hero every day! “Trina is simply a gifted individual with children and it takes a special person to connect with children with developmental disabilities. She has not only touched my life and my precious child’s life, but so many other families and children who have been blessed by her love and commitment.” Said Michelle Dunham, Executive Director Jacksonville School for Autism.

Bryant True Heroes Award

The Bryant True Hero Award is a way to thank people who go out if their way to help others and positively impact their communities. Not often recognized for their efforts, Bryant True Heroes are real people who are making a difference in their communities every day without stopping for a moment to receive recognition for their actions. “ Upon meeting Trina Middleton it was evident that she was unaware of how much impact she had on her peers and community. She was not expecting the award thanks to all the planning to keep it a surprise even in the midst of stricter requirements. While most of her expression was hidden behind a mask as she entered the outdoor courtyard you could tell in from the gratefulness in her eyes she was just as generous as she was described.” Said Amy O’Grady with Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning.

“Here at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, we realize the importance of an Educator like Trina Middleton. As a Trades based company, we depend on Educators to develop a variety of talents in students. Not just traditional tactics but also a hands-on approach to help the next generation of trades workers prosper.” said Charlie Marks, owner of Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. “It takes a true hero to do something that so greatly impacts the lives of others while living through a challenge pandemic at the same time. Trina’s ability to adapt her teaching around the needs of her students is a gift that will set her students up for success in the years to come. We are thankful for the impact Trina has made on the students in our community.”

We know that Trina is setting a foundation of success for her students and those she influences around her. The Jacksonville Community sees her as an impactful Educator for the Autist in Jacksonville and we are privileged to know her as our True Hero.

To learn more about the Bryant True Heroes Program, visit www.bryant.com/trueheroes.