Two St. Augustine residents have received awards for their historic preservation efforts.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation honored Gordon Wilson and Paul Weaver with its 2026 Florida Preservation Awards.
Wilson received the President’s Award and Weaver the Individual Distinguished Service Award for excellence in historic preservation, lifelong achievements and distinguished service,
The awards celebrated excellence in safeguarding the state’s historical and cultural resources, with winners selected by a jury of preservationists from across Florida.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to every individual and organization involved,” Ennis Davis, president of the Florida Trust, said in a news release. “It’s through those dedicated efforts that Florida’s rich history and heritage will endure for generations.”
The Presidential Award
Recently retired from a nearly 50-year career with the National Park Service, Wilson began his career as a park ranger in America’s oldest city 1978. He returned in 1992 to serve as the superintendent of the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments, two of the oldest historical entities in the United States.
In an earlier interview with the St. Augustine Record, Wilson described his tenure as one that “interacted with many key players involved in the preservation of key historical structures of St. Augustine.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of understanding and working with what drives the local economy while recognizing the importance of its history and culture.”
As a park ranger in St. Augustine, Wilson interfaced with visitors while planning activities and directing preservation projects that included stabilizing the Castillo’s terreplein, preserving the fort’s historic cannons, and the fort’s ongoing seawall protection project.
Wilson’s work also included the development and planning of historical celebrations, including the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus landing in North America and two royal visits (2001 and 2015), events described as “big deals” because of the international spotlight placed on St. Augustine.
Wilson’s work also included collaborating with the University of Florida, the Florida National Guard, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and local organizations to ensure that preservation projects maintained their historical and cultural integrity.
The Individual Distinguished Service Award
Weaver dedicated nearly five decades to historic preservation in St. Augustine and throughout Florida.
According to a news release issued by the city, Weaver co-authored Florida’s first comprehensive area study, which evaluated historic districts with historical and architectural analysis. His company, Historic Property Associates Inc., a professional preservation consulting firm, provided clients with historical research, documentation and planning.
Weaver also prepared numerous National Register of Historic Places nominations, securing designations and protection for many of St. Augustine’s most significant historic districts, landmarks and cultural sites.
He also served on the city’s Historic Architectural Review Board.
“Through scholarship, leadership and lifelong dedication, Paul Weaver has played a pivotal role in documenting, protecting, and promoting Florida’s irreplaceable historic heritage,” the news release said.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine residents honored for historic preservation
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record | USA TODAY Network
