State employees awarded

Tallahassee, Florida -- State workers who went above and beyond the call of duty were awarded for their service during a luncheon in Tallahassee Friday.

More than 500 state employees received merits for their service at the 21st Annual Davis Productivity Awards. Accordingly to event coordinators, the group collectively saved more than 300 million taxpayer dollars.

The program is sponsored by the fiscally conservative watchdog, Florida TaxWatch.

Award recipients get cash prizes, plaques and certificates.

"It's more than just a thank you, they're also gonna get a check and that's something that particularly in these tough budget times, when we're not able to give raises to our hard working state employees, at least we're able to say thank you for those who have gone above and beyond the call to save the state money," said Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottcamp, Chair of the Davis Productivity Awards.

Regional award ceremonies will be held at different locations across the state. Tampa's will be held next Wednesday.

Click here to see a list of Tampa area recipients. (PDF)