Employee Recognition

The City of Zephyrhills values the hard work and dedication of every employee and continues to develop our ZStar Employee Recognition program. The purpose of the ZStar program is to provide a process for nominating and selecting employees who exemplify our core values and have made significant contributions to the mission of the City. 

City employees are the backbone of our community. They work tirelessly every day to keep our City working smoothly, from maintaining our roads and parks to ensuring that our utilities are functioning properly. While their work may often go unnoticed or unappreciated, it is important to take a moment to recognize their contributions and express gratitude for their efforts. 

One way to show appreciation for City employees is to simply say thank you when you encounter them in your day-to-day life. Whether it is a sanitation worker collecting your trash or a police officer keeping your neighborhood safe, a kind word and a smile can go a long way in brightening their day and showing their work is valued. Another powerful way to show appreciation is by filling out our ZStar Employee Recognition form to recognize them. 

Recognitions can be submitted directly to Human Resources via this online ZStar form. 

Or, you may also complete this fillable PDF, and email to zstar@ci.zephyrhills.fl.us or drop off at Zephyrhills City Hall (5335 8th Street).

These forms may be submitted by employees and citizens; self-nominations are not permitted. 

Employee Recognition:

• Bobby Black – Customer Service
  Acknowledged for providing prompt and effective customer service by quickly addressing reported damage and ensuring repairs were made in a timely manner. His efforts were personally recognized by a grateful customer.
• Denise Finch – Customer Service
  Commended for her swift response to a service issue, ensuring damage was addressed and resolved efficiently. Her professionalism and responsiveness earned praise from a satisfied customer.

Winners of the 2025 Annual City of Zephyrhills Employee Chili Cook-Off!

• 1st Place: Eric Martin (Chili: "Find The Toenail....")
• 2nd Place: Eric Young (Chili: "Knightmare")
• 3rd Place: John Bostic (Chili: "Chompy")

We’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s City Staff Annual Chili Cook-Off! 

A huge congratulations to our top chili chefs Eric Martin, Eric Young, and John Bostic, respectively. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether you cooked up a batch of your best chili, brought a tasty side, or just came out to enjoy the flavors and cast your vote. Your enthusiasm and culinary talents made this event a huge success!

We can’t wait to see (and taste!) what you bring to the table next year!