Dr. Joseph Costa, a Jacksonville doctor and Professor for the University of Florida Health in Jacksonville, FL, was announced as the 2023 Bryant True Hero Award Winner at the Jacksonville Icemen Hockey game on March 18, 2023. The award was presented by Amy O’Grady with Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning as part of a Bryant Heating & Cooling program to honor people who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the Jacksonville, FL community. Amy was joined by Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air staff as well as Dr. Costa’s Family.
Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning will be partnering with Bryant Heating & Cooling to coordinate a charitable gift of an HVAC System. Dr. Costa was honored to accept the title of 2023 Bryant True Hero. “As a father I am honored that my son recognized my achievements and took the time to nominate me,” said Dr. Costa.
“Finding and surprising our Local Hero is one of my favorite projects I get the pleasure of leading each year,” said Amy O’Grady, General Manager for Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. “There are several encouraging stories we receive and to honor just one calls for a celebration. These Heroes are used to serving but we turn the tables and get to spotlight them.”
Dr. Costa was awarded in an on-Ice ceremony with the Jacksonville Icemen before the start of the Saturday Night Game. Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning was willing to do whatever it takes in the community to recognize this local Hero. Following the Ceremony Dr. Costa was given the Honor of dropping the First Puck of the game.
Dr. Joseph Costa’s Story
Dr. Costa is an internationally renowned reconstructive urologist, specially trained in treating patients with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. Dr. Costa has been working in the Hospital at Shands for over 20 years. He has always put others first, which led him to his profession as a Urologist. He has operated on thousands of people in Jacksonville over the years and instructed others how to lead and be the best they can be. He has done great work in the IVU (International Volunteers for Urology), traveling to countries in need. Dr. Costa has been to Hatti over ten times to teach surgeons there to perform the more complicated surgeries.
“It takes a true hero to do something that so greatly impacts the lives of others,” Amy concluded. “We are thankful for the impact Dr. Costa has had on so many communities. He is a True Hero every day to those he helps and teaches!”
“Here at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, we realize the importance of taking our trade skills and using them beyond just our day-to-day work,” said Charlie Marks, owner of Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. “We have skills that are often needed by those who are less fortunate, not to mention teaching the trades to the next generation. It takes a true hero to balance both career and passion to continue to serve and teach in the community. We are thankful for the impact Dr. Costa is making right here in our own community. He was not looking for recognition but saw a need in the community and found a way to fill it.”
About the Bryant Heating & Cooling 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.
To learn more about the Bryant True Heroes Program, contact your local CE representative.
Contact Charlie Marks and Amy O’Grady of Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning by calling 904.685.8937.
