TAMPA, Fla. — As Manatee County continues to see an increase in the Hispanic population, it has made a goal to ensure its government facilities reflect the population, with more than 200 Hispanic employees.

What You Need To Know

  • Manatee County is seeing an increase in its Hispanic community and working to create an environment that’s reflecting its community
  • The county currently has more than 200 Hispanic employees
  • Debbie DeLeon has been working for the county for several years
  • DeLeon works to ensure the Hispanic community feels welcome, while helping wherever she’s needed

If passion creates purpose, Debbie DeLeon has the perfect job.

She’s been working for Manatee County for more than 30 years, and is now the Neighborhood Connections Division Manager.

It’s clear how much she loves her community.

“I’ve been in there to assist actually a whole family, the grandmother and the son to help with the county program for the hospital,“ she said.

She has memories across Manatee County of all the people she’s helped over the years. It’s her connection to the Hispanic community that DeLeon says she treasures the most.

“I really have always felt that the type of work that I do and in the Latino community is work that matters, and even if it might be something simple for me to do for them where they are comfortable in their environment, it’s huge for them,” she said.

DeLeon does more than build connections — she has built friendships with many, while helping translate whenever and wherever she is needed. 

“I always say you have to have a Spanish brain or a Latino brain because you have to be able to understand what the document is saying and make sure the translation is accurate,” she explained.

DeLeon says she likes to stay away from the limelight, but her dedication to her Latino community has earned her a lot of recognition.

“I was honored by receiving this from the Latino community network, so it’s very special to me,” she revealed.

Creating a place where everyone feels comfortable is what keeps DeLeon motivated.

“I know what it feels like to be in a country where your parents don’t understand the language, and it’s always helpful when someone that speaks Spanish that understands your issues is there to provide assistance,” she says.

Manatee County is more than a just home to DeLeon — it’s a place where she makes others feel at home, too. 

The county is also making sure its Spanish-speaking community is heard at all meetings, by ensuring someone who speaks Spanish can attend to any questions they may have.