The Historical Society of Sarasota County recently awarded John McCarthy with its Hero of History award for his personal passion for history and for his long career in county government. McCarthy served as Sarasota County’s second official historian (beginning at the age of 19) and went on to have a 32-year career with the county, where he was best known for his work as general manager of Parks and Recreation. McCarthy joined the Historical Society board in 1982 and subsequently served three terms as president. McCarthy is also a regular contributor to our sister publication, Sarasota Magazine. In a recent feature, he wrote about exploring Phillippi Creek.