Miami, FL — [September 30th, 2025] —The CLEO Institute, Florida’s only nonprofit exclusively dedicated to climate science education, advocacy, and engagement, announced today that NBC6/WTVJ’s First Alert team, along with Telemundo 51’s team of meteorologists, and Hurricane Specialist, John Morales, will be honored with the 2025 Dr. F. Lynn Leverett ‘Circle of Change’ Award, the organization’s highest recognition for courageous, values-driven climate leadership.

The award will be presented at CLEO’s 15th Anniversary Celebration — 15 & Fearless on October 30, 2025, at the W South Beach in Miami, where leaders across government, business, academia, philanthropy, and community will gather to celebrate 15 years of climate leadership and chart the road ahead.

Named in honor of Dr. F. Lynn Leverett, CLEO’s founding board president and a tireless advocate for science, the Circle of Change Award recognizes individuals and institutions who model integrity, clarity, and fearless public service in advancing climate literacy and resilience.

“At a time when climate coverage faces unprecedented political pressure and censorship, John and the duopoly team of NBC6 and Telemundo 51 continue to lead with science-driven facts and courage,” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, CEO of The CLEO Institute. “They inform without distortion, educate without sensationalism, and stand firm in the belief that the public deserves truth—especially when that truth is about their safety and their future”.

John Morales, a trusted voice in South Florida for decades, has been widely recognized for calm crisis communication, principled science storytelling, and steadfast leadership in meteorology. The team of meteorologists from NBC6 and Telemundo 51 has consistently demonstrated civic responsibility by platforming accurate, community-centered climate journalism.

“This award is both a recognition and a rallying call,” added Arditi-Rocha. “It sends a clear message: climate courage matters, and local journalism remains a pillar of resilience and democracy in a time of rising tides and rising misinformation.”

The CLEO Institute’s 15 & Fearless Anniversary Celebration will also feature keynote remarks, recognition of CLEO’s Leadership Circle inductees, and community voices shaping the future of climate solutions.

For sponsorships, tickets, or media inquiries, please contact TK Owens at TKOwens@cleoinstitute.org or visit https://cleoinstitute.org/fifteen-fearless/.