The 12th Annual Lobbyists Awards went down Thursday night at the Governors Club, with a slightly lighter attendance than normal, organizers said.
With property taxes and the cable bill negotiations pre-occupying many of the lobbying community, about 70 public and private sector lobbyists made it over to the dinner, auction and casino night that raises funds to pay for college internships in the Capitol. The party normally draws close to 100 attendees.
Here were the award winners:

Best New Lobbyist (Five years or less)
Male: Sebastian Aleksander, whose clients include AT&T Florida.
Female: Cameron Lee Ulrich, with the Florida United Business Association.

Outstanding Achievement, Public/Non-Profit Sectors
Male: John M. Sebree, Florida Association of Realtors
Female: Rebecca J. De La Rosa, Florida Housing Finance Corp.

Outstanding Achievement, Private Sector
Male: Paul P. Sanford, with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
Female: Candice D. Ericks, whose clients include BellSouth/a.k.a. AT&T

The Kevlar Vest Award given to the lobbyist who has taken the most heat, went to insurance lobbyist extraordinaire Mark K. Delegal.
"Can you imagine being the guy who gets up to testify after the governor testifies against you?" organizer Jeff Sharkey said.
Runners-up included Association of Counties lobbyist Palmer Mason, who declared himself the most unpopular man in the Capitol during the heights of the House property tax hearings a few weeks ago.

And finally, the coveted Lobbyist of the Year Award went to none other than Michael R. Hightower, with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.