Fort Wayne was named an All-America City for the third time Friday night at the 60th annual All-America City awards in Tampa, Fla.

“We were called first,” PIO of City Utilities/Public Works Frank Suarez said, “so it took a lot of the pressure and suspense off.”

The win puts Fort Wayne in the All-America City Hall of Fame; that designation comes with being selected as an All-America City at least three times.

Fort Wayne was one of 10 cities chosen. It competed against more than 30 different cities around the United States. A delegation from each city had to give a 10-minute presentation on why they should be selected for the award, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer segment.

Fort Wayne's presentation was acknowledged for assisting refugees and aiding them to success, helping children through the Great Kids Make Great Communities program, and for efforts to make the community a better place through the trail system.

“We are very excited to be named an All-America City,” said Rachel Blakeman, a public information officer with the city.

“The team worked very hard, not just the team members in Tampa, but the whole community here in Fort Wayne made this happen.”