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 November 2019
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 The next Commission meeting will be in Panama City Beach on Dec. 11-12.
 Tom Rahill with the Python Action Team’s 1,000th python.
On Nov. 4, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced and applauded the efforts of the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District to remove more than 3,600 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida’s Everglades System.
This month, FWC’s Python Action Team reached a major milestone of removing 1,000 Burmese pythons from the wild in Florida. The removal of these 1,000 snakes compliments the more than 2,600 pythons removed by the SFWMD’s Python Elimination Program.
On Aug. 7, Gov. DeSantis joined FWC and the SFWMD to announce new efforts to remove pythons from the greater Everglades. The Governor directed FWC and the District to increase collaboration on a number of initiatives, including training programs, research, education campaigns and incentives for veterans to remove pythons.
The SFWMD’s Python Elimination Program and FWC’s Python Action Team were created in 2017. Both programs were designed to further engage qualified individuals with python control efforts. In recent months, FWC has doubled its number of Action Team contractors, significantly increasing the number of pythons that have been removed.
The FWC Python Action Team’s 1000th python was captured by Tom Rahill and the Swamp Apes Team in the Chekika region of Everglades National Park. It measured 9 feet, 5 inches long and weighed 23 pounds. The Swamp Apes Team is a group dedicated to serving U.S. veterans through serving the wilderness.
"Removing thousands of snakes has certainly been a team effort! With the support of the Governor, we have been working with our partners with the South Florida Water Management District as well as the National Park Service to help us gain access to Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, both national treasures,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “We have also been fortunate to have U.S. heroes from veterans’ groups helping to lead the charge.”
Learn more about the FWC’s Python Action Team and the SFWMD’s Python Elimination Program.
 The FWC charged two suspects for poaching thousands of Florida’s native turtles from the wild and selling them illegally in Florida, with final destinations in international markets. These charges represent the state’s largest seizure of turtles in recent history.
“The illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems. We commend our law enforcement’s work to address the crisis of illegal wildlife trafficking,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton.
“Putting a stop to this criminal enterprise is a significant win for conservation,” said Col. Curtis Brown, head of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “Arresting people engaged in illegal wildlife trafficking supports our environment and legal businesses. It is especially positive and rewarding to be able to release many of the turtles back into the wild.”
The FWC launched an undercover investigation after receiving a tip in February 2018. Through surveillance and other investigative tactics, FWC investigators determined that a ring of well-organized wildlife traffickers was illegally catching and selling wild turtles to large-scale reptile dealers and illegal distributors, who shipped most of them overseas on the black market. Depending upon the species, the poached turtles sold wholesale for up to $300 each and retailed for as much as $10,000 each in Asia. Evidence indicated turtles sold within one month totaled an estimated $60,000. The sellers received mostly cash, occasionally trading turtles for marijuana products.
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If you regularly use a trailer in your work responsibilities for FWC, you are required to attend FWC Trailer Training. Find information on the upcoming FWC Trailer Training to be held in the Tallahassee area on Monday, November 18, 2019 and a registration link at NW Trailer Training.
Please note, it is recommended to bring water and snacks. Plus, bring the trailer you customarily use for work to the training – with handwritten supervisor’s approval.
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 The FWC Landowner Assistance Program has created a program that will recognize landowners who are actively managing and improving their property to benefit wildlife. The FWC developed the Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program to show appreciation for the important contributions to wildlife conservation made by private landowners.
Private landowners play a critical role in wildlife conservation by protecting and restoring rare habitats like the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, and managing farms, ranches, and forests that provide habitat to many species. While public land protects some species of wildlife, these lands form a fragmented landscape of habitat. Private lands provide critical corridors between publicly managed conservation lands.
FWC LAP biologists work with private landowners to help them manage wildlife and their habitats by providing management recommendations and helping find financial assistance for habitat work.
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Did you know State employees can obtain their W-2 forms online instead of receiving a paper W-2 through the mail?
Receiving your W-2 form online is much more secure than paper forms with personal information left in a mailbox. The online form can also be obtained much sooner, so you can file your tax return earlier.
We are encouraging those who have not registered through the Employees’ Information Center to do so to receive your W-2 online. This is the same site you receive your earning statements. You must register before January 3, 2020.
If you registered for an electronic W-2 in the past you do not need to re-enroll.
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 To reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spreading into Florida, the FWC issued Executive Order 19-41, which prohibits importing carcasses of deer, elk, moose, caribou and all other members of the deer family into Florida from anywhere. An exception to EO 19-41, which took effect Nov. 1, allows importing legally harvested white-tailed deer originating from Georgia or Alabama, provided the importation meets certain requirements. Learn more by reviewing the FAQs about the new carcass importation requirements.
CWD is a transmissible disease of the nervous system that is fatal to deer, elk, moose, caribou and other members of the deer family. It remains undetected in Florida since surveillance measures were initiated in 2002 but is currently found in 26 states. It was most recently detected in Mississippi and Tennessee. The transportation of infected deer, elk, moose and caribou carcasses is one of the known risks for introducing CWD to new areas.
As part of our ongoing CWD surveillance program, we ask anyone who sees a sick, abnormally thin deer or finds a deer dead from unknown causes to call the CWD hotline, 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282) and report the animal’s location.
The FWC is currently in the process of updating the 2012 Bear Management Plan and is inviting members of the public to provide feedback on the plan through Nov. 6. As part of this initiative, the FWC hosted two webinars on Oct. 26 and 29, which allowed members of the public to view a staff presentation and participate in a question and answer session with staff.
Staff will present Commissioners with a summary of significant updates to the plan and an overview of public input at the December Commission meeting in Panama City Beach. Once approved by the Commissioners, the FWC will begin using the plan to guide bear management for the next 10 years.
You can review the draft updates at MyFWC.com/Bear
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 Remington Colt Thompson shows off his 36 inch Reel Big red drum that landed him a custom fish mount courtesy of Mount This! Fish Company.
This summer was a fantastic time to catch some reel big fishing memories. A few top-notch Catch a Florida Memory anglers took home exciting prizes in the process, including custom fish mounts courtesy of Mount This! Fish Company.
Catch a Florida Memory encourages anglers to target a diverse range of species in Florida, reducing pressure on the most commonly sought-after catches. Successful anglers receive a prize pack including a T-shirt, certificate and tumbler, and the prizes get hotter from there. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques.
Want to get in on the action? Participate today by visiting CatchaFloridaMemory.com. See how you and other anglers are doing by following the Catch a Florida Memory Facebook page.
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 November is Manatee Awareness Month, and the FWC is reminding the public to slow down and look out for these large aquatic mammals. As cooler weather comes to the Sunshine State, manatees begin to migrate to warmer waters. During this time of year, many of Florida’s over 7,000 manatees will be on the move.
Warm-water habitats, like Florida’s springs, are critical to the survival of manatees during the winter because they can’t tolerate water temperatures lower than 68 degrees for extended periods of time. Remember, disturbing manatees at warm-water sites may cause them to leave those areas at a time when it is critical for them to remain there.
Boaters can make a big difference for manatees by following guidelines and obeying manatee protection zones marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones in your area and information about cold weather seasonal zone changes are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Rules/Data and Maps.”
Check out our guidelines for boaters and paddlers for more information about how to view manatees safely and respectfully.
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With the new annual statewide bag limit for deer taking effect this year, hunters may need some extra support. When assisting a stakeholder, please remind them the new annual statewide bag limit is five deer per hunter, of which no more than two may be antlerless. And antlerless deer (any deer, except a spotted fawn, without antlers or whose antlers are less than 5 inches in length) may still only be harvested: 1) during seasons when they are legal to take, such as during archery season; 2) on antlerless deer days and; 3) under permit i.e., antlerless deer permit issued on land in the wildlife management area system, Antlerless Deer Program Permit or Private Lands Deer Management Program Permit.
Antlerless deer harvested under Antlerless Deer Program and Private Lands Deer Management Program permits are excluded from annual statewide bag, daily bag and possession limits. Hunters who harvest deer under these permits still must comply with harvest reporting requirements.
If you have questions, please see the new hunting rules FAQs and information about harvest reporting requirements or contact Tony.Young@MyFWC.com.
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 Register now to participate in the FWC’s Feb. 7-9, 2020, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop near West Palm Beach.
The weekend workshop, hosted at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, is open to anyone 18 years of age or older interested in developing a variety of outdoor skills. The workshop features expert instructors and safe, hands-on opportunities to learn about fishing, archery, paddling, hunting, nature photography, outdoor survival, boating, birdwatching and more.
Learn more about the FWC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program and register for the Feb. 7-9 event by visiting MyFWC.com/BOW or calling 561-625-5122.
 As several FWC offices move into their new building, they are being closely watched by their new neighbors. Andy Wraithmell captured this red-shouldered hawk keeping an eye on all the goings-on at the FWC's newest office at the Russell Building, 1875 Orange Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301.
 The Suncoast Youth Conservation Center was highlighted on a recent episode of Louisianna Flats Master. SYCC's segment begins at about the 8:30 mark.
 MarineQuest 25
While the 25th anniversary of FWRI’s open house, MarineQuest, was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Nestor, which brought severe thunderstorms and high winds to the Tampa Bay area, School Daze went on without any issues and many schoolchildren were able to experience a day of fish and wildlife education and fun. There were some new editions this year, like the “Bat Bonanza” display that had visitors exploring a “cave” and examining real Florida bat specimens.
2019 MarineQuest SchoolDaze Flickr Page
   
 Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through email on the "Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact. When your coworkers receive kudos, help share the good news by contacting Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
Officer Courtney Baumgartner
Officer Courtney has been a pleasure to work with these past months. Despite the fact she was the one to sign our citations, she was quick to communicate and offer further explanation when I contacted her. Officer Courtney was very helpful and initiated quick follow up on a matter that concerned our vessels and I really appreciated her time and effort. I feel she went above and beyond what was required of her and I appreciated her assistance. I am a business owner and was grateful for her professionalism and communication.
Col. Curtis Brown and officers involved
After reading about the arrest of turtle poachers for black market sales, I think the officers all need to be recognized for their hard work. I know that patrolling for illegal hunting and fishing is a hard, full-time job for anybody but for officers to go above and beyond every day is a labor of love. Thank you for all you do to keep our waters and woodlands available for the law-abiding hunters and fishermen. Thank you and a job well done.
Jean-Marie Conner, HSC
What a pleasure it was speaking with Jean. She patiently answered many important questions I had concerning current hunting regulations within a few management areas that I’m going to be hunting on this year. The overall experience was similar to phoning an old, old friend and enjoying a very informative and delightful chat. I expressed to her how I thought our conversation was paramount in providing accurate information that not only keeps us on top of current rules and regulations but, more importantly, connects us with a very positive, interactive experience. Having people like Jean can only result in a continued, much needed trust from outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, who can easily form a friendly relationship with people such as her.
Kathryn Guindon and staff, SI
On behalf of the Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay program, we wanted to thank you so very much for providing us such a fantastic day of kayaking. For many, it was their first time in a kayak, and they came away with the realization that it is a recreational pursuit they were capable of doing! What a positive experience for all those who attended!! We appreciate your extra effort in accommodating our group and your interest in our athletes. Your support of our program is greatly welcomed.
Officers Chase Platt and Skylar Summers
On a Triple N Ranch gun hunt, a friend and I were being harassed by the neighboring private property owner. We filed a complaint with FWC via text and phone. Officers Summers and Platt responded and were very attentive to our complaint. Officer Summers followed my friend back to his stand to see its location. The next morning Officer Summers sat in the stand while Officer Platt lay in wait. When the private property owner saw Summers sitting in the stand, he again exited his truck and fired a couple shots to harass the so-called hunter. At that time Officer Platt made himself known and I believe a citation was issued for harassing a hunter. I have been hunting for over 45 years and thought this kind of boots-on-the-ground had faded away from FWC. These two officers displayed the highest degree of professionalism and did an outstanding job. I am glad to see boots-on-the-ground is not dead at FWC and would like to see more activity like this. Thank you for your service.
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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35 Years
Esther Gulley, SW Region
30 Years
Nancy Douglass, HSC
Mary Duncan, HSC
Elisa Lemley, HSC
Tim MacDonald, FWRI
Richard Paperno, FWRI
Brent Winner, FWRI
25 Years
Percy Griffin, LE
Ming Lee, LPO
20 Years
Lorrie Metzger, LE
Chris Paxton, FFM
Doris Swain, FFM
Laura West, FWRI (August)
10 Years
Jesse Alford, LE
Joshua Bembry, LE
Michael Bibeau, LE
Bernard Bresie, LE
Heidi Cogburn, LE
Luke Davenport, LE
Antonio Dominguez, LE
Ammon Fisher, LE
Michael Haney, LE
James Holcomb, LE
James Payne, LE
Jason Richards, LE
David Saltzman, FWRI
Timothy Shearer, LE
Scott Smith, LE
Glen Way, LE
Kelsea Wiernicki, LE
5 Years
Lorne Malo, HSC
Keyshar Morris, LE
Retired!
Nancy Douglass, FWRI – 30 years
Esther Gilley, OED – 35 Years
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(The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please notify the Inside Job by email.) |
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FWC employees have some of the most interesting jobs ever! Here are some of our employees doing what they do best. Send your photos of FWC employees in the office and in the field to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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 Avery Bristol (pictured) and Andy Wraithmell film snakes in an urban setting for a Living with Wildlife project.
 LE Officers representing the Agency at Martin County’s 2019 Fire Fest Event. This public event is aimed toward educating residents about the ecological importance of natural fire/prescribed fire. FWC LE along with other divisions were there to educate the public on our role in the protection of fish, wildlife and natural resources.
 Officer Jeffery Hart responds to a nuisance alligator complaint.
 Officers attend the funeral of Reserve Officer McDonald.
 Terry Doonan talks about white nose syndrome during the Lubee Bat Festival.
 Investigator Paul Hein's pinning.
 New Lt. Antonio Dominguez.
 Investigator Anthony Padilla at his promotion ceremony.
 Last of the sawgrass cowboys: Officer Ronald Washington and Donald Onstad, Airboat Association of Florida member.
 Kristy Brightwell and Rachael Stevenson at the Humanatee Festival at Wakulla Springs last weekend.
 Officer Steven McKinley and Oscar Saavedra at an elementary school conducting a career presentation.
 Officer Gabriel Fernandez and rescued deer.
 Tony and Natali Dominguez welcomed Riley Nicole on Sept. 22 at 1038 hours. She was 16.5 inches long and weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces.
 After being severely injured, left in a month-long coma, and hospitalized for four months last year after his involvement in a very violent motor vehicle crash due to an Impaired driver, Officer Kyle Plussa finally married his fiancé FWC biologist Lauren Miller in a small ceremony on their family’s ranch in southwestern Ohio. Plussa continues to recover on light duty until he can return to patrol.
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The Inside Job is a monthly newsletter featuring
the employees and programs of the FWC.
Send your submissions, comments and questions to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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