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 June 2020
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FALLEN OFFICER
Officer Julian Keen was shot and killed on Sunday, June 14, in LaBelle.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Officer Julian Keen, and our thoughts are with the family,” said Col. Curtis Brown, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement.
“The investigation is being conducted by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.”
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 June 1 marked the beginning of the 2020 Hurricane Season. As you are aware, over the past several years we have experienced a number of major storms and the forecast for this year indicates that we may have more. The safety of you and your family is of utmost importance so please ensure that you have a personal disaster plan.
As an agency, we have gained experience in both preparation and response with these events. By far, the most important tool before and after is being able to quickly communicate important messages throughout the agency. This is especially important when it comes time to account for everyone’s safety once the event has passed.
Last year, FWC implemented an official electronic phone tree we refer to as MyFWCAlert, and is now the official notification system for the Commission.
Per IMPP 1.18.4, MyFWCAlert serves as an essential tool before, during, and after a declared emergency. It will provide you with vital information electronically including when an emergency has been declared, building/office/county closures, return to work announcements, and additional emergency communication. When a message is sent, your reply will confirm you and your family are safe or alert of any issues you may be experiencing. It is critical that you reply that you are safe and accounted for so we can direct any necessary resources or help to those in need. We care about your safety, and if we don’t hear from you, we will track you down!
To keep this system functional, I am asking you make sure your contact info is correct.
Please log into the MyFWCAlert Member Portal to ensure your contact information is accurate. The following items are required to be kept current:
- Work cell phone number (if applicable)
- Work desk phone number
- Work email address
- Personal cell phone number
- Personal home phone number (if applicable)
- Personal email address
- Physical home address (necessary for wellness check)
For users who have a state-issued smart and non-smart phone, text messaging has been enabled for MyFWCAlert notifications only.
The Everbridge app is an additional avenue for the MyFWCAlert system to notify you of any impending declared emergency and a way for you to respond when alerted. If you are not signed up for Centrify on your personal smart phone, we encourage you to download the Everbridge app either through iTunes or Google Play.
When receiving notifications from MyFWCAlert:
If you have any questions, you can email MyFWCAlert@myfwc.com or contact Lieutenant Dana Russell at 850-617-9499 or Michelle Dean at 850-617-6009.
 The next Commission meeting is scheduled for July 22-23. At this time, leadership is determining whether the meeting will be held in person or virtually. Visit our Commission meeting website for updates.
 The Palm Beach Shooting Sports Complex is offering limited public access to rifle and handgun ranges Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only.
Customers can make a reservation by calling 561-512-0285 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Range users will be required to follow social distancing guidelines. This facility is operating at 50% capacity with a 1-hour time limit per participant, and only one person per lane is allowed.
This range is still under construction. When finished, this state-of-the-art facility will safely support the needs of hunters, hunter safety students and target shooters. The complex, one of the largest shooting sports facilities in Florida, will meet growing demand for target shooting opportunities with five rifle and handgun ranges; five Olympic trap fields; six American trap fields; nine skeet fields; and a 15-station sporting clays course. It also includes a classroom and concession store with restrooms and drinking water as well as eye and ear protection, ammunition and other convenience items for sale.
 By Carol Lyn Parrish
If you have never heard of the Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Section, this program is a subsection of the Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section under HSC, and has the responsibility of restoring, enhancing and managing many publicly owned aquatic resources. The work done on this project is specifically done on aquatic resources that allow access to the public.
 Meet Alyssa Jordan (featured on masthead), a Biologist III assigned to the AHRES section and stationed in the Okeechobee Field office in the South Region. For the past 12 years, Alyssa has spent a portion of her time working on and around Lake Okeechobee, a 468,000-acre shallow lake in southern Florida, and the second largest freshwater lake entirely within the continental United States. One project under the oversight of Alyssa is the construction of spoil islands in the Indian Prairie Marsh, a 16,000-acre tract of land between the levee and open water of Lake Okeechobee. These islands are composed of organic sediment (muck) and are built to develop habitat for a variety of species to utilize. Staff monitors these islands and has noted species such as wading birds, rabbits, bobcat, quail, fox, songbirds, raccoon and turtles. Over the course of this project, five out of six islands have been completed, with the beginning stages of island six in discussion. Alyssa provides direct oversight of this project, from design to implementation, including direct oversight of contractors on plant and tree selection and placement. A lot of science goes into this design, factors such as water flow, wind patterns, water levels, and the study of plants that are beneficial for cover and food. The design must include a provision for public access. These islands are popular for general recreational use, including airboats, wildlife viewing and primitive camping.
 You may wonder, how does FWC build and plant an island on Lake Okeechobee? As part of an earlier enhancement project, organic sediment was removed from the dried lake bottom to restore and maintain suitable habitat for fish and wildlife. This task was done in advance of my visit, so this field day involved a bumpy ride in the truck and then onto the buggy over more bumps, water and mud. A contractor hauled in equipment, workers and plants on a tractor over multiple trips back and forth to the levee staging area. A total of 700 plants were in the ground in about 6 hours. This island will have a total of 1,800 plants and examples include trees such as Florida royal palm, bald cypress, gumbo limbo and red cedar trees, and shrubs such as fiddlewood, coontie and firebush. After the completion of the initial planting, Alyssa continues to monitor each of the islands. Scientific data is collected on activity such as rainfall and water levels, wildlife research such as bird banding is conducted, and maintenance of the island is done including additional plantings and the removal of nonnative vegetation. You can learn more about this project, and many others under AHCR, at MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitat.
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This is a reminder that the internal deadline for submitting ideas for the 2020 TaxWatch Productivity Award is June 26.
TPA has been recognizing and rewarding innovative state employees with plaques and cash for more than 30 years. Any FWC employee (FTE or OPS) or group of FWC employees qualifies.
Whether an innovative process that saves taxpayer money, improving the quality of our interactions with the public, or showing initiative tackling problems, we invite you to work with the TaxWatch Team to turn your ideas into nominations that highlight FWC achievements in these categories:
Agency of the Year - development or implementation of a new program or effort, that has improved the quality of life or delivery of service to a significant number of Floridians.
Technology/Innovation – utilization or creation of new technological or innovative solutions to make the state more responsive to and/or effective for taxpayers.
Quality of Life - documenting remarkable steps to make Florida an even more attractive place to live, work, and play.
Service Delivery Improvement - dramatically improve the quality and efficiency of the delivery of service to taxpayers in any area of state government.
The process is simple - go to the FWC TaxWatch SharePoint to start a nomination. If you have questions or need assistance contact TaxWatch@myfwc.com.
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 FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement has a specialized fleet called the Offshore Patrol Vessel group to address much of the offshore federal patrols and serve as long range search-and-rescue platforms. The OPV consists of 35 dedicated sworn members and 14 offshore vessels. The OPV boats range from 32-foot Hydrofoil Fincats to the 85-foot Gulf Sentry. Several OPV platforms have sleeping quarters so that crews can complete multi-day enforcement missions. FWC officers work to enforce regulations set by both the South Atlantic Fish Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, as well as protection of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. All sworn FWC officers work to maintain deputization through NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and the Joint Enforcement Agreement cooperative. Each year JEA patrol initiatives are set by NOAA’s Southeastern OLE through priority executions. FWC is currently in its 18th JEA with NOAA.
The current NOAA/FWC JEA includes the following priorities:
- Recreational Reef Fish (Federal water patrol)
- Turtle Excluder Device enforcement (water patrol)
- Individual Fisheries Quota (monitoring commercial catch offloads at dockside)
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (water patrols of sanctuary areas)
- Illegal Imports or Undeclared (inspections of imports at Florida ports)
- Marine Mammal/Dolphins (water patrols for illegal takes of marine mammals)
 About the OPV Gulf Sentry
The 85-foot Gulf Sentry was originally used by the Airforce for missile retrieval. It was later acquired by FWC, named the J.J. Brown and stationed in Carrabelle. The vessel was rebuilt in 2010 and renamed the Gulf Sentry and is currently stationed in St. Petersburg. The Gulf Sentry can go out for a single night or up to six days. The vessel has four bedrooms, sleeps 12, has two full bathrooms (heads) and has a full kitchen (galley). The Gulf Sentry is equipped with long range radar, FLIR (forward looking infrared) and has a full secure communications package including satellite phone, internet and law enforcement radios. The vessel is powered by two 1,600 hp diesel Caterpillar motors for a total of 3,200 hp. It can hold 3,000 gallons of diesel and has a double redundancy navigation system. The Gulf Sentry is crewed by a lieutenant and three assigned officers. For a long-range multi-day mission, extra officers from the field join the crew.
 Capt. Navarro, Lt. Wells, Officers Alvis, Smith, Pettifer, Hughes and Godfrey.
About the crew
The Gulf Sentry crew is led by Lt. George Wells who has been in the OPV program for several years. Lt. Wells has a 5O-ton Master license with the United States Coast Guard. Officer Reece Alvis has been with Gulf Sentry since October 2017 and is awaiting the issuance of his Operator of Uninspected Vessel license from the USCG. Officer George Hughes has been with the Gulf Sentry since December 2017 and is also awaiting the issuance of his OUPV license from the USCG. Officer Thomas Godfrey is the newest crew member of the Gulf Sentry and joined the crew in September 2019.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ Management Assistance Team is offering free training due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view courses at: FishWildlife.org/afwa-inspires/mat-team/mat-online-learning and register at MatLearning.org
Communicating Effectively During Difficult Times: EQ Applied
Presenter: Tom Kalous, Ph.D.
June 16 from 12:30-2:30 PM EDT
Cooperative Language
Presenter: Michelle Doerr
June 16 from 1-3 PM EDT
Creative and Critical Thinking
Presenter: Dave Zebro
June 17 from 1-3 PM EDT
Advancing Conservation Relevancy: Finding Opportunity in Crisis
Presenter: Cynthia Jacobson, Ph.D.
June 18 from 1-3 PM EDT
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 Photo courtesy of Glenn Whittington.
The FWC is asking everyone - stakeholders, staff, volunteers - to report all wild turkeys they see during their normal daily routine from June 1 to Aug. 31. We’re interested in sightings of hens with and without poults (young wild turkeys) and male birds (jakes and gobblers) from all regions of the state, including rural and developed areas. FWC biologists conduct this survey each year to determine annual nesting success, brood survival, and distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. Learn more about reporting wild turkey sightings.
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 In May, FWC researchers and partners discovered some more big news for tiny Florida grasshopper sparrows: Captive-reared sparrows are successfully breeding in the wild! Florida grasshopper sparrows are one of the most critically endangered birds in the world. As part of a recovery strategy to avoid extinction of the species, 150 captive-bred Florida grasshopper sparrows were released into Florida prairies over the past two years. Field researchers have detected more than 30 captive-reared and released sparrows defending territories in the wild so far. As of June 8, researchers have found nine nests with at least one captive-reared parent and 16 young have fledged from nests that had at least one captive-reared parent!
The USFWS, FWC and partners, including White Oak Conservation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida have dedicated significant financial resources and personnel to the recovery of the Florida grasshopper sparrow. Additional funding is needed to expand captive breeding and to support additional conservation research projects. Concerned citizens who would like to join the effort to save these birds can donate to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s sparrow fund at WildlifeFlorida.org/funding-priorities.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the nonprofit Foundation via proceeds from the “Conserve Wildlife” license plate. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised and given away more than $43 million for conservation, outdoor recreation and youth programs and camps. For more information, visit www.wildlifeflorida.org or call 813-358-8058.
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We wanted to share the following infographic resulting from the teamwork on the Expanding Participation in Conservation strategic initiative. It outlines best practices for engaging diverse (ethnicity, race, gender, urban, suburban and rural) audiences and the potential partners that serve them to increase participation in the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network and other FWC programs.
A comprehensive literature review and more than 20 interviews with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and a university were conducted to develop these best practices. We hope you’ll find them useful in your efforts to introduce new audiences to outdoor skills and conservation stewardship! You can find this infographic in the Education and Outreach Portal.
 
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While many of us are working from home, our LE staff is out and working hard protecting our natural resources and the people in our state. Thank you for all your hard work!
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 Lt. Rob Gerkin with rescued owl.
While on water patrol May 23, FWC officers rescued an Eastern screech owl from Snake Island in Venice and transported it to a local rehabber for care. Our officers are not only responsible for patrolling the waterways and the woods but helping protect Florida's wildlife as well.
 On May 17, Lt. James Yetter, Officer Michael Janzen and Officer Wayne Sapp were conducting offshore patrol in the Dry Tortugas North Reserve. The officers observed a vessel inside the reserve with numerous rods and reels openly displayed throughout the vessel and ready for immediate use. A vessel stop and a Marine Resource Inspection was conducted, revealing eight red grouper, two mutton snapper, and 11 yellowtail snapper. The captain of the vessel admitted to catching the fish inside the reserve.
 On May 29, Investigator Chris Mattson along with Officers Mike Janzen, Garrett Jacobs and Paige Pestka, responded to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier. The Bird Center had a project manager from a roofing company drop off baby terns that had hatched along with eggs to their facility. FWC officers talked to the roofing company owner and told them that they would have to stop the project in order to protect the birds. The roofing company agreed to stop the work. Officers accompanied Two Bird Center employees to the condo in Islamorada. The birds and eggs were relocated back to the roof.
 FWC Southwest Region Officers Jessica Rorer and Hunter Caldwell responded to a complaint of a deceased alligator with an arrow in its head. Officers Rorer and Caldwell spoke with several residents in the area for information about the incident. As they approached one of the homes, the garage door was open and they observed a crossbow in plain view. During an interview with the homeowner the individual admitted to using the crossbow to shoot the alligator. The individual was cited.
 On May 23, the FWC responded to a capsized sailboat with three individuals in the water in Tampa Bay near Coquina Key. The three individuals were removed from the water and brought onto an FWC vessel. The capsized sailboat was towed back to the marina and thankfully no one was injured. This is a good reminder to always wear your life jacket because emergencies can happen quickly on the water.
 Officers Kyle Plussa and Brain Neal responded to burrowing owls in distress on Marco Island. They found one was already dead and another chick’s legs were entangled. They worked with biologists to trap and rescue the distressed imperiled species.
 Officer Neal secures a burrowing owl chick that had been entangled while other distressed chicks were trapped by biologists. He shielded the chick from the sun to prevent it from overheating in the hot midday sun on Marco Island.
 Officer Plussa applied “unusual tactics” to flush a parent owl out of a palm tree and cause it to return to the entangled chicks in its burrow. He was successful at causing the owl to return to the nest and the entangled chicks to emerge.
 Officer Neal assists Audubon of Western Everglades biologist Allison Smith with a burrowing owl that was entangled in fishing line and Spanish moss. The burrowing owl is an imperiled species and six chicks in total were saved and returned to the wild.
 Thank you so much to FWC for coming out to help rescue this little deer. She was stuck in a fenced area and couldn’t get back to her mother She was tricky but the FWC officers were patient and determined, and helped get her to safety.
 On May 16, Lt. James Yetter and Officer Wayne Sapp received a wildlife alert in the area of Tarpon Belly Keys. The alert indicated that there were subjects camping on the island and that they were in possession of out-of-season spiny lobster. Lt Yetter and Officer Sapp conducted an investigation on the island and discovered a campground. A vessel was moored next to the campground with spiny lobster legs and antennas inside. An inspection of the campers’ coolers revealed five out-of-season spiny lobsters. The campers admitted to harvesting the lobster earlier in the day and were issued notices to appear.
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 FWC staff statewide participated in National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 15, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22). This campaign is an effort to start the conversation about the importance of wearing your life jacket anytime you are on the water. The SW Region put together photos and messages, some of which are shown below. We sincerely appreciate staff’s willingness to participate in sharing this important message.
    
 Luke Davis has been with the FWC since 2004 with both the DLE’s Boating and Waterways Section as well as the HSC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. He currently works as the lead environmental commenter for ISM, primarily focusing on mitigating negative impacts to marine turtles and manatees. This work involves drafting biological opinions, creating standardized commenting language, understanding associated rules, regulations and mandatory timelines, and working with stakeholders. Luke excels in his role - he is always available to lend a helping hand to colleagues, take on additional roles when staff are limited, and his quiet confidence shines through in his mentoring of his team. Luke is constantly looking for ways to improve relationships internally as well as with our partner agencies. Recently he led an effort to assist the Florida Department of Transportation with an update on the “Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance” also known as the “Florida Greenbook.” This manual allows for better direction on how roadway lighting may negatively impact marine turtles. This work will continue to support an existing project being worked on by ISM and FWRI’s Information Science and Management Section that will result in a more robust data update the next time the Florida Greenbook is up for review. The FWC and more specifically ISM is fortunate to have Luke as part of their team and family
 Cold-stunned marine turtle stranding response; St. Joseph Bay 2018.
  Congratulations to Brian Rehwinkel for the Communication Award he received from the National Safe Boating Council. Brian was supposed to receive this award at this year’s International Boating and Water Safety Summit that was cancelled due to COVID-19. This award had both international and national competition. Receiving this award speaks volumes to Brian’s professionalism, innovative thinking and the wealth of knowledge he brings to work every day!
 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 James Adams
I was fishing on Godwin Lake in Arbuckle WMA when I was approached by Officer Adams for a license inspection. After producing my license, I had some questions about hunting on the WMA and the various regulations and processes involved. He answered all my questions and we talked for a while longer about hunting and fishing in general. He was very professional and friendly during the entire conversation. As a firefighter for a large municipal department, I have dozens of interactions per day that will be unnoticed. There are a very few that generate complaints that seem to garner all the attention from supervisors. I thought I should take the time for Officer Adams to be noticed for his professionalism and overall kindness. He is a credit to your organization and law enforcement in general. I would also like to take this time to thank all FWC employees for their tireless work of protecting the amazing resources we have here in the State of Florida.
Donna Beck, HGM
The “Praise an Employee” form has a space for “title” to be filled in by the public and this must be one of the best titles ever submitted:
Title: Most Magnifcent and Wonderful Alligator Management Program Person
Ms. Beck listened to me babble and figured out what I was asking and then, in the most professional and personable manner, answered my questions. She then provided links to that information. I am truly impressed with her knowledge of the job, her skill in the performance of her duties and her ability to provide excellent customer service.
Lt. Col. Jack Daughtery
Saturday, May 31, we had an unfortunate accident at our home on the Santa Fe River. A jet ski and a boat collided, hitting our dock. I just wanted to let you know about the exceptional work the FWC did. They executed a difficult and sensitive job in a successful manner (four people were injured). Those were the most polite, courteous and respectful gentlemen I believe I have ever met. It is extremely hard these days to find a team that work so well together. FWC was on our property from 4 to 10 p.m. investigating the accident as well as removing the boat and jet ski. I just wanted to thank you for your incredible leadership skills and commitment to the FWC. Please accept our heartful thanks for a job extremely well done. Please extend our thanks to the FWC Officers that were here.
Madeline Fernandez, FFM (two commendations)
Over the past four years I have been in contact with Madeline every spring concerning our depredation permits. She has always been very helpful. I talked to her this morning with a question. In the course of the conversation she let me know that she finished our renewal last night about 9:30. (She is working from home because of Covid-19). I really appreciate the fact that she goes the extra mile to be such a help!!!
I needed to renew my deer depredation permits from last year. I was having trouble logging into my account. Madeline was very understanding and helpful. She gave me the info I needed and stayed on the phone to help me through it. I have a visual handicap and am slow. When the renewal submission did not show up for a couple hours, she even called me back to check on it! That is going above and beyond! I appreciate her being there to help people like me. I know she must deal with a lot of people, and I think she is doing a great job for FWC.
Derek Fussell, HSC
We want to thank your employee Derek Fussell. He helped us when our boat started taking on water on Mill Pond. Had it not been for him, I don’t know what we would have done. He went out of his way, spent the day helping and calling in recruits as the boat sank. Just want the Commission to know what a valued employee you have. Kudos to him.
Barbara Glenn, LPO
I have talked to Barbara the last several years for help in getting our antlerless deer tags. This year I had trouble on the computer and called her for her professional help, which she did. I told her that the man that usually does the application passed away last month. He was one person that she always enjoyed talking to. When he would call her he would always say, “This is Dr. P as in perfect Powell.” She asked me to give condolences to the family for her. She surely had the patience with me in changing things to my name and I don't know if anyone else would have taken the time she did. She is this way every time I talk to her.
Officer Ruben Gomez
First of all, we want to say thank you so much for your time today and thank you for letting us know how to operate our Jet Ski rental properly. It really means a lot to us. If you have any other advice or recommendations, we would appreciate if you let us know. Please see the attached the picture we made today. Thanking you for your service and wishing you the best.
 Officer Richard Klobuchar & Sarah Stokes, Southwest Region
First, thank you to everyone at FWC for your service and dedication to our local wildlife, the environment and the local residents. Second, thank you FWC for employing an amazing array of devoted individuals in your organization. Third, on May 18, I had two fantastic interactions with FWC employees which I believe deserve proper recognition (Sarah in Dispatch & Officer Klobuchar)! While conducting coastal dune erosion surveys on Longboat Key, my colleague and I observed a white bird lying in the swale. The bird appeared to be flailing its wings, thrashing its head and in distress. Initial observations indicated that the white heron may have sustained injuries to its lower region (hips/legs). I immediately called the local FWC office and was connected with Sarah. Sarah was calm, knowledgeable, and empathetic to the situation and was extremely helpful. She provided us with the contact information for the local shorebird rescue facility and advised us on how these types of incidents are handled. Thank you, Sarah, for your prompt assistance and for expeditiously getting us in touch with the appropriate person at the bird rescue! While on the phone with the shorebird rescue, I noticed an FWC rig driving down the boulevard. I flagged down the truck, and it immediately pulled over and engaged the emergency lights. Officer Klobuchar exited his vehicle and walked over to inquire why I waived him down. I explained the situation and he graciously offered to secure the injured bird and transport it to Mote Marine office for us. Officer Klobuchar noticed I was slightly upset seeing the injured bird, and he handled it extremely well; he was refreshingly compassionate and maintained a calm tone while dealing with the situation, and took extraordinary care in helping the heron. After Officer Klobuchar was able to safely contain the heron, he brought it over to us and gave us a brief run-down of how the heron would be evaluated and hopefully rehabilitated at the shorebird facility. He was also kind enough to advise us that if we wished to follow up with the rehab facility, we could always to check on the heron’s status. I cannot express how grateful we were that Officer Klobuchar just happened to be driving by at that particular moment and how incredibly sympathetic he was! Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work!
Officers Brandon Scrambling and Ian Sweet
Officer Scrambling and Officer Sweet took time in their very busy schedule to address an issue with ATVs, four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs destroying a pond area in the Croom WMA. Their presence in the area has already made a big impact and hopefully the pond can go back to being a nesting area for waterfowl and a water source for deer, raccoons, foxes and other wildlife that inhabit the area. The horse riders also used to enjoy taking the horses down to the bank for a drink as well as a few folks trying to fish and kayak in the pond, but the trucks and ATVs turn the lakebed into a mudhole so it is not inviting to those people. Thanks to officers Scrambling and Sweet we look forward to the area becoming once again a refuge for people and wildlife. They have shown that they really care about taking care of the entire management area and not just areas that are in the public eye. I am so impressed and amazed by their quick action. They are much appreciated. I have called numerous times and asked for someone to at least post signs in the area with no results, so to have Officer Scrambling come out right away and check the area and then return with Officer Sweet to enforce the regulations has really given us hope.
Sara Wappes, FWRI
I was contacted by a neighbor that there was an injured manatee in Lake Beresford. I reached out to the FWC Manatee Team and Sara contacted me and had a team put together for the rescue the following day. They were able to locate the manatee (which had moved into the St. John's River) and rescue her. It was not an easy task! There were about 8-10 individuals from Volusia County and FWC Manatee Teams involved and the event took all day. As an employee with FWC with no manatee experience, it was impressive to observe and learn how this process works. The manatee had apparently been injured by a boat and was in distress, bobbing on the surface of the water. The team netted her (after 5 attempts), brought her to the transport vehicle and took "Faye" (a documented manatee through photo ID) to SeaWorld for rehabilitation. The goal was to rescue, rehabilitate and release her back into the wild. Great work to all involved, I hope Sara sees this praise and can share with the many folks that made this rescue a success!
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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30 Years
Harry Dutton, HGM
25 Years
Bill Skukowski, LE BILL
20 Years
Caleb Purtlebaugh, FWRI
15 Years
Paul Clemons, LE
Dave Onorato, FWRI
Wade Turner, LE
Anna Yawn, HR
10 Years
Michael Goodwin, LE
Karen Little, HGM
Daniel Rasey, LE
Joseph Simpson, LE
5 Years
Roche Akkarappuram, FBO
Christopher Araujo, LE
Joshua Arbogast, LE
Jon Arnold, LE
Glenda Atkinson, IT
Harry Balgo, LE
Juan Blanco, LE
Chase Creel, LE
Melissa Crouch, MFM
Keith Hernandez, LE
George Hughes, LE
Jordan Hults, HSC
Gregory Matechik, LE
Ryan Matthews, LE
Melissa Miano, LE
Ryan Miller, LE
Tammy Sapp, HGM
Divida Schissler, LE
Casey Schroer, LE
Steven Seldomridge, LE
Michael Sisson, HSC
Charles Tilney, FWRI
Alexander Wester, LE
William Wilkenson, LE
Malachi Wilkins, LE
Steven Warner, FWRI
Retired!
Stacey Baer, LE – 35 Years
Milton Mravic, LE – 31 Years
Brad Humelshine, LE – 13 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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 Calm before the storm at South Coquina, Bradenton.
 Officers Johnston and Sierra being followed while on Venice water patrol.
 PIO Officer Bobby Dube along with Officers William Thompson and Zach Hoppe participated in the first Coral Shores High School graduation parade in Islamorada. Officers drove their marked patrol trucks in the parade along with EMS, Fire Rescue and various local law enforcement agencies to send off the graduating Senior Class of 2020. Seniors received their diplomas as they passed the High School along the parade route in their vehicles. During this COVID-19 pandemic this graduation ceremony, although not traditional, was a huge success and will become a new tradition at the school.
 Beercan Island recreational boaters practicing distancing (photo courtesy of Pilot Raul Perez)
 Investigators Jason Cooke and Brian Norris with recruiter Officer Ronald Howard, Lemon Bay.
  PIO Officer Bobby Dube, Investigator Christopher Mattson and Officer Dylan Weichhan assisted Mayor Mike Forrester along with Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward in passing out hot meals and other grocery items to locals in need. In collaboration with Feeding South Florida, Monroe County Sherriff’s Office, SOS Foundation and the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, United Way of Collier and the Keys distributed free drive-through food distribution at the St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Key Largo.
 
 Capt. Guy Carpenter and Officer Gabrielle Midolo on Memorial Day weekend.
 PIO Brown with AA Joyce Pierce being interviewed by FOX4 during Memorial Day weekend.
 Lt. Louis Hinds, Officers Richard Klobuchar, Christopher Davidson and Agent Maier with USFW, Passage Key.
 Officer Christopher Davidson working BUI detail at Jewfish Key, Bradenton.
 Officer Valerie Garcia on patrol, Fort Myers.
 Officer John Salem grabbing a light snack in between boat checks, Fort Myers.
 Southwest Officers Kaila Munkwitz and Christian Earls completed a Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) called Murph in honor of Memorial Day. The workout honors Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. The workout consisted of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another 1-mile run. All of this was completed with a weighted vest. Outstanding job!
 Is the "Pot of Gold" in the Miami Field Office?
  PIO Officer Bobby Dube, along with Recruiter Paige Pestka and Officers Jason Rafter and William Thompson volunteered to help distribute meals and groceries at Founders Park in Islamorada. FWC officers were joined by deputies with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell along with countless volunteers. Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster and his restaurant ”Mangrove Mike’s” spearheaded the event with donations from Feeding South Florida, United Way and local food banks handed out approximately 1,000 meals to Keys locals.
   Officer Bobby Dube talking with Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
 fort Myers rainbow.
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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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