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 October 2020
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 The next Commission Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16-17 in St. Augustine. The latest meeting was a virtual meeting held Oct. 7-8. Some of the news from that meeting included:
Fishing for reef fish? FWC encourages best fishing practices; approves new hook regulations
FWC approves draft proposal for flounder; final consideration slated for December
FWC approves changes to blueline tilefish recreational harvest in Atlantic state waters
The 2014-2019 Agency Strategic Plan Final Report is now available for staff. This comprehensive document highlights the goals and accomplishments of the 2014-2019 Agency Strategic Plan. The creation and implementation of this plan was an inclusive effort that involved hundreds of staff from across the agency.
Strategic initiatives that came from this plan included: Boating as a Gateway to Conservation and the Outdoors; Conflict Wildlife; Conservation Through Innovation, Marine Fisheries Management; Conservation Through Innovation, Private Lands; Expanding Participation in Conservation; Imperiled Species Management Plan; and Running the Business.
This 2014-2019 planning cycle solidified a foundation of strategic planning and doing within the agency, and provided lessons learned to guide our future strategic planning efforts. Key insights included having fewer strategic initiatives to enable greater focus and resourcing, as well as streamlining the process to shorten planning timeframes.
This effort created a strong foundation for the launching of the 2020+ Strategic Plan, which takes strategic planning and thinking within our agency to the next level.
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Reggie Eric Sawyers, 46, passed away Sept. 11. Eric was born in Richlands, Virginia. After graduating high school, he attended Bluefield College. In 1995, while working on his degree, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years on active duty. His passion for being outdoors led him to complete a Bachelor of Science degree followed by a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Fish and Wildlife Science in 2006 from the University of Tennessee. For 14 years, Eric resided in Eustis, where he was an FWC Fisheries Biologist, running the freshwater fisheries long-term monitoring program. He also built and maintained the statewide freshwater fisheries database. In addition to his career in wildlife and fisheries, Eric was proud to serve his country. On Jan.’ 3, 2002, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. At the time of his passing, Eric was assigned to the 482nd Communications Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, serving as a Cyberspace Support Manager, culminating an 18-year career. In 2016, Eric earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management. In 2017, as a member of the Air Force Reserve, he deployed to Kuwait and on March 1, 2020, Eric was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant. Eric was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed. He was a natural leader respected by all those who knew him. Not only was he incredibly intelligent, he also had an amazing sense of humor that could keep everyone around him laughing and having a great time.
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 Earlier this month, staff created a “Virtual Bear School” for both children and adults to learn about black bears in Florida. The video highlights a variety of interesting facts about Florida black bears including their diet, size and general behavior as they prepare for the fall season by packing on calories. It also explains the importance of securing trash and other food attractants to help reduce conflicts between bears and people. Watch the video:
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/myfwc/virtualbearschool
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAUwYIBFufY
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 In response to the anniversary of Hurricane Dorian sweeping through the Bahamas destroying 74% of the Grand Bahamas and 40% of Abaco’s red mangroves, a habitat restoration project began, and the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center jumped at the chance to participate.
SYCC staff members kayaked Newman Branch Creek in Apollo Beach in search of red mangrove propagules floating in the water. After three socially-distanced excursions totaling eight hours, SYCC collected and dried 1,816 of them. These propagules were delivered to the Downtown Bait & Tackle Shop in Punta Gorda, where they were picked up by MANG, an apparel company that promotes environmental change and restoration. Once the propagules become healthy seedlings, they will be shipped to Abaco and Grand Bahama to restore the devastated flats and shorelines. Mangroves are crucial in protecting against erosion, floods and storm surges. They're also a critical nursery habitat providing safety and shelter for many species including spiny lobster, snappers, bonefish and Nassau grouper. Healthy fisheries can only be maintained if they are supported by healthy habitats. If you are interested in helping this cause, more information can be found at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
 Coming soon! Learning and fun abound at @FWRI! Tune in to learn about right whales, sea turtles, corals, freshwater fish, panthers, and our many ecosystems!
School Daze Thursday, Oct. 15: For homeschoolers, virtual and brick-and-mortar students, we are going live all day with more than 25 sessions, each with a staff presentation on a specific topic, then live Q&A. Know a school or student that might be interested? Let them know to register: MyFWC.com/research/about/marinequest/school-daze.
Public Virtual Event: Saturday, October 17: Throughout the day, we will be virtually visiting with research staff, so join in as they share exciting footage from the field and insight into their unique research projects on Florida's many ecosystems, fish, and wildlife: Facebook.com/events/2736543616591438.
Learn more about both #MarineQuest events: MyFWC.com/MarineQuest.
 FWC scientists have been working alongside Florida Keys commercial lobster fishermen to develop a modified wire lobster trap that can be used to remove invasive lionfish from deep water, where these lionfish are difficult for divers to pursue. The fishermen sell the lionfish to fish markets for a good price and lionfish numbers are reduced as a result – WIN-WIN! Watch the video.
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The Florida Friendly Fishing Guide certification recognizes saltwater and freshwater fishing guides who are committed to preserving the future of Florida’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques.
Established by UF/IFAS, Florida Sea Grant and the FWC, the program helps guides provide a richer fishing experience for their clients through their angling expertise and environmental stewardship.
This online certification course covers science-based techniques and includes subjects such as best practices for catch-and-release fishing, seafood safety and handling, an introduction to fisheries management and more.
Learn more about how to sign up and take this online course.
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 FWRI biologist Pierson Hill recently documented an extremely unusual “patternless” eastern diamondback rattlesnake in north Florida, which he then microchipped and released safely for identification by researchers in the future. This color morph is exceptionally rare – only a small handful of patternless diamondbacks have been documented by biologists.
 As part of a statewide gopher frog monitoring project that began in 2015, researchers use dip-net surveys and “frogloggers” – automated frog call recorders. Froglogger data has been collected for three years, totaling over 2,281 days of recording and over 54,000 hours! To make the identification process easier, scientists use software back in the lab that picks up the low frequency “snore” of the gopher frog. Researchers have already discovered previously unknown gopher frog breeding ponds through the dip netting portion of the project. The data collection portion of this project is over, but there are still many hours of analysis to be completed. Listen here.
 FWC biologists, law enforcement and partners recently rescued a manatee entangled in fishing line in Key Largo. The 10-foot, 1,100-pound female had monofilament fishing line entangled around both her flippers. Biologists were able to successfully remove the line from the left flipper in the field but the animal needed surgery to remove the deeply embedded line in the right flipper, so the manatee was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando. Upon recovery the manatee will be released back into the waters surrounding Key Largo. Activities conducted under USFWS permit MA770191.
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 Check out Florida Biodiversity Collection’s invertebrate collecting events since 1951! This collection has over 139,000 cataloged preserved specimens and tissues that document the biodiversity of Florida’s marine ecosystems. Watch a time-lapse video.
 Lt. Matt Prowant will be selling challenge coins to help raise funds for the FWC Fallen Hero Memorial. This memorial will be built at the FWC Training Academy to pay tribute to Florida’s wildlife officers who have given their life in the line of duty. If you would like to support the building of this memorial, consider purchasing one or more coins at $20 each.
Checks should be made payable to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and sent to: Lt. Matt Prowant, 75 College Drive, Suite 102, Havana, FL 32333. Include your name, quantity and region to Mattison.Prowant@myfwc.com. Coins will be sent to the region for distribution.
 A collaborative effort to augment native oyster populations within the estuary at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has recently been completed. The FWC, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and volunteers from the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, have placed 120 tons of native limestone to restore oyster habitat. Oysters provide numerous ecological benefits, including improvement of water quality, habitat and food for wildlife, and erosion control.
 Natural eastern oyster beds (Crassostrea virginica) occur throughout the Lake Worth Lagoon in southeast Florida, including within an area of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park known as Lake Worth Cove. This is a shallow 100-acre estuary within the northern Lake Worth Lagoon. Oysters occur in low densities in scattered beds within the cove along shallow firm-substrate shorelines, on mangrove roots and on boardwalk pilings. Historic evidence supports that oysters were once more plentiful in the cove than at the present. Surveys in the cove have found that hard surfaces, such as pilings and mangrove roots, support much greater densities of oysters than the estuary bottom. This led park managers to believe that the low densities of oysters may be due, in part, to limited hard substrate. Subsequently, a plan was developed by FWC and FDEP to enhance the existing natural oyster reef beds within Lake Worth Cove by adding hard substrate to the shoreline at appropriate depths for oysters to colonize.
 Native limestone has been shown to readily recruit oysters in other locations in the Lake Worth Lagoon and it was determined that 120 tons of limestone would be needed to meet the project goals. However, the project faced a major challenge as the cove is completely surrounded by a mangrove fringe with no equipment or boat access. The only way to place the rock on the shoreline without causing damage to the mangrove shoreline was by airlifting it over the mangroves by crane. A crane was used to successfully place the rock on the shoreline in piles. The next challenge was to move the rock to the planned locations and to stack it at the appropriate depths to maximize oyster recruitment. Volunteers to the rescue! Thanks to the hard work of AmeriCorps members and volunteers from the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the rock is now resting in its final destination at appropriate depths. The limestone has already recruited a significant number of oysters and promises to benefit water quality and wildlife usage within John D. MacArthur State Park and the greater Lake Worth Lagoon.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $50 million for more than 20 statewide springs restoration projects to aid the recovery and provide additional protection for Florida’s springs. This, along with $100 million last year, is the largest two-year investment in springs in Florida’s history. These projects work in concert with increased monitoring, enforcement and other measures to ensure compliance with best management practices implemented under the Governor’s leadership to improve water quality across the state.
Springs provide a window into Florida’s vast groundwater system and are a barometer of the condition of the state’s primary source of drinking water. DEP and four Florida water management districts have identified a broad suite of projects that include land acquisition, septic to sewer conversion, and water quality improvement efforts, intended to increase aquifer recharge, improve spring flow, and protect downstream habitats all the way to the coast.
Many of the projects will benefit ongoing restoration efforts in springsheds. These restoration efforts reflect a collaborative effort with the department, water management districts, community leaders and local stakeholders. The contributions and cooperation of these agencies and individuals have been crucial throughout the development process. Combining and leveraging resources from various agencies across Florida allows for a more efficient and comprehensive restoration effort.
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During Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as announced by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, we want to celebrate our Hispanic employees and their contribution to conservation. As we embrace cultural diversity, we recognize the FWC grows stronger in understanding our differences as well as our shared commitment to the natural resources of the great state of Florida.
Please join Friday, Oct. 16 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. ET as we gather to meet and greet our many Hispanic colleagues and engage in cultural discussions. Although COVID-19 has limited our in-person gatherings, we will take this opportunity to meet via Microsoft Teams. To receive the Microsoft Teams e-vite, please register at Hispanic Heritage Celebration Registration. If you are Hispanic, please indicate on the registration list if you would like to participate in the discussion.
Thank you to everyone who sent us information and photos. We apologize if we missed anyone due to time limits or errant emails. We will be glad to publish any new submissions in the next issue of Inside Job!
 Daniela Alviz, HSC Biologist (also pictured in the masthead)
 Claudia Plummer, Business Manger, and her brother kayaking at Silver Springs.
 Eric Suarez,South Region Conservation Biologist
 Andrea Pereyra, South Region Volunteer Coordinator; HSC
 Anthony Delatorre and K-9 Diesel work in the West Palm Beach area and were recently nominated by the United States Police Canine Association for their hard work in locating evidence on many illegal take of wildlife cases and other agency assists and one in which his canine located evidence on a murder case.
 Tiffany Canate was born and raised in Florida and her parents are Columbian. This summer she was Leadership Camp supervisor working with our high school campers, providing them with the leadership skills they need to be successful in the real World. Tiffany grew up attending the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp and loves sharing her passion about outdoor education with this next generation of campers.
 Geraralo (Jerry) Aguello, Everglades Youth Conservation Camp
 Eugenio (EJ) Belaval, Everglades Youth Conservation Camp
 Abraham Litardo, Everglades Youth Conservation Camp
 Rebecca Cruz, Everglades Youth Conservation Camp
 Joseph Ilarraza's, Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, family immigrated here from Spain
 Madeline Fernandez is from Puerto Rico and began her career as a Staff Assistant with FFM at the NW Regional office in 1998. She has weathered more life-altering storms in her life, including the loss of her home in Panama City due to Hurricane Michael in 2018. Considering the personal trials and obstacles she has endured, she remains personable and continues to maintain a strong work ethic. I consider her the administrative MVP for our division.
 Christina Dodge, HSC Invasive Plant Management Section, out in the field.
 (Right) Carmen Saroza, Staff Assistant and (left) Katherine Bronzatti, Government Operations Consultant 2 from South Region B.
 Alejandro Acosta, supervisor of the south Florida regional lab’s Finfish Team, was nominated year before last by the whole team as FWRI's ‘Outstanding Supervisor’ of the year and he won.
 Kyanna Tamborini, FWRI Biologist, loading a manatee at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for release back into the wild.
 Officer Specialist Nicole (Rodriguez) Basford, Bay County is part of the NW Region Dive Team as well as the BUI Task Force.
 Hada Herring, FWRI Marine Research Biologist
 Ana Nader, FWRI Biological Scientist
 Ariam Jimenez, Research Scientist based out of the Gainesville office, is native to Cuba. Here he's tagging American oystercatcher chicks on the Tolomato River in St Augustine.
 Ricardo Zambrano, South Regional Biologist, at Lake Wales Ridge during a section meeting.
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  Southwest Region Gopher Tortoise conservation biologist Kyle Brown recently met with a resident of the Long Lake Ranch community in Pasco County and SW Region Public Information Officer Bryce Phillippi to install gopher tortoise educational signage along a major boulevard in the community that is home to several gopher tortoises and their burrows. The resident, Mr. Darrell Thompson, reached out to FWC staff to inquire about how he could help educate the community and protect this important species. We are thankful for the many residents and visitors who have such an interest in the conservation of Florida’s wildlife. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and fostering new partnerships with local communities, residents and visitors.
 Southwest Region PIO Adam Brown recently had the chance to meet virtually with students in the University of Miami’s ‘Conservation and Management of Marine Mammals’ graduate course to talk about the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement and the role that FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement plays in marine mammal conservation. PIO Brown was able to share with the group about his career with FWC, how our law enforcement officers work closely with our biologists, and answered questions from the group of 40 students. We always appreciate the opportunity to share how our staff work closely together and each play a critical role in achieving the goals of the FWC.
 A fun family outing went wrong when this 11-year old's grandfather went into the water after the anchor line became entangled in the propeller. He was unsuccessful and began to drift away. The grandmother saw what was happening and jumped into the water with some pool noodles to rescue her husband. The boy jumped into action by calling 911 and was able to give his general location. Officers Thompson, Coger and Pestka, and Lt. Hein quickly responded and were able to locate the vessel and the boy hero. After making sure the child was safe, officers had him point in the direction his grandparents floated away. Lt. Hein spotted the couple off in the distance clinging to the pool noodles. A Good Samaritan vessel helped the swimmers on board and grandparents were reunited with their grandson. Out on the water and need help? Call our dispatch at 888-404-FWCC!
 Photos by Officer Bobby Dube
On Oct. 5, the FWC received a 911 call regarding a vessel sinking with five people onboard. Officers Thompson, Pestka and Coger responded. The recreational 25-foot center console vessel sank in less than a minute according to the captain. The vessel captain also had a personal EPIRP (Emergency position indicating radio beacon) that assisted the FWC Officers and USCG in locating the five people in the water approximately 3 miles offshore of Molasses Reef near Key Largo. The five people were in the water for over an hour clinging to two bean bags used for vessel seating before the FWC located them adrift in 6- to 8-foot seas. The FWC brought all the passengers to shore. The five were a little shook up but were uninjured and glad to be safely ashore. The owners will try to locate the vessel that completely sank once the weather subsides. The FWC advocates boat passengers always wear a PFD because, as in this case, the vessel sank so sudden that nobody had the chance to even grab a life jacket. Luck was on their side - the captain remained calm and immediately got that important 911 call off before the vessel sank and they had an EPIRB onboard to assist with the search and rescue.
From L-R: Officers Paige Pestka, Billy Thompson and Ethan Coger
 Officer Dube assisted the Marathon Turtle Hospital with releasing three rehabilitated turtles at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. Officer Dube along with crew members from USCG Station Marathon and staff from the Turtle Hospital assisted in the rescue of “Shelly” a large green sea turtle. A family saw the turtle, whose front flipper was entangled in anchor line, struggling bayside of Long Key Bridge in early July and called the FWC. Shelly spent two months recovering and rehabbing after surgery to remove its front flipper and was released back to the ocean.
   After Hurricane Sally in mid-September, our officers assisted multiple local, state and federal agencies with search-and-rescue missions as well as welfare checks utilizing shallow draft vessels, four-wheel-drive trucks and ATVs.
 
 Officer Scott Smith and Lt. Roy Payne
Officer Scott Smith and Lt. Roy Payne were on water patrol and observed a commercial lobster heading into shore near Stock Island. Officer Smith and Lt. Payne followed the vessel in and conducted a dockside inspection at the fish house. Officer Smith located two undersize wrung lobster tails and stone crab claws in the vessel’s anchor compartment. After a thorough check, Officer Smith located 130 wrung lobster tails, 109 of those undersize. Of the 89 stone crab claws, 25 were undersize. The lobster tails and stone crab claws were hidden in a soaking-wet black bag inside the vessel’s cabin. The captain and three crew members were booked into Stock Island Jail and cited accordingly for their violations.
 Recent FWC news releases:
FWC to host Florida State-Fish Art Contest
FWC recognizes Gadsden County landowner for wildlife conservation efforts
Habitat restoration at Emeralda Marsh means big improvements for recreation
Test your knowledge about treestand safety
FWC announces fall recreational red snapper season in Gulf
FWC’s TrophyCatch announces Eyeball Challenge results
Be BearWise this fall, secure garbage and other foods
Florida landowner nationally recognized for conservation efforts
  Dave Sweetay, HSC Fish and Wildlife Technician had this to report:
On Thursday night, Sept. 17, I left the north entrance of J.W. Corbett WMA after closing the check station. As I turned eastbound onto the Beeline Highway I saw what I thought was fireworks coming from the intersection. A few seconds later I saw it again and realized it was sparks coming from powerlines at the intersection. As I approached the intersection the lines shorted out a third time and the street and traffic lights went out.
As I made a U-turn on the Beeline to head westbound I noticed a car in the ditch on the northeast corner of the intersection with its hazard lights flashing. It had struck the concrete power pole at the intersection head on. The power pole was broken at its base and was leaning over the hood of the car, suspended by the power lines. I parked my truck to block the road and put on my hazard lights.
I got out of my truck and called 911. As I was on the phone with the 911 operator describing the situation, another motorist stopped and noticed that the driver had exited the vehicle and was lying face down in the water in the ditch. He rolled the driver on his back and told me the situation, which I relayed to the 911 operator. We went back to the car to move the driver because the car and the driver were directly under the path of the power pole, should it have fallen. As we started to move the driver, we noticed he was having difficulty breathing and was nonresponsive. The motorist gave him a couple chest compressions and he expelled approximately 40 cc’s of water from his mouth/airway and his breathing improved. A third motorist arrived and helped us move the driver up to the shoulder of road and out from under the powerlines. Once there, I evaluated the driver and put him in a recovery position. The other motorists attempted to wake him and monitored his breathing while I returned to the 911 call. A minute later PBCFR arrived on the scene and took charge of the driver. Once they had him in the ambulance, I left as they were shutting down the intersection so the med-evac helicopter could land and I figured I should get myself and my truck out of the way.
 HGM Awards…and the winner is!
During the Division of Hunting and Game Management’s annual awards ceremony, which was held via video conference, several outstanding individuals and teams were recognized for their important contributions to HGM’s mission. We’re sending a special thank you to those who nominated their coworkers for awards as well as the committee – LexAnn Thomas, Buddy Welch, Will Burnett, Hannah Plumpton and Angelita SanMiguel – for administering HGM’s annual recognition program. And, our hearty congratulations go to the following winners!
 Customer Service Award: Janie Clere, staff assistant for the hunter safety office, was recognized for her commitment to excellence in responding to customer needs and questions related to Ocala Conservation Center, Ocala Adventure Camp and hunter safety.
 Safety Award: Bill Hicks, Osceola Shooting Range technician for the hunter safety office, was honored for being so dedicated to providing a safe, clean environment that he has motivated those who use the unstaffed range at the Osceola National Forest to more actively support that goal.
 Mentor of the Year Award: Lynne Hawk, regional coordinator for the hunter safety office, was recognized for logging the most hours during a fiscal year for mentoring others and fostering interest and participation in conservation.
 Administrative/Operational Support Employee of the Year Award: Haley Moore, administrative secretary for the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, was honored for her outstanding work and “can do” attitude in communicating with the FWC’s 103 contracted nuisance alligator trappers, the public and staff as well as assisting with projects in support of the program.
 Leadership Award: Philip Bazydlo, assistant manager at Cecil Webb Public Shooting Range, received this award in recognition of his abilities and commitment to managing the challenges related to hiring, scheduling, supervising staff and volunteers, and overseeing construction projects for a range that sees up to 65,000 people a year.
 Spotlight Award: The FWRI Information & Science Management Section (staff listed below) received this award for their role in developing several high-profile and innovative IT-based solutions for HGM staff such as the WMA regulations brochure database (WMA Finder), an in-house solution for hunters to report their deer harvest, and summer turkey and the furbearer surveys. Kathleen OKeife, Dave Reed, Franklin (Gene) Alexander, Alic Bandy (above), Chris Boland, Chris Anderson and Leon Cao (below).
 Team of the Year Award: Triple N Ranch Shooting Range (staff listed below, not pictured) was honored for their role in providing exceptional service to more than 20,000 visitors each year and a safe, friendly, clean and a well-maintained range, which has resulted in many 5-star reviews. Lorraine Pike, David Coffey, Charles Dowd, Scott Thomas, Jack Davidson, Dave Morin, Bob Tessier, Mark Presswood, Kenneth Moore, Justin Sharpe, Gary Sopnicar and Bryant Klasnick.
Spotlight Award: Northwest Region Purchasing Center (staff listed below, not pictured) was recognized for their expertise and willingness to work with HGM staff on budget tracking and management, processing purchase orders and paying invoices to support the implementation of the successful Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program.
Jennifer Duyser – Purchasing Director - Northwest Regional Office
Debi Anderson – Business Manager – Northwest Regional Office
Linda McNeil – Procurement Specialist – Northwest Regional Office
Above and Beyond Award: Kimberly Lippman (not pictured), call center supervisor for the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, was honored for her responsiveness to alligator bite incident information requests on nights, weekends and holidays and managing new challenges such as addressing the deer management program's needs for a hotline so hunters could report their harvest.
Scientific/Hunter Safety Employee of the Year Award: Corinne Davis (not pictured), regional coordinator for the hunter safety office, was recognized for her work recruiting and training hunter safety volunteers allowing hunter safety classes to be hosted in each county in the Northeast Region as well as supporting the mission of Ocala Adventure Camp and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge.
Administrator/Supervisor of the Year Award: Linda Collins (not pictured), program manager for the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, was recognized for her leadership, which was described as being based on collaboration, trust and humor, and inspiring her team to provide the best possible service to the public.
 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.
Rick Spratt, HSC
The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park had a wild Florida Black Bear pass through on Sept. 19. The wild bear destroyed a portion of the park perimeter fence behind our captive bear exhibit and FWC rehab cub facility. The wild bear remained in the park near the park's bears and near the park's red wolf for a good portion of the day and even wandered onto the visitor sidewalk at one point. Our attempts to scare the bear away from our captive animals was not working. FWC biologist Rick Spratt, who lives near the park, has helped us out on many occasions. This occasion was no different. Rick immediately came to our assistance, bringing us an FWC bear trap trailer. Rick also gave us great advice on how to handle the situation, since we had never had this happen before. The Florida Park Service has always had a great working relationship with the FWC and we appreciate everything that Rick Spratt and the FWC has done for us.
Jessica Valek, MFM
I was unable to dive this year and tried to buy some T-shirts to help support the lionfish cause. I could not find any so I contacted Jessica as to where I could buy shirts to help support the effort. They did not have any currently for sale, so she grabbed some previous years shirts and sent my middle Georgia dive buddies some shirts and stickers. I sure wish we had people like her in Georgia. She was very helpful, very personable, knowledgeable and friendly. You have a jewel in your midst. Thank you, Jessica for being so considerate and helpful.
Tony Young, HGM (three commendations)
Tony Young did great on answering questions, especially for a person like me who is from Ohio - now a Florida resident - and it will be my first time deer hunting alone in Florida. I know if I ever have other questions, he is right there to answer them and make me less worried about accidentally doing something illegal/breaking a law while hunting.
I called with questions about my son hunting in the 20/21 Hunting Season. Mr. Young was extremely helpful and very professional. I feel like he went way beyond his job duties in answering our questions and concerns. It was a real pleasure speaking with him.
I called this office seeking information on how to rid our neighborhood of feral hogs. Tony was amazingly helpful with all of the information he gave us. When he wasn’t sure we received his text, he followed up with another phone call. Then he followed up again with a sight we could avail to obtain materials to help us. Such follow through is rare these days and we appreciate not only his knowledge but his effort and integrity. Thank you for having the vision to hire people like Tony Young.
    Officer Kelsey Grenz and Officer Matthew Johnston
  Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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35 Years
Robert Kipker, HSC
30 Years
Robert Laubenberger, LE
25 Years
Gil McRae, FWRI
Steven Shattler, HSC
20 Years
Theresa Cody, FWRI
Gabriel Delgado, FWRI
Scott Henderson, HSC
Alex Kropp, HSC
15 Years
Erin McDevitt HSC
Denise Massey, LE
Dennis Giardina, HSC
10 Years
Gary Chancey, HSC
Lisa Davis, OED
Jim Kozlowski, FWRI
Angela Leggett, HGM
Adam Richardson, FWRI
Joseph Vaughn, HSC
Jennifer Wilson, FBO
5 Years
Brittany Bankovich, FWRI
Leon Cao, IT
Roy Forehand, OED
Kelsey Fudge, Legislative Affairs
Rosalyn Nelson, LE
Karen Radford, HR
Donna Whittle, IG
Retired!
Michael Frantz, LE – 30 Years
Mitch Golloher, LE – 30 Years
Kent Williges, FWRI – 25 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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 Kipp Frohlich and his wife, Leslie, at his recent retirement celebration.
 From R-L: Maj. Roger A. Young, Lt. Tommy VanTrees, Inv. Larry Jernstedt, Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper, Lt. Mike Bibeau, Captain Bill Holcomb Holding the NHL Prince of Wales Eastern Coastal Division Championship Trophy.
 Christina Kontos deploys wildlife cameras in the Stairsteps Unit of Big Cypress WMA.
 In early September FWC biologists and officers, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, were able to successfully rescue an approximately 1,000-pound female manatee from Matanzas Pass in Fort Myers, Lee County. An initial assessment suggested the manatee was the apparent victim of a watercraft strike. Additional data was recorded during an on-site health assessment and the manatee was taken to Zoo Tampa for rehabilitation.
 Christina Kontos, Jessica Spickler and Lauren Plussa working on airboat operation skills in Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA.
 On a trip to New York City last year, Robert Dube stapled this FWC patch on the wall at O'Hara's Pub and Restaurant. A friend of his took these photos. This cop/firefighter Bar sits caddy-corner from the FREEDOM TOWER and was heavily damaged on 911.
New Additions to the FWC Family
 Officer Specialist Matt Stuhr became the proud dad to Michael John Stuhr born Oct. 3 at 21 inches, 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Mom, (Emily) and baby are doing fine.
 South Bravo Region Officer/Dive Team member Oscar Saavedra and wife Jennifer Saavedra welcomed their son Dylan Kai Saavedra to the world on Sept. 28. He was 19.75 inches long and weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces.
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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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