 Recent FWC releases:
Youth conservation group celebrates 10 years with online giveaways and events to encourage getting kids outside
FWC’s TrophyCatch ends Season 8 with incredible milestones
And the 2020 Lionfish Challenge winners are…
New Gulf record lionfish
  Cowboy and his handler, an FWRI biologist, are on the prowl for long-tailed weasel and spotted skunk scat.
 Howdy! We would like you to meet Cowboy, a 2-year-old golden retriever who is trained to detect scat of long-tailed weasels, Everglades mink and spotted skunk. Scat detection dogs are an active form of survey that is advantageous for locating cryptic species with large home ranges that occur in low densities. In Florida and the southeast, extensive live trapping and camera trapping efforts for weasels have been unsuccessful. It remains unclear if traditional methods of detection are insufficient for weasels or if weasels have declined to the point that they no longer occur in these areas. We are just beginning to determine if scat detection dogs are a practical method for detecting these species but initial surveys look promising as Cowboy has already detected spotted skunk scat.
While Cowboy’s always motivated to help with any part of the job, including office work, he's happiest celebrating a successful find!
 Each year, Florida TaxWatch recognizes state employees who increase productivity and promote innovation to improve services to Florida taxpayers and businesses. This year, 19 state agencies and four universities were recognized for saving more than $300 Million.
We are proud to announce the following FWC 2020 TaxWatch Productivity Award Winners… Congratulations!
Agency/Large Team: Paul Scharine & HGM; Development and implementation of online WMA brochure information database
Service: Dan Ellinor, Nic Patronis & Devin Resko, MFM; FWC distribution of Hurricane Irma relief grant funds
Service: Sandy Watson, Jill Reynolds, Dawn Woodward & Annmarie Bailer, FBO; Implementation of document management replacement system in the FWC Finance and Budget Office
Technology Luke Davis, Robbin Trindell, Meghan Koperski, Rachael Stevenson & Tonya Long, Imperiled Species Management; Wildlife Lighting Certification Program
Technology: Beth Stys, Lily Swanbrow Becker, Brian Beneke & Cherie Keller, FWRI; Development & deployment of the web-based tool, Climate Adaptation Explorer
Technology: Jenny Gottsch, Sarah Barrett, Franklin Alexander & Mackenzie Sconyers, Imperiled Species Management; Deployment of Online FWC Interactive Public Bear Map
Service: Glenda Atkinson, Stuart Cumberbatch & Evelyn Watkins, IT; Integration of OIT Project Management Office
 Officer Chad Weber was recognized by the Coastal Conservation Association as the Clermont Chapter Conservation Officer of the year. The award Officer Weber received is for his outstanding efforts in promoting local conservation and his involvement in outreach events and youth programs. Pictured with Officer Weber is Adam Miller of CCA Florida as well as some of the work he has done in the past. Officer Weber continues to be a great asset for FWC and the NE Region.
 
We congratulate all the nominees and award recipients for the 2020 OED Awards and Recognition Program. If you were unable to join the live event, you can view it here: 2020 OED Awards & Recognition Virtual Program.
The award recipients for each category are:
Customer Service Award: Ellen Gentry, NW region
Excellence in Administrative Support Award: Laura Jerome, HR
Leadership Award: Jennifer Duyser, NW region
Personal Initiative Award: Mike Hunter, CR
Superior Job Performance Award: Riley Vause, Ed Von Hertsenberg and Tim Metcalf, IT
Survivor Award: Keaton Fish, Jake FitzRoy, Kristen Griffin, Ben Hines, Stacey Lamborn, Leo Villar & Beau Yeiser, FYCCN regional partnership coordinators with SI.
Team Spirit Award: Janice Kerber and the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp Staff, SI
Employee of the Year Award: Jocef Santiago, IT
We also recognized the OED staff members who have served the State of Florida for 30 years or more:
Kathy Barnes, OLP
Darlene Barry, North Central Regional Office
Brenda Brand, OLP
Toni Brannon, NWRegional Office
Debbie Campa, OED
Joycelyn Dorsey, OLP
Linda Henderson, OED
Gus Holzer, CR
Todd Holzworth, OED
Charlotte Jerrett, OED
Carla Lambert, SW Regional Office
Steve Marshall, SI
Tim Metcalf, IT
David Sauls, FBO
Judy Scott, FBO
Billy Sermons, NWRegional Office
Cindy Whittington, OLP
Jennifer Wilson, FBO
Greg Workman, NE Regional Office
 Officers received Award certificates at a recent training at John Pennekamp State Park. FWC and MCSO and several park employees were recognized and received certificates of appreciation from the Sheriff's Office for a multi-agency environmental cleanup detail conducted previously in Key Largo on an uninhabited island. Over 3,500 pounds of debris was properly disposed as a result of the detail. L TO R - Officer Bobby Dube, DEP Ranger Drew Martin, Officer Mike McKay and Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy Ian Barnett. Not pictured but received an award are Reserve Officer Bill Belz and Lt. Paul Hein.
Thank you all for your consistent collaboration and efforts for the FWC. Your roles within the FWC are essential for our entire agency, and it truly takes a team to do the great conservation work we do for Florida’s fish and wildlife resources and the citizens of our state. You are that team and you’re all winners in our book.
 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.
Emily Davidson, Hada Herring and Megan Krzewinski, FWRI
Hada, Emily and Megan responded to a report of a mortally wounded manatee from our fellow condo members. They worked with efficiency to record required information and data. They were professional and compassionate to both the animal and all interested observers. The injured manatee drew curiosity from several sharks and the weather was stormy and threatening. They cautiously braved both to complete their work. We appreciate the work they do and want to commend them for their efforts. Thanks for what you do Hada, Emily and Megan!
Officers Valerie Garcia and John Salem
We are volunteers at Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda. We were brought a female fawn who was found alone in the Cecil Webb/Babcock Preserve by FWC. A few days later we met officers Salem and Garcia at the approximate spot where the fawn was found in an attempt to reunite her with her mother. All the surrounds were water-filled and impossible for us to drive into or carry the fawn away from the road. The officers left and returned with a swamp buggy, helped us load the fawn (in her carrier) on board, and we all drove into the "wet" and found a likely spot. Officer Salem gently deposited the fawn, then we drove approximately 100 yards downwind and waited. Close to dusk, it became apparent that the mother deer was not to be seen, so we collected the fawn, and Officers Salem and Garcia took us back to our car. These two officers were knowledgeable, friendly, and extraordinarily helpful to us (and to PRWC). We would appreciate it if this commendation were placed in Officers Salem and Garcia's personnel file since they certainly deserve this "well done."
Officer Jason Lipford
I was in Wewahitchka delivering oysters for Oyster Boss in Sopchoppy when Officer Lipford stopped by. Turned out I did not have all the paperwork that was needed. Officer Lipford was very courteous and professional and, even though I received a ticket, I wanted to commend him on a job well done and for someone to pass the word to him that by COB I did have everything squared away, Is dotted and Ts crossed.
Mark McBride, HGM
Mark did a duck banding program on my beach. He answered all my questions and was very polite. I enjoyed the time he was at my house. Very well knowledged in what he does. We welcome him back next year.
Cindy Whittington, OLP
I wanted to share my experience regarding purchasing a Lifetime Gold Sportsmans License:
Broward County tax collector closed to the public. Called a few times to inquire about other means as all the counties I called advised that they weren’t open or couldn’t help
Palm Beach County tax collector –after numerous calls and being placed on hold for 30+ minutes each time, I was advised Palm Beanch will see (in person appointments only) Palm Beach residents only.
Called the Miami-Dade tax collector’s office but never got an answer.
I called FWC numerous times who routed me to either GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. or was told to call them at 850-488-3641 and I was also advised to call Tax Collectors near me as that was the only way to get this license. After calling your office and sending your office my email Cindy Whittington took ahold of this matter as it was her own. She called me, obtained my email then provided me a few numbers to call, which I did and she called again to see where I was at with a resolution. I found that very kind and thoughtful, kinda scared me. I advised her of my luck as well as the not so lucky calls I made, she asked me to keep her informed. I really think that Cindy Whittington of FWC and Vicki Stroup of Pasco County went out of their way to make this happen for my daughter. Thank you for listening and having Cindy as part of your team.
Tony Young, HGM (three commendations)
Tony is a fantastic resource and could not be better at helping folks! He is a wealth of knowledge and eager to help anyone! Whatever Tony is making, double it and double his time off!
I called with a question before small game season. The lady on the phone said, “Oh you need to talk to Tony Young, he knows everything about the hunting.” There’s no doubt she was correct. I’ve contacted Tony a couple of times with questions this year and very quickly I got the answer I was looking for. It is a very nice to be able to contact governmental agency in this day and age and be able to get a quick and courteous response.
Mr. Young has gone above and beyond for questions. He has answered late at night and right before holidays. I’m very impressed with his customer service and answering my questions right away.
 
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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