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 Swallow-tailed kites are rebounding from population declines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but are still considered a species of conservation concern in the southeastern U.S. Researchers recently located and monitored 132 swallow-tailed kite nests in and around the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed WEA in southwest Florida to determine how nest site characteristics affected nest survival.
Overall, 49% of the nests successfully fledged young. Two key characteristics correlated with nest survival: nesting date and tree diameter. Nests initiated early in the nesting season (mid-March) were more than three times as likely to fledge young as nests initiated later in the season (mid-May). Additionally, nests in larger-diameter trees were more likely to be successful than nests in younger, smaller-diameter trees. These findings suggest that large pine and cypress trees - formerly available in old growth bottomland hardwoods and lowland pine forests in the U.S. - could have provided superior nesting opportunities for the kites.
View the full publication.
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 Oct. 6 was Student Career Shadow Day and Kaitlin, a junior from Largo High School who hopes to become a marine biologist, got a unique opportunity to spend the day with FWRI’s Fisheries Independent Monitoring Research Scientist, Theresa Warner.
 The day started off with a tour of FWRI’s inshore and offshore sampling boats, nets and offshore research equipment. Then Kaitlin got firsthand experience using a microscope and learned how to use a dichotomous key and various tools to determine the identification of a fish. She conducted a wet lab workup of a common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) collected from the field and completed data QA/QC – comparing information written on field datasheets to the data entered in FIM’s fisheries databases.
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 Over the past 50+ years, researchers have seen a decline in the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) population throughout eastern North American. To understand how migration conditions and choices could influence these declines, FWRI scientists teamed up with a broad set of partners to use GPS satellite technology to monitor woodcocks as they migrate between their northern breeding areas and their southern wintering grounds.
A new research publication discusses this work and how the American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey (SGS) conforms to the phenology of male woodcock migration. As part of this study, male woodcocks were captured and marked with GPS transmitters throughout North America and the timing of their spring migration was compared with the timing of the SGS. Findings showed that 74% of woodcocks completed migration prior to the start of the SGS, however, this likely did not influence results because survey routes are run more frequently during the second half of the SGS window, after more birds complete migration.
View the full publication.
Explore data and learn more from the Eastern Woodcock Migration Research Cooperative online: WoodcockMigration.org.
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 The Division of Marine Fisheries Management and Catch a Florida Memory’s recent Triple Threat Throwdown was a resounding success! The Throwdown campaign, which will officially be back for a second season in 2024, raffled off a Bonafide SS127 fishing kayak fully outfitted with an accessory package from YakAttack and a custom T-shirt from The Florida Nomad to one lucky winner. From Jan. 1 to Sept. 5, Catch a Florida Memory’s anglers had a chance to submit qualifying catches to enter this premier raffle. During this time, the program experienced unprecedented growth, further cultivating an interest in saltwater fishing with new participants to the program. The program also saw continued involvement from its seasoned participants, including Laura Nathan-Kadish, who was the inaugural winner of this innovative initiative.
In total, the campaign increased user accounts by 20%, increased average monthly submissions by 53% with over 5,300 submissions, and increased Triple Threat Club members by 38%. Following the core values of Catch a Florida Memory, anglers that participated were encouraged to target a diversity of species to help decrease fishing pressure on the most sought-after game fish species.
Throwdown Takeaways:
Offer a significant incentive. This seems obvious, but a record-shattering year of monthly submissions for Catch a Florida Memory was fueled by the offering of a fishing kayak package. Comparatively, the program has offered incentives from partners for several years that have been well received by participants but none have generated nearly as much buzz as the Throwdown’s prize.
Remember the goal of your program - With the excitement surrounding a highly coveted Throwdown prize package, it can be easy to lose focus on the initial goal of your program. As excited as the Catch a Florida Memory team was about the prize/buzz around the prize, one of our top goals is to ensure that all program anglers receive conservation-based correspondence and guidance from each catch they submit to the program. This, in turn, allows them to have a better understanding of the skills necessary to become a more conservation-focused angler.
Build trust and credibility for the agency through good marketing. A well-planned marketing campaign can do wonders when it comes to building trust and credibility with members of the public. When people have an opportunity to communicate with the agency directly (for example, through correspondence emails relating to catches), they build a stronger relationship through a more in depth understanding of the importance of the conservation goals of the agency and are more likely to use support its initiatives in the future.
Marketing & Outreach Results: By the Numbers
- 2,000,000 impressions using social media advertising via FWC social media accounts.
- 800,000 people reached via Florida Sport Fishing’s digital magazine advertising.
- 40,000 people reached via Florida Sport Fishing’s print magazine advertising.
- 255,000 Fishbrain members reached by email newsletters, advertisements and push notifications.
- 400,000 people reached per press release via FWC mailing lists.
- 6,500 highly targeted impressions from focused short-run Google Ad campaigns.
Conclusion
Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple Threat Throwdown campaign included a clear call to action, encouraging people to learn more about the program and participate in an exclusive raffle. With this being the program’s first campaign of this kind, it was unknown how well it would perform. However, with consideration to the data above and a nod of approval from our partners for a second season, the Catch a Florida Memory team has received no shortage of reasons to be encouraged by its success. The Triple Threat Throwdown also presents a great opportunity to share successful marketing and outreach strategies with other FWC programs to continue the agency’s strategic initiative to enhance relevancy, engagement, and support, while conserving Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.
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Moose’s Big Day
Moose, a Weimaraner K-9 officer, enjoyed his last day with the FWC on Sept. 14 alongside his handler, Officer Joe Simpson. His retirement party celebrated his 10 years of service with the agency.
 Lt. Vann Streety began the afternoon by remarking on Moose’s many achievements. The K-9 served through 263 deployments, 192 arrestable citations and 943 training hours. Stories were shared about his love of boiled peanuts and his impressive tracking ability, including his milestone of covering 1.5 miles in two hours.
Recalling his relationship with Moose, Officer Simpson said, “When I first met Moose, he had mange, he was ten pounds lighter, his paws were red and itchy, and he had a broken tail, but he was the happiest dog. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. I got to go to work every day with my best friend for ten years.”
 Officer Simpson performed a changing-of-the-collar ceremony, removing Moose’s work collar and putting it on Angus, his new K-9 partner. While Moose is looking forward to retirement, Angus is ready to get to work.
 Moose received a pupcake, a can of boiled peanuts, many scratches and a toy, which Angus and K-9 Maggie graciously accepted on his behalf.
 During the retirement party, Officer Simpson was also presented with the GHQ Officer of the Year Award. Lt. Streety and Maj. Jay Russel, Northeast Regional Commander, both remarked that Officer Simpson is always available, going above and beyond for his team.
 The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County passes resolution affirming the establishment of Kyle Lee Patterson Memorial Way
FWC issues executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Gulf state waters starting Oct. 19
FWC issues executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Atlantic state waters starting Oct. 23
FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory announces the winner of Triple Threat Throwdown
FWC launches new public reporting tool to enhance turtle disease research
  New Southwest Regional Commander
The Southwest Region recently announced its new Regional Commander, Maj. Evan Laskowski! During his 15 years with the FWC, he has worked as an officer in Glades, Hendry and Manatee counties, investigator in Manatee and Hardee counties, lieutenant in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, captain in Collier County and, most recently, captain for the Tampa Bay area. Evan has been a member of the Special Operations Group since 2011 and a SOG Commander since 2021. Law enforcement traveled far and wide to attend Maj. Laskowski’s Pinning Ceremony, along with his wife Erica, his 2-year-old son and close family members. Congratulations, Maj. Laskowski!
 Jay Holder Memorial Clean-Up
In March 2023, FWC lost a beloved member of its FWRI family with the passing of Jay Holder. Jay started his career with FWC in October 1989 and spent the next 33 years as “a freshwater fish biologist, a Project Leader, a subject matter expert for the St. Johns River, a long-term member or the NE Regional Leadership Team, a strong mentor for his staff, and a fantastic leader and friend,” wrote Jason Dotson, FW/FWRI Freshwater Fisheries Section Leader.
 Jay snorkeling in Silver Glen Springs in 2018.
On Sept. 22, in Jay’s honor, the FWC hosted a clean-up throughout the south portion of Lake George, including parts of the St. Johns River and Silver Glen Springs. Employees from many different divisions and agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, participated in removing a mound of garbage from the river system.
 The FWC Officers Association and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida came together to support the event, providing food and resources for the over 100 employees that gathered after the clean-up. FWC officers set up, cooked lunch and cleaned up for everyone.
 Co-workers and friends were invited to share memories of Jay and his pivotal work for FWC. “Jay would rather his legacy be about the biology, about the habitat. Today wasn’t about picking up trash. It was about getting together. I think he’d be really happy and proud about what happened today,” said Earl Lundy, FWRI. There were photos shared of his past adventures and promises made to continue to honor Jay’s legacy.
  The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Management Committee, which Jay was a member of, reached out to FWC to establish the Jay Holder Memorial Fund, now managed through the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The donations are used for restoration work for Wekiva and St. Johns. Donations can be made by donating here and writing “Jay Holder Memorial” in the comments section.
 Jay at Crescent Lake in 2016.
Jay driving an airboat for American shad electrofishing in the St. Johns River in 2007
  Nicole Nichols and MFM Outreach and Education Team Honored with Boone and Crocket Award
We are thrilled to announce that the MFM Outreach and Education team, led by the exceptional Nicole Nichols, has been honored with the national Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies prestigious Boone and Crocket Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates their outstanding achievement in promoting and encouraging outdoor ethics.
Under Nicole’s guidance, the MFM Outreach and Education Team played a vital role in developing and implementing rule changes to address barotrauma mitigation in released reef fish. Their unwavering commitment to promoting the use of descending devices and venting tools has been instrumental in improving angler engagement and buy-in of these new regulations. Through strategic messaging, this team encourages fishers to improve survival rates of fish by releasing them as quickly as possible, and with minimal harm. Nicole’s invaluable contributions also led to the establishment of the Charter Captain Conservation Champions (C4) group, which unites influential charter captains in sharing conservation messaging, including the significance of descending devices and venting tools.
Nicole’s leadership extends beyond Florida as she coordinates and facilitates the Descending Device Outreach Coordination Team. This collaborative effort includes partners from across the southeastern U.S., such as the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Return ‘Em Right, the Nature Conservancy and other state agencies. Together, they work diligently to coordinate messaging and streamline efforts, promoting best fishing practices and helping to improve survival of released reef fish.
Through in-person presentations, demonstrations, and outreach events, the Outreach and Education team has effectively educated participants on barotrauma, barotrauma mitigation tools, and their proper use. They have developed a multitude of print and online resources, including educational videos on building and using different descending devices. Additionally, they have curated a dedicated Descending Devices playlist on the FWC Saltwater YouTube channel. Currently, Nicole and the team are creating a barotrauma flyer and a rack card that will be disseminated to the broader fishing community, further expanding their educational reach to anglers.
Nicole and her entire team approach their work with unmatched passion. They understand that widespread adoption of descending devices and venting tools not only increase survival rates after release but also helps maintain sustainable fish populations for future generations. Their dedication extends beyond educating the public on regulations; they also emphasize and promote the importance of conservation-minded fishing practices that promote sustainability. By promoting ethical fishing practices, the team’s efforts contribute to a sustainable fishery and the conservation of marine resources. The MFM Outreach Team exemplifies the standard we should strive for as a conservation agency, making them the perfect choice for the Boone and Crockett Award.
 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.
Alyssa Auger
Alyssa was on her airboat banding ducks in Tavares when she saw something shiny in the water, thought it was a balloon. She stopped to take it out of the water -- removing garbage. She discovered it was a purse, which she found contained prescription glasses and an iPhone. along with a wallet with a credit card and $75 in cash. It had fallen into the water from a dock on April 22 as I was getting out of our boat. My husband dove into the black water and weeds four different times looking for it. Never found it. Then on July 10, Alyssa called my husband Jack and said, “I have your wife’s purse. I found it floating in the Dead River.” She had to go onto a computer to find me and find my husband’s phone number— who does that? She asked for our address so she could get my belongings back to me. Alyssa is very honest and caring, and what a gift/ blessing!! She is an asset to your organization! With appreciation to Alyssa for being such an awesome “Angel.”
Officer Vincent Fioramanti
While in Florida gator hunting from Oklahoma in October, my friend and I were checked by Vince. The first time we had a small boat motor problem. Vince loaned us his tool kit and helped us make sure our boat was OK all while checking our tags and licenses. So polite and casual. I'm a retired Oklahoma police officer. I retired as a captain with 21 subordinates. I only wish I had 21 Vinces. Later that week. Vince checked us again on the Kissimmee River. Once more he was nothing but a professional. Thank you, Vince, you are an asset to the state of Florida.
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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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 AHCR biologists Jenny White and Annie Roddenberry worked with staff from the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves to survey a seagrass bed in Mosquito Lagoon, Volusia County. The area has experienced significant seagrass recovery in the past few years and the in-water meeting between FWC and FDEP biologists covered several aquatic habitat sites. The group discussed emerging concerns, current projects, lessons learned and how to align messaging between agencies regarding habitat issues in the region.
 
 When derelict vessels became a concern in Ft Myers, our stellar SW Region Dive Team didn't hesitate to plunge into action. Officer Specialist Kelsey Dalton, Joshua Arbogast and Lt. Spoede were on-site, deftly navigating underwater obstacles to locate and identify the abandoned boats. Their unparalleled skills are making our waterways safer one dive at a time!
 From Hell’s Kitchen to the Florida Keys!
Gordon Ramsay, the famous chef, took to the Florida Keys in April to film an episode for his newest show “Uncharted”. The locale for filming was none other than our very own Sammy Creek Landing, located within the Florida Keys WEA. Known for its gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and magical mangrove kayaking trails, it has already hosted other celebrities recently like Vince Vaughn and Travis Pastrana. To top off Ramsay’s visit, he asked Christina Wilson, one of WHM’s Florida Keys WEA biologists who had taken the time to help provide access to the Sammy Creek site, to take him on a trek into the woods to see alligators. He was very surprised to find out that we had alligators in the Keys and that they were down the street from where he had just been filming. Christina was thrilled to not only meet Gordon but to take him and his two giant bodyguards off on a trek to some of the wilder parts of the Keys and share the importance of alligators to the Keys ecosystem. He was intrigued to find out that this armored predator is not only a tasty dish to some but also a keystone species that enhances freshwater habitat for other wildlife species including the federally endangered Key deer. Christina took the opportunity to showcase FWC’s wildlife conservation efforts and a bit of our own “reality show.”
 Gordon Ramsay cooking grunt and grits (above) and the film crew capturing the acction (below).
 It was a race against the tide when a beached manatee needed urgent assistance. Officer Jody Criswell, along with members of FWRI, Manatee Rescue, and partner agencies, coordinated a life-saving operation. Thanks to their quick response and expertise, the gentle giant was safely returned to the water.
 Dave Turner maintaining boundary signage in preparation for upcoming hunts on Salt Lake WMA
 When a waif tortoise graduated its stay at C.R.O.W in Sanibel after being confiscated from a small, enclosed area in a backyard, it was time for it to find its forever home. The tortoise was to be transported to the Ecofina Water Management Area in northwest Florida. When asked who could assist with the transportation, officers in the Southwest Region jumped to the plate! Special thanks to Officer Specialist Joshua Arbogast and Senior Officer Adam Brown for safely relocating this tortoise to northwest Florida.
 
 Public Information Officer Forest Rothchild was at Sarasota's National Night Out event. But the real tweet-of-the-night was a surprise visit from "The Oriol Bird." The dynamic duo captivated the community while discussing a variety of environmental topics. Who says learning can't be fun?
 On Saturday, Sept. 9, Reel Blessed Chapter of Fishing’s Future held their fifth Vamos A Pescar event at Indian Riverside Park, with 63 participants registered and 12 volunteers signed up. Five stations were set up that included Casting, Rod and Reel care post fishing, Bait and Tackle, Rules and Regulations, and Rod/Reel Set up. Pictured is Officer Emily Whitty assisting. FFM, along with FYCCN, are gearing up for another year of the Vamos a Pescar grant program, which focuses on support for youth organizations around the state who reach the Hispanic community with fishing education. The FWC submits the grant applications to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation on behalf of our partners each year and are hoping to expand the program to include a sixth grant recipient.
 Brooke Saitta treating exotic invasives on Tosohatchee WMA.
 In collaboration with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Regional Wildlife Assistance Biologist, Jessica Moore presented “Living with Wildlife” messaging with the residents of Lakewood Ranch. Not only did residents get to meet a ball python but also an alligator! This community was able to learn much more about the animals around them, and how to better co-exist with them to prevent conflicts.
 Imperiled Species Management staff Jenny Moreau, Emma Kindley, Trent Johnson, Bethan Roberts and Ashley LaVere, and ISM interns Morgan Cote and Camden Jenkins participated in the 12th annual Tallahassee Science Festival on Sept. 30. Hundreds of local children/students (and their parents) visited the FWC tents to learn about Florida black bear, manatee and several species of sea turtle. Spreading the word about species conservation and how to help is such an important part of our jobs and we hope our message will inspire them to seek careers and hobbies where they can protect and enjoy Florida’s natural resources.
 
 Our SW Region's Dive Team made waves at the Second Annual First Responder Dive Challenge. Not only did FWC take third place overall, but a special shout-out goes to Officer Specialist Rick Klobuchar for winning "Top Frog" amongst all competitors. Way to represent!
 Recently, an FYCCN-sponsored project branched out to new and interesting areas. Richardson Sixth Grade Academy received its grant award of a recirculating aquaculture system from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and UF’s Institute for Food & Agricultural Sciences. The grant award is part of Richardson’s expanded afterschool program this year, which is transitioning from the FYCCN-sponsored Catfish Club to the Catfish & Conservation Club. This year’s program will be run in both the fall and spring semesters, and will incorporate broader conservation topics including recycling, aquaculture, stewardship, and ethical angling. On Aug. 28, the RAS equipment was delivered by FDACS staff, who recruited the help of several club students to learn about the RAS and help set it up. Pictured are Katrina Bayliss and Richardson Sixth Grade Academy students, learning about and setting up the aquaponics system for this year’s program. Ben Hines is the FYCCN Regional Coordinator who helped start the Catfish Club. Youth who learned about catfish species and habitat in their classroom will now have the opportunity to learn about the conservation method of how fish and plants can be grown together in an integrated recirculating system.
 On Sept. 22, FYCCN Partnership Coordinator Ben Hines traveled to Dixie County High School in Cross City. There, alongside new North Central Hunter Safety Coordinator, Michael Smith, he met with assistant principal Lindsey Whittington, several of the school’s teachers, and Frank Price and Jim McMchesney, of the Sportsmens Alliance Foundation, to discuss program implementation.
The school is adopting and delivering “Conservation Adventures,” a hands-on, conservation-education focused program aimed towards 11th and 12th grade students. The program introduces the North American Model of Conservation through digestible, engaging and science-forward lessons throughout the school year. This program is achieved through cooperative involvement with state fish and wildlife agencies; agency partnership provides students in-person talks with professionals in the fields of conservation, access to citizen science opportunities and activities to engage with the outdoors. This program has already seen much success in schools throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and more. Dixie County High School will be the flagship school in Florida adopting this program- FWC, FYCCN and Hunter Safety are looking to support their operation of the program directly. This will be done through hunter safety education, the National Archery in the Schools Program, ethical angling and wildlife discovery. Success of program implementation with Dixie County High School will provide a model for other schools in Florida to adopt Conservation Adventures and provide FWC a greater impact in and out of the classroom.
 Our SW Regional Information Director is working on something special: an in-depth tour of Tenoroc. Stay tuned for the soon-to-be-released informational video that will give you an insider's look into this natural treasure.
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The deadline for the Nov. 6 issue is Oct. 30
The Inside Job is a bi-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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