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Back Issues
Get more FWC news: Marine Fisheries Hot Sheets | FWC Weekly Reports to Gov. Scott
 Inside This Issue
As Karen Ventimiglia moves on to a life of retirement, the Office of the Executive Director welcomes Jennifer Fitzwater as our new Chief of Staff.
 Jennifer (left) previously coordinated agency efforts to develop projects for recovery and restoration associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. She came to the FWC from the Department of Environmental Protection, where she served in various leadership roles for several years. She has broad experience in working at the executive level with policy and staffing issues. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in wildlife science as well as a Juris Doctorate.
OED also announces that Angie Robertson (right) will serve in a new agency-wide position of Chief Operating Officer. Angie holds a Master of Business Administration degree and is a certified public accountant. She joined the FWC two years ago as director of the Finance and Budget Office and previously served as the chief financial officer for the Department of Economic Opportunity. Angie’s duties will be centered on how to best run the business side of the FWC using an integrated approach to the operations of the agency.
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By Jan Boyett, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
 Searching for information can be a daunting and time-consuming task. "Where do I go for technical reports and publications? I’m looking for ‘X’ about a certain species; I need a brochure about bay scallops; where can I find the latest stock assessment for a species?" These are all questions researchers and managers need to know, but the public has an interest in them as well.
On July 1 the FWRI Research Information Center rolled out a new system designed to facilitate these inquiries. The FWC Digital Library (FWCDL) was designed to be a “one-stop-shop” repository for documents (current and historic), video files, audio files, pictures, maps, brochures, gray literature, application code, action plans, etc. If we have produced it and it has value to our stakeholders, then the FWCDL is where it needs to go.
Search options range from a simple keyword to more advanced capabilities where users can specify particular formats (computer files, maps, journal articles, etc.), locations (FWRI special collections, journals, fisheries biology, etc.) and more.
If you are interested in learning more about the FWCDL, please join us for our informative webinars, where you can learn everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask! The first FWCDL webinar is scheduled for July 23, time: TBA. Until then, feel free to explore: http://research.myfwc.com/publications/.
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Story and photo by Carol Rizkalla, Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
At their recent meeting in Fort Myers, Commissioners designated Bird Island, a small spoil island off Sewall’s Point in Martin County, as a Critical Wildlife Area (CWA). This is the first new CWA in more than 20 years.
 The island is an important nesting site for at least 17 bird species, eight of which are state or federally listed. For protection of these birds, the entire island and surrounding waters are closed to public access throughout the year.
The FWC establishes CWAs to protect important congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life stages, such as nesting or migration. Human disturbance can cause wildlife to abandon high-quality habitat that is necessary for their survival. Currently, there are 18 CWAs throughout Florida. They are managed for nesting and wintering shorebirds, wading birds, gopher tortoises and bats. Staff within the Species Conservation Planning Section manage and survey these sites in cooperation with numerous partners.
Bird Island is one of seven spoil islands in Martin County created as a result of dredging in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The FWC accomplished this designation with the support of various partners including Martin County, the town of Sewall’s Point and several nongovernmental organizations.
See the news release. Learn more about CWAs. View more photos.
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By Caroline Gorga, Habitat & Species Conservation
 Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative staff is accepting applications for Florida’s State Wildlife Grants Program. Applications are due by noon EDT, July 28. Applications should be prepared in accordance with Florida’s State Wildlife Grants Program Guidelines, which can be found on the State Wildlife Grants - Apply for a Grant Web page. Applicants will be notified about selected projects by Feb. 13, 2015. Selected projects will start no earlier than July 1, 2015.
Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative is seeking applications for the following projects. The online announcement contains the specific criteria.
Data Gaps - Filling Data Gaps to Address the Management of the Sanibel Island Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris sanibeli)
Marine - Project: Turf Algae, Sedimentation and Community Structure and Processes
Climate Adaptation - Community-based oyster restoration and living shoreline
These projects are being developed to address the goals of Florida's State Wildlife Action Plan. Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative has identified the project need and objectives. Applicants are asked to submit project proposals that detail the approach best suited to meet the stated objectives.
To be considered, applicants must submit a completed State Wildlife Grant application, fully developed scope of work, budget and match commitment letter that specifically relate to the needs and objectives of these projects.
Should you have any questions regarding the grant cycle or application requirements, please contact Andrea Alden, State Wildlife Grants Coordinator, at Andrea.Alden@MyFWC.com or Robyn McDole, Assistant State Wildlife Grants Coordinator, at Robyn.McDole@MyFWC.com.
(Photo: Acropora on a patch reef. Between 2009 and 2011, FWRI was awarded SWG funds to estimate the number of patch reefs in the Florida Keys. Photo by Kris Netchy.)
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By Gov. Rick Scott
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We recently reached a great victory when the It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget was signed into law. With the support of Florida’s public servants, our state has experienced incredible growth during the past three years. Our unemployment rate is down to 6.2 percent, and Florida’s private sector has created more than 600,400 jobs since December 2010. Floridians all across the state are finding more opportunities to work and provide for their families. The investments in this budget will help Florida maintain our positive economic momentum as our state continues to add jobs and opportunities for families.
Some of the highlights in this year’s budget include investments in job growth, cancer research, Florida’s children and seniors, individuals with disabilities, state infrastructure, veterans and their families, our state’s natural treasures, and historic funding for K-12 education, state colleges, and universities. This Budget’s investments in Florida’s future will help our great state continue on a path towards prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.
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Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through the “Praise an Employee” page of MyFWC.com/Contact:
Officer Brian Baine - "...With great professionalism he quickly checked our credentials and catch. Officer Baine proceeded to explain the law and educate us both on various state statues that we were unaware of. It was his extreme courtesy, civility and character that was easily revealed to us ..."
Kathy Barnes (L&P) - " Kathy, it was a pleasure to talk to you this morning, your kindness comes through ..."
Megan Blomberg (HSC) - "...diligently helped me to resolve an issue on the permitting website that has caused problems for me to be able to update permits or send reports ..."
Officer Nathan Brock - "...stayed around one of the hunting groups and gave advice and spent 7+ hours out in the hot sun giving a hand when needed. He then returned to the boat ramp, where we processed the gators and was talking to the youth hunters while the gators were processed, even giving a helping hand when needed. When the processing was done, we gathered the youth, parents and guides together, and he gave a nice presentation about how following the rules was easy but very important to do ..."
Officer Charles Jarvis - "... I was, unfortunately, involved in a boating collision ... parties from both boats were quite shaken and somewhat distraught. Officer Jarvis’ quiet, courteous and professional manner did wonders to calm all the parties. His continued methodical and seemingly non-judgmental approach was greatly noticed and appreciated by all involved ... "
Melody Kilborn (FFM) - "...has done a fantastic job of communicating with me about (Trophy Catch Program) regulations, prizing, and just general information. Her patience and thorough explanations have made this experience much more enjoyable. It means a lot to know I have someone that I can talk to about an issue, and that they are willing to take it on and get it resolved! ..."
Rhonda Levay, Hunter Safety volunteers (HGM) - "...hunter safety course field day in Orlando. (My husband) could not say enough wonderful things about the staff ... While we are now in a world where we do much online, she enabled me to keep a personal connection answering questions and following up on documentation ..."
Rebecca Lewis (MFM) - "Rebecca did an outstanding job with the youth fishing clinic in Fernandina Beach today. She never stopped. Terrific with volunteers. Was the hardest worker there ..."
Officer Aubrey Ransom - "...My son's boat motor became inoperable in a river that he was not familiar with. He managed to oar his boat to a dock and tied up there ... He told my son to approach the person that lived at that site to allow us to come on the property to pull the boat out of the water; the man gruffly told my son to get off the property. AUBREY drove to the site and pleaded with the man to let us retrieve my son's boat. He was able to convince the man to allow us on the property! ..."
Michelle Smith (FWRI) - "...had seen the accident while we were away from our vehicle and as the truck that hit my car left without leaving any information for me, Ms. Smith (very astutely) wrote down the license plate number of the hit-and-run truck!! She also volunteered to give me her name and phone number in case my insurance company or anyone else needed to contact her about the accident ... didn't have to get involved in this incident, but I am very thankful that she did! She was highly observant and very friendly and helpful to us in recording information my insurance company will want and need to help resolve the damage to my car ..."
Cindy Whittington (L&P) - "...always responsive, works diligently to resolve any issues we may have, and always has the answer. I have never had her say to me, 'I don't know;' it was always, 'here is the answer or solution' ... attitude (you can tell she smiles when speaking to her on the phone) is always positive and can-do ..."
Cindy Whittington (again) - "...As a parole examiner I am required to obtain licensing information about the applicants for clemency. Ms. Whittington always responds in a timely manner and presents me with all the information I need to do my job. She communicates clearly, professionally and with a pleasant and friendly tone ..."
Cindy Whittington (again!) - "Cindy was incredibly helpful and accommodating during the application, review and setup process of becoming a license agent! What a great representative of the agency!"
Lt. Charlie Wood - "...came and visited earlier today after the bear knocked over my rabbit's pen and my pregnant floppy eared bunny is missing ... Shortly after he left the bear came back again. We called him and he came back to watch and hopefully haze the bear to scare it from coming back again ... he has tried very hard to show he cares while doing his job ..."
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Several FWC employees were honored at the recent Commission meeting in Fort Myers.
The Florida Guides Association presented Jim Estes (MFM) with the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award. In his 28-plus years with the FWC, Jim’s many accomplishments include research and management of Florida bass as well as research and management of hydrilla and its effect on sport fish populations. Since his move to Marine Fisheries Management, Jim has taken the lead on critical management issues dealing with Apalachicola Bay oysters and lionfish.
The Florida Guides Association also presented Officer Craig Baker with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award. Craig, a 5-year FWC veteran stationed in Tampa, was chosen for his exemplary actions and attitude. His notable casework included a year-long investigation to identify a suspect in a commercial dumping case and catching two people who were robbing crab traps. He also rescued four people in 2013.
Mike Orlando (HSC) received the inaugural Chairman Rodney Barreto Award from the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Mike is assistant bear management coordinator in the Northeast Region, which encompasses the Ocala National Forest – home to one of the largest black bear populations in the state. It also is the area with the highest number of inquiries about human-bear interactions each year. Among other recent accomplishments, Mike worked with Collier County government officials to waive fees for the installation of small sheds to store garbage cans and keep the cans out of reach of bears; worked with Disney World to train more than 100 employees on how to deal with bear issues on company property; and reached out to over 1,500 people in outreach efforts, including schools, civic groups and law enforcement agencies.
Lt. Tom Ware recently received a special honor from the U.S. House of Representatives. Lt. Ware was selected as the receipt of the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Career Service Award. Tom was honored at an awards ceremony in May for his 29-plus years of dedicated service to protecting public safety and Florida’s natural resources.
(from Gov. Scott’s emails to state employees)
“I would also like to applaud Naomi Avissar, Jeanne Baker, Janell Brush, Bobbi Carpenter, Nancy Douglass, Jake Gipson, Alex Kropp, Kyle Minor and Kristin Roger from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for creating a Web-based data repository to monitor Florida’s wildlife. The team’s online program will help preserve Florida’s natural treasures and also save Florida taxpayers more than $500,000.
“I would like to congratulate Ron Taylor, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for receiving the 2014 American Fisheries Society William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award. Ron received this award for his dedication to conservation research and protecting Florida’s natural treasures.
"I would like to congratulate biologist Mike Orlando, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for receiving the Chairman Rodney Barreto Employee of the Year award. Mike received this award for his career-long conservation efforts for Florida’s wildlife."
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(Editor's note: 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 have his/her section leader notify the Inside Job by email.)
Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC. Numbers in parentheses indicate total state service, if different.
35 Years
Joe Johnston – Law Enforcement
Bob Wattendorf – Freshwater Fisheries Mgt.
25 Years
Adrienne Sorg – Law Enforcement
20 Years
Tally Walker – Executive Director’s Office
15 Years
Patrick Dean – Habitat & Species Conservation (16 years, 9 months)
Mark Koryak – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Christopher Troedson – Law Enforcement
10 Years
Precious Boatwright – Law Enforcement
William Lafever – Habitat & Species Conservation
5 Years
Julien Martin – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Eric Mindyk – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Elise Pickett – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Richard Riley – Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Robin Stetler – Executive Director’s Office
Retirees
Janice Stearns – 30 years, 8 months (Fish and Wildlife Research Institute)
Ronald Sacco – 24 years, 6 months (Law Enforcement)
Joseph Chambers – 23 years (Law Enforcement)
Christopher Troedson – 15 years (Law Enforcement)
Karen Ventimiglia – 9 years, 7 months (Executive Director’s Office)
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