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Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, July 28, 2017

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Governor Rick Scott Appoints LaTasha Green-Cobb to Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of LaTasha Green-Cobb to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
LaTasha Green-Cobb, of Jacksonville, is the chief executive officer of Empowered Action Corporation. She succeeds John Hawthorne and is appointed for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending November 13, 2020.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jim Murphy to the Governing
Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jim Murphy to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Murphy, 57, of Lakeland, is the division president of Florida Sealing Products, Inc. He attended Ohio State University and is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning July 28, 2017, and ending March 1, 2021.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles

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There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:

  • “Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water. When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
  • “Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.

Learn about other ways to help conserve manatees and sea turtles at MyFWC.com/Manatee and MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle, where you also can click on “Decals” to order new or past editions of decals. Go to BuyaPlate.com to purchase a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license plate that supports those species.

FWC partners with Bienville Plantation to conduct bass tournament research

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Pro anglers and industry stakeholders fished at a
simulated tournament to assist in research initiatives.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) partnered with the Bienville Plantation to host two simulated bass fishing tournaments to assist with an ongoing research initiative studying water quality in boat livewells during summer bass tournaments.
Bass caught during fishing tournaments are temporarily held in an angler’s boat livewell until time for the tournament weigh-in. Livewells are holding tanks in a boat that contain aerated water to keep bass healthy until they are released. There are many different livewell settings and management styles, so the FWC designed a research study to determine which combination of livewell settings and management styles provide the best water quality to keep the bass healthy prior to their release.
This tournament was the second of eight events that will contribute to this research initiative. Six additional events will be hosted at other sites throughout the state. This event took place on a 1,300-acre Bienville freshwater lake previously used for phosphate mining, so the lake varied in depth, water clarity, cover and structure. Twenty-two anglers participated in the event on 11 boats, each fishing for a five-fish limit. The largest bass caught weighed 7.3 pounds and the winning total weight was 18.66 pounds.
Fishing League Worldwide pro anglers Braxton Setzer and Joshua Weaver donated their time and talent to the study, along with anglers representing Bienville Plantation, Yo-Zuri, Shimano, Pitman Creek and the American Sportfishing Association.
Bienville Plantation is one of America’s most renowned hunting and fishing operations, catering to individuals as well as families and corporations. Located in White Springs, it offers activities such as quail hunting, guided bass fishing, duck hunting, alligator hunting, skeet, trap, 5-stand, fine dining and well-appointed lodging. For more information, visit Bienville.com.
For more information about this research initiative, email Amber Nabors at [email protected].                 

New FWC BearWise funding will focus on communities with ordinances

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In an effort to help reduce human-bear conflicts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting local governments to apply for BearWise funding for their communities.
The FWC will focus on providing funding to local governments with BearWise ordinances requiring residents and businesses to keep garbage secure from bears. The funding will offset the costs for residents and businesses to use bear-resistant equipment to secure their garbage from bears.
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature appropriated $415,000 for this project and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida added $100,000 from proceeds of the Conserve Wildlife license plate, for a total of $515,000 in available BearWise funding this year.
“Thanks to Gov. Scott, the Florida Legislature and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, these new funds will allow us to continue to expand our work with local community partners to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to help avoid conflicts with bears,” said Nick Wiley, FWC Executive Director.
The FWC invites counties, cities and other local governments to submit applications to be considered for funding. While preference will be given to applications from areas with BearWise ordinances and to large projects benefiting the most people, consideration will also be given to other proposals as funding allows.
Local governments are strongly encouraged to consult with FWC staff to discuss options and implementation before submitting their applications. The FWC will assist any local government considering passing an ordinance, including providing example ordinances.
Last year, the FWC distributed $825,000 in BearWise funding to 11 counties, three cities, and two homeowners associations to purchase 4,000 bear-resistant trash cans, 2,500 sets of hardware to secure regular trash cans, and 40 dumpsters modified to keep bears out. Over 70 percent of funding was provided to local governments with BearWise ordinances.
To be considered, the FWC must receive applications before close of business on Oct. 16. Applications should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attention: Bear Management Program, 620 South Meridian St., 6B, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
For additional details on the funding and application process, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “Live BearWise.”
Help the FWC help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the Conserve Wildlife license plate at BuyaPlate.com.

Spotted seatrout workshops scheduled late July/early August; FWC needs your input

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your input on spotted seatrout management.
The FWC is hosting spotted seatrout public workshops throughout the state in late July and early August. Learn more about the current status of spotted seatrout and share your input on management of this fishery by attending one of these workshops.
Workshops will be from 6 to 8 p.m. local time:

  • July 25: Carrabelle, American Legion, 2316 Oak St.
  • July 26: Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Student Union Building, Conference Room 232A, 5230 West US Highway 98.
  • July 27: Pensacola, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I St.
  • July 31: Cedar Key, Senator George G. Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, 11350 SW 153rdCourt.
  • Aug. 1: Crystal River, City Hall Council Chamber, 123 NW Highway 19.
  • Aug. 2: St. Petersburg, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE.
  • Aug. 3: Naples, South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.
  • Aug. 7: Jacksonville, Jacksonville Public Library Southeast Regional, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
  • Aug. 8: Melbourne area, Brevard County Government Center, Space Coast Room, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera.
  • Aug. 9: Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Commission Chambers, Third Floor Meeting Room 303, 2300 Virginia Ave.

If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Additional details and updates for these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”)

Gag grouper fall season approved in Gulf 4-county region

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At its July meeting in Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved lengthening the Gulf of Mexico gag grouper recreational season in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties by opening the season Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. The Commission also approved changing the gag grouper commercial minimum size limit in Gulf state waters from 22 to 24 inches. This size limit change is consistent with pending federal regulations.
For the gag grouper recreational season, state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties are currently open from April 1 through June 30. The FWC received stakeholder requests for a longer season that would make fishing opportunities in the four-county area more comparable with the rest of the Gulf, where there is a seven-month season that runs June 1 through Dec. 31.
“The regional management of this species has been a success story. Anglers have been able to fish for this species during more desired times of the year while still promoting conservation,” said Chairman Brian Yablonski. “We are excited that we can offer these additional fishing opportunities to Florida’s anglers.”
The current April 1 through June 30 season will remain in place and the fall season from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 will be in place in time for anglers to participate this year.
For more information or to view the presentations given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

FWRI director receives Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award

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The Florida Guides Association honored Gil McRae, the director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, with the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award at the Commission meeting in Orlando on July 11.
The award is presented to those who display a passionate commitment to the conservation of Florida’s marine fisheries.
For 15 years McRae has lead FWRI, which provides the scientific foundation for the management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. He oversees more than 30 FWRI offices across the state, which encompass programs such as the impacts of red tides, freshwater flows and levels, the research that guides the conservation and management actions for many of Florida’s important and unique species, as well as data collection for all of Florida’s saltwater commercial and recreational fisheries.
“We truly appreciate Gil’s expertise and leadership. Our scientists and researchers are the guiding force behind what we do,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski.
McRae received a Bachelor of Science degree in aquatic ecology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science degree in fisheries science with a minor in statistics from the University of Minnesota. He has worked for the FWC since 1995 and has been the director of FWRI since 2002. 
“I know I speak for many when I say it has been a privilege to have Gil at the top tier of FWC’s leadership. Gil’s dedication to his profession, his work ethic and his stellar career with FWRI make him an example to be followed, and personifies the essence of the Capt. Phil Chapman Award,” said Capt. Pat Kelley, Florida Guides Association president.

FWC Officer Philip Stone Receives Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award

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Lake Worth resident Philip Stone, a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has received the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award for Marine Conservation.
Officer Stone was honored for his dedication, particularly to the protection of sea turtles, at the FWC Commission meeting in Orlando. Fish & Wildlife Foundation CEO Andrew Walker made the presentation on behalf of the Guy Harvey organization.
“Well before joining FWC as a marine law enforcement officer in 2009, Officer Stone was active as a volunteer in sea turtle conservation in the Palm Beach area,” Walker said. “His desire to do even more to conserve Florida’s marine life and fisheries was a chief motivation in joining the FWC.”
As an FWC officer, Stone has worked with local law enforcement agencies to minimize impact to nesting and hatchling turtles while they conduct essential nighttime beach patrolling. He’s also helped Palm Beach and Martin county businesses and homeowners reduce coastal lighting that can disorient turtle hatchlings, luring them away from the ocean.
Widely covered in the media in 2016 was the FWC’s apprehension of an individual poaching threatened loggerhead turtle eggs from Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County, an investigation led by Officer Stone. By apprehending the person in the act of digging up eggs, 92 eggs could be reburied and led to the hatching of 32 loggerhead turtles.
When off duty, Officer Stone continues to serve as a sea turtle volunteer, conducting nesting surveys, responding to sea turtle strandings, and ­­­­­– as a volunteer and officer – helping recover sick or injured turtles.
“We think Officer Philip Stone is a fitting choice for this award,” said Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation executive director Greg Jacoski. “He exemplifies all that Guy Harvey and our Foundation stand for – an unwavering lifetime commitment to understanding, conserving and appreciating the irreplaceable creatures that inhabit our oceans. We congratulate him and the FWC for all they do.”
Founded by marine biologist and artist Guy Harvey, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators focused on developing sensible strategies for promoting the conservation of our oceans and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists and guardians of our seas.
Through the generous philanthropy inspired by Guy Harvey’s art, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation will fund exceptional research and innovative educational programs developed by universities, colleges, institutes, and nonprofit organizations.

Fishing association honors 2 FWC officers

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The Florida Guides Association on July 11 in Orlando honored two officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their conservation efforts.
Capt. Pat Kelly, Florida Guides Association president, presented FWC officers Peter “Sean” Gaudion and Michael Bibeau of Hillsborough County with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award.
Officer Bibeau has been an FWC officer for seven years. His patience and dedication set him apart and help him stop those that want to take advantage of Florida’s valuable natural resources and those boating dangerously.
“He is a true ambassador for the FWC and represents all law enforcement officers positively,” said Lt. Thomas Van Trees, Bibeau’s supervisor. “He continues his excellence in resource protection and public safety by sharing his knowledge with other officers.”
Additionally, Bibeau participated in multiple search-and-rescues this year and was nominated for a lifesaving award.
Officer Gaudion joined the FWC in 2013 and stands out for his teamwork and drive to succeed in resource protection and public safety. He frequently networks with other officers and community members to organize efforts to stop major violations. 
“Officer Gaudion truly cares about making a positive impact on the citizens and resources of Florida,” said Lt. William Holcomb, his supervisor. “He maintains a positive attitude that inspires and motivates others.”
His extra work on the FWC’s Special Operations Group led him to respond to two hurricanes last season for multiple days at a time.

FWC names Raymond Mowen Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) named Raymond Mowen of Royal Palm Beach the 2016 Volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year at its July Commission meeting in Orlando. The award recognizes a volunteer who significantly advances the cause of safe hunting through extraordinary service in training and education.
Mowen has volunteered to teach the state’s hunter safety course for 24 years. He was the program’s top producer in 2016, volunteering 289 hours to teach 21 classes (17 as chief instructor) and certifying 476 students.
“Being a hunter safety instructor is very rewarding,” Mowen said. “At the end of the class, when a student looks me in the eyes, thanks me and shakes my hand – I know they got it and will be taking this safety knowledge home and to the field. That’s why I do it.”
Mowen became a volunteer hunter safety instructor after learning about the program at a Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (now the FWC) exhibit booth at the 1989 South Florida Fair.
“But I really got turned on to hunter safety by instructor Rudy Reimsnyder, who’s now been teaching the program for 45 years,” Mowen said. “He presents the material in such a great, positive, hands-on way. I knew at that moment I wanted to be a part of passing down tradition, safety and ethics to the next generation.”
Mowen, who spent six years active duty as an airborne parachute rigger with the U.S. Marine Corps, also volunteered his time with several hunting organizations including roles as founder and president of the Florida Quail Federation, director of the South Florida Dog Hunters’ Association, and member of the Florida Airboat & Halftrack Association.
Because Mowen received the award, he is now in the running and representing Florida for the national title International Hunter Education Association’s Instructor of the Year.
“Ray is doing his part to continue the heritage of hunting in Florida by developing safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters. He is dedicated to making sure his students learn about safe, responsible hunting as well as teaching them about conservation,” said Bill Cline, FWC’s section leader for hunter safety and public shooting ranges. “He also is securing the future of FWC’s hunter safety program by recruiting others to become hunter safety volunteer instructors. We cherish volunteers like Ray.”
 Anyone interested in learning how to become a volunteer hunter safety instructor can go to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety and select “Volunteer.”
Successful completion of a hunter safety course is required for anyone born after May 31, 1975, who wishes to obtain a Florida hunting license to hunt unsupervised. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/HunterSafety.