Staff Spotlight, Gregory Tompkins
Park Ranger, Gregory Tompkins
Anastasia State Park
Soon after moving to Florida in 1994 I fell in love with Florida State Parks. I can still remember my very first park visit. My wife and I took a canoe trip at Ichetucknee Springs and just like that, I was hooked. Over the next 20 years we spent many days and nights in various state parks from Fort Clinch, Topsail Hill Preserve, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and many more in between.
After arranging some group volunteer days at Gold Head Branch and Stephen Foster it occurred to me that I could do more to give back to the parks that have given me and my family so many wonderful memories.
In May of 2014 I took a position at Big Talbot Island State Park and in November of 2016 I transferred to Anastasia State Park. I am currently a Park Ranger and a member of our district fire team which is a dream come true. As a strike team member, I have been privileged to be able to help our state recover from two hurricanes and one wildfire season. When I am not out with our fire team you can usually find me at Anastasia helping my fellow rangers with everything from interpretive programs to maintenance projects. Being able to share my love of the parks with my coworkers and park visitors is truly a blessing that I hope to continue for many more years.