PHOTO CONTEST 2024 Professional / Hobbyist Winners

First Place | Alligator Sunrise

Myakka River State Park | Landscape

Deb Skinner

"I love to take photographs, especially of landscapes and nature. Myakka River State Park is one of my favorite places to visit when I am in Florida. I usually come down from Michigan between January and April, so I try to make the most of my time while I am here. Like many photos in this category, it all comes down to timing and light. That is exactly what happened with this shot of Alligator Sunrise. I was exploring the Deep Hole with friends when the moment came together. I took the photo without expecting much from it."

Second Place | Ghost of the Prairie

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park | Wildlife

Jonathan Crossman

"I was hiking during the peak of dry season and was seeking refuge from the heat in one of the hammocks throughout the prairie. When I turned a corner, there was a male bobcat also hiding from the sun’s intense rays cooling off. I’m super grateful for preserved spaces in Florida that give a safe quiet area for large predators. Shoutout to the hardworking rangers and volunteers who keep the parks beautiful!"

Third Place | FireFest

Jonathan Dickinson State Park | Park Adventure

Justin Barnes

"Jonathan Dickinson State Park hosts an annual Festival promoting and educating about the benefits of prescribed burns, called FireFest. Arriving just after sunset, I made it just in time to watch ignition of their public prescribed night burn. This was my first time at the festival and first time witnessing a prescribed burn in person. I had heard about this through a former AmeriCorps Member and have been touring the various state parks since. In this photo I captured a fire technician using his drip torch to spread the fire through the forest. I like the reflection of the fire in his glasses as the fire spreads around him."