Taylor started her Florida Park Service journey as a volunteer at Oleta River State Park in June 2020 and was offered a part-time park ranger position at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park within a couple of months.

Once reaching retirement age, many people are overjoyed to never have to clock in again, but not Larry Thurow! Larry came out of retirement recently to serve as the assistant park manager for the state parks in the Islamorada area after several years of volunteering. When asked why he decided to start work again, Larry says, “This way we can volunteer and get paid for it. We can serve the parks year-round!”

Growing up in Florida, Brent Garrett has always had a love of the outdoors, whether fishing, playing soccer or going to the beach with friends. Brent has fond memories with his dad fishing and learning new techniques to catch fish and how to help preserve nature for the future.

Kathy's positive attitude and enthusiasm earned her the District 1 Employee of the Month Award for June 2021 and the 2021 Florida Park Service District 1 Employee of the Year Award.

Senior Clerk Emerita Ortiz loves helping people have an enjoyable and rewarding experience when visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

John Lidington first discovered John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in 2014, but for a few years could visit only while on vacation. As a high-school teacher, he was immediately impressed by the large role education played in the park’s mission. 

Art was drawn to work at the park by his love for the ocean along with the plant and animal life within its boundaries.

Florida is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. Many of our native critters have gotten a tough reputation. Whether foreign or familiar, we’re here to debunk some of the misconceptions about Florida’s most misunderstood “spooky” species.

After retirement and relocating to Florida, Don found his new passion volunteering at Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island state parks.