Thomas E. Morrison (DOB 12/22/49) of Jacksonville, and Glen S. Harris (DOB 03/23/43) of Keystone Heights, Clay County, are still missing after their boat overturned in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, approximately 14 miles offshore of Horseshoe Beach.

Morrison and Harris, along with Frank DiPaula (DOB 03/01/35) and Thomas Grant (DOB 04/14/46), both of Keystone Heights, went out Saturday morning to go offshore fishing in a 1978, 21-foot Wellcraft center console open sport fisher.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday, FWC vessels began looking for the boat, which had been reported as overdue. FWC officers searched overnight with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard air assets. The overturned boat was found approximately 14 miles offshore at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday by a U.S. Coast Guard search plane. DiPaula and Grant were with the vessel and an FWC vessel rescued the two men.

FWC officers continued the search for Morrison and Harris until sundown on Sunday.

“We are continuing throughout the day to search for the two missing men,” Capt. John Burton, acting regional commander for the FWC, said Monday, June 17.

The overturned vessel was recovered and towed back to the Horseshoe Beach marina by Sea Tow.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the missing men,” Burton said.

The FWC is continuing the investigation into the accident.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers take this part of their job to heart. In May they interacted with more than 5,000 kids across the state, participating in various youth events and activities.

In addition to protecting Florida’s natural resources and people, FWC officers work to ensure that people can enjoy the Florida outdoors for years to come. Part of that includes educating and inspiring youth to care about conservation.

The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN), coordinated by the FWC and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, is a statewide network of sustainable places where youth and their families can participate in traditional outdoor activities and safely share experiences that inspire lifelong support for fish and wildlife conservation.

The FYCCN’s goal is woven into the expectations of FWC officers as well. Whether attending FYCCN events, hunter safety classes, fishing clinics, wildlife festivals and career days at schools, they are encouraged and expected to participate in youth events when they can. They’ll often bring equipment, like all-terrain-vehicles and airboats, or even their K-9 partners.

The 5,000 children that benefited from interacting with FWC officers last month learned safe ways to enjoy recreating outdoors, how to properly interact with fish and wildlife and about the responsibility that both they and the officers have to protect those resources.

FWC officers fulfill a vital role in the lives of our youth and make a difference in creating the next generation that cares.

For more information about the FYCCN, or to find upcoming summer camps and youth events in your area, visit FYCCN.org.

This weekend Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers will be patrolling the beaches of Palm Beach County in an effort to educate the public on how people can help protect Florida’s nesting sea turtles.

Officers will explain the unintended consequences that can occur when nesting turtles are disturbed by beachgoers. They also will explain the laws in place to protect these turtles.

This year there appears to be a higher than average number of reported false crawls on the area’s beaches. A false crawl is when a turtle comes onto the beach with the intention of laying eggs but returns to the water without nesting.

“False crawls can be caused by a variety of reasons. However, human interaction, including the use of bright lights, is often a cause,” said FWC Capt. John Suggs. “We want to get out on the beaches and let people know that their behavior can prevent sea turtles from nesting, further jeopardizing these threatened and endangered species.”

The Marine Turtle Protection Act stipulates that it is illegal to injure, harm, harass, capture or attempt to capture any marine turtles, eggs or nests. Any person committing such an offense can be facing a third-degree felony charge.

“We appreciate the public’s interest in these unique reptiles, but we want people to know that an action as simple as shining a light on a nesting female can have serious consequences,” said Suggs. “When you are on the beach, don’t interfere with turtles, and give them ample space and time to complete their nesting process, which can take up to two hours.”

The FWC recommends that people interested in watching a turtle nest on the beach attend a permitted public sea turtle watch. Watches are usually held during June and July, and reservations must be made in advance. For a list of organizations permitted to conduct watches, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle and click on “Where to view Sea Turtles.”

If you see someone disturbing a nest or turtle, call the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-FWCC or *FWC from your cell phone.

The Florida Guides Association on June 12 honored two employees of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their conservation efforts.

Capt. Pat Kelly, Florida Guides Association president, presented FWC Officer Bryce Phillippi with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award.

Wes Porak, a biologist with the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, received the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award.

Phillippi’s passion for many saltwater activities and desire for protecting Florida’s outdoors inspired him to become an FWC officer in 2010, after serving as a reserve officer for three years.

“Phillippi began working in Hillsborough County in 2012. During one of my first weeks as his supervisor, he asked me if he could work on his day off to investigate someone he suspected was illegally working commercial blue crab traps,” said FWC Lt. George Wells. “His hard work and determination paid off and he was able to catch the man and stop him from doing further harm to the resource and local economy.”

Phillippi protects not only the resources, but the boating public as well. In addition to cases made for undersized sheepshead, selling oysters without a saltwater products license, possession of goliath grouper and more, he has been involved in several search-and-rescue missions and boating accident investigations.

“Bryce always assists the boating public when they are in need and strives to teach them about safe boating,” Wells said. “His can-do attitude goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Porak is the first freshwater biologist to receive the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award. He has spent more than three decades as a state biologist contributing to the conservation of black bass and other freshwater fish for the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

“Porak’s conservation efforts for freshwater fisheries and his mentoring of young biologists leave a legacy that will survive long beyond his retirement from the FWC,” said Jason Dotson, leader of the Institute’s Freshwater Fisheries Research Section. “I can say without any hesitation that the FWC is a better organization, and the state of Florida is a better place to fish because of his career contributions to conservation.”

Porak was also honored earlier this year with the Rich Cailteux Award by the Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. The award recognizes individuals who have maintained a long-term commitment to research, management and/or conservation of Florida fisheries and aquatic resources.

Robert Lee Alvord (DOB 06/29/82) and Kenneth W. Rehberg (DOB 02/24/83), both of Branford, were charged with grand theft for stealing parts for their boat/dock Jeep special, which was created by installing a Jeep Cherokee chassis on a section of a pontoon dock, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers.

An alert had been sent out to FWC officers about the stolen pontoon dock, which had gone missing from a residence on the Santa Fe River several weeks ago. If the stolen property was located, officers were asked to contact the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office because the sheriff’s office was investigating the theft.

FWC Investigator Terrynce Bing realized he had conducted a boating safety inspection on the unique craft a few days prior to the alert being sent out. He had given a citation to the operator because the vessel was unregistered and was powered by an outboard motor. Bing checked out the description of the stolen dock in the alert and realized that the craft he had cited matched the distinguishing characteristics of the pilfered pontoon dock.

Bing contacted the two men, who admitted they had taken the dock. Alvord told Bing that his unique vessel was very popular on the river and had received plenty of comments.

The pontoon dock was valued between $400 and $600. The custom work was removed and the dock returned to the rightful owner in its original condition on June 1.

“This case is a great example of how the FWC and the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office work together to solve cases in the area,” said FWC Lt. Tim Kiss, Columbia County patrol supervisor.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers arrested two men June 2 for poaching spiny lobsters in Miami-Dade County. The men illegally possessed 468 wrung lobster tails.

Officers arrested Javiel Vergel (DOB 04/29/76) and Eriel Menendez Casanas (DOB 01/20/74), both of Hialeah, for a multitude of misdemeanor charges, including possession of lobster tails out of season.

They grossly exceeded the daily bag limit of six lobsters per person per day, which is in effect during the regular lobster season: Aug. 6 through March 31. Also, lobster must remain in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body before bringing the lobster ashore is prohibited.           

Of the illegally harvested lobsters, 283 were also undersized, and one was an egg-bearing female. Egg-bearing female lobsters are always illegal to harvest in Florida.

The men also possessed one undersized stone crab claw and one queen conch. Stone crab season is currently closed, and queen conch are illegal to possess in state waters.

The FWC received information from a local law enforcement agency regarding two men acting suspiciously while loading a boat onto a trailer at the Watson Island boat ramp. When the officers investigated further, they discovered a garbage bag full of lobster tails.

FWC officers responded to the scene and conducted a fisheries inspection. They discovered more grocery bags full of spiny lobster tails stowed in various compartments on the vessel.

“The possession of more than 450 illegally harvested lobster tails is a serious violation,” said FWC Maj. Alfredo Escanio, regional commander. “This incident demonstrates how strong working relationships with other law enforcement agencies can help the FWC protect our natural resources. The FWC will work to catch any individuals, like these, who purposely violate the rules and regulations in place to protect these precious resources.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet June 11-13 in Lakeland at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Drive. The meeting is open to the public, and all interested individuals may speak within the guidelines established by the Commission.

The June 11 workshop starts at 1 p.m. with the consideration of 11 consent agenda items, among which include eliminating the requirement for a recreational fishing license when targeting the nonnative, invasive lionfish with certain gear, and not imposing recreational or commercial limits on harvesting.

After that, Director Nick Wiley will present his Executive Director’s Report. Next, Commissioners and staff will review and discuss the agency’s budget-development process.

On both Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, the meeting reconvenes at 8:30 a.m.

The Commissioners will discuss several marine fisheries management issues during the June 12 session, including a draft rule addressing Boca Grande Pass fishing gear. This proposal would enhance the definition of “snagging” or “snatch hooking” in the tarpon rule and would prohibit the use and possession of gear rigged with a weight attached to the bottom of the hook while fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

In a final public hearing, the Commission will decide whether to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries, and create a new general chapter that will include definitions and general regulations that would be applied to all saltwater fishing.

The Commission will also review and discuss Florida snook populations. This will include considering whether to let an executive order, which made snook in the Gulf catch-and-release only, expire on Aug. 31.  

Staff will also update the Commission on current Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council actions.

On June 13, following recognitions that include the high school state champion fishing team and youth angler, awards will be presented to the Youth Hunting Program Landowner of the Year and the Florida program’s volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year.

The Commission will also examine a draft rule that would prohibit the importation of live deer into the state, to prevent chronic wasting disease from being introduced into Florida’s deer herd.

Following action on the previous agenda item, the Commission will consider draft rule proposals that would make changes to the Alligator Farming Program and the Private Lands Alligator Management Program. Next on the agenda is a discussion of a draft rule that would reduce user conflicts and eliminate confusing language about the FWC’s haul seine program on Lake Okeechobee.

The final draft rule discussion for the day deals with endangered and threatened species. Staff will present a recommendation to approve a one-year extension to November 2014, which would allow more time for the FWC and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to further develop and adopt Best Management Practices to conserve wildlife on agricultural lands.

Staff will update Commissioners on the progress that has been made on drafting an Imperiled Species Management Plan to conserve 60 species. This will include draft species action plans released this year for public input, which can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Imperiled.

Following public comment on items not on the agenda and before the meeting adjourns, Commissioners will elect a new Commission chairman and vice chairman.

For the complete agenda, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.”

Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling 850-488-6411. Contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice) if you are hearing- or speech-impaired.

The next regular Commission meeting will be in Pensacola on Sept. 4-6, the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after Labor Day weekend. Sessions will commence at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. each day thereafter.

Travis Clayton McFatter (DOB 03/24/86), Blake Dalton King (DOB 08/24/92), Zachary David Espenship (DOB 09/12/92), all of Lake City, and Dustin Wayne Parrish (DOB 10/15/86), of Lulu, were cited by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers.

The photographs showed McFatter and King posing with several freshly harvested turkeys and McFatter also posing with a dead alligator.

FWC investigators interviewed the two men. McFatter admitted to investigators that he had killed five turkeys during the season, as well as taking two birds in one day. The legal daily bag limit is one turkey, and the season bag limit is two birds. One of the photos McFatter had posted showed three harvested gobblers. He received that photo from his cousin, Parrish, but didn’t know the details about the birds.

“Mr. McFatter also explained he picked up the road-killed alligator near his house,” said FWC Investigator Todd Hoyle. “He took the gator home, snapped a few photos and ate the meat.”

McFatter was charged with taking over the daily bag limit for turkeys, three counts of taking over the season limit of two turkeys and possession of an untagged alligator. He was also given two noncriminal citations for no hunting license and no turkey stamp.

During his interview with investigators, King admitted to killing four turkeys.

“Mr. King gave permission to search his truck, and investigators found fresh blood in the bed and on the tailgate of his pickup,” Hoyle said. “He told us that he and his friend, Mr. Espenship, were headed home from their hunting club and saw a deer standing on the shoulder of the road. Mr. Espenship then shot the deer.”

Espenship admitted to killing the deer while it stood blinded by the headlights of the truck. He gave investigators four bags of deer meat and the.22-caliber Winchester rifle he used to kill the animal.

King was charged with two counts of taking over the season limit of wild turkey, taking deer out of season and taking deer at night by use of gun and light.

Espenship was charged with taking deer out of season and taking deer at night by use of gun and light.

When investigators interviewed Parrish, he admitted to taking three gobblers – two on the opening morning of spring turkey season and one bird on Easter morning. He was charged with taking over the daily bag limit and taking over the season bag limit.

In all, after a two-day investigation, FWC officials issued a total of 13 misdemeanors and two infractions.

“This is a great case and shows how our investigators and officers work together, as well as how important it is for us to follow up on complaints we receive,” said Capt. Martin Redmond, FWC area supervisor.

Warren C. Hall (DOB 09/22/60) and Franklin T. Babb (DOB 09/22/60) died and Alicia H. Babb (DOB 06/18/62) was injured when their boat collided with a dock, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials.

The accident occurred south of the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine.

The three were returning to the Vilano Boat Ramp after a day of boating. They were ejected into the water after the collision.

Another boater was able to rescue Ms. Babb from the water. Hall and Babb were recovered in the vicinity of the collision.

The boat was a 2000 16-foot open-motor boat.

The FWC is continuing the investigation.

James Ricks Jr. (DOB 09/10/69) is missing, and the search for him continues.

FWC investigators said that Ricks was operating the boat and on the way back to the Arlington Boat Ramp when he shut down the engine and jumped into the St. Johns River, near the mouth of the Ortega River. The boat’s passengers attempted to toss him a line.

Ricks was unable to reach the line and never resurfaced.

Sunday, members of the FWC, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard searched for Ricks. The search was resumed early Monday morning.

The passengers were:

• Harrison Barr (DOB 10/26/76), Jacksonville;
• Charlotte Lundy (DOB 08/16/57), Perry;
• Pamela O'Neal (DOB 02/16/70), Jacksonville;
• Jennifer Ricks (DOB 07/20/73), Jacksonville;
• Phillip L. Smith (DOB 01/02/69), Jacksonville.