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News Release

FWC honors brave officer, persistent scientist and talented artist

September 9, 2009
Contact: Henry Cabbage, 850-528-1755

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) opened its meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9 by recognizing a wildlife artist, a scientist and an officer for their valuable contributions to conservation.

At the meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills, Commissioners signed a resolution honoring FWC Officer Vann Streety's courageous efforts the day he was shot multiple times in the line of duty. On July 15, Streety's skillful work eventually resulted in the incarceration of a "dangerous, armed individual who posed an extreme threat to human life," the resolution noted.

The resolution expressed the Commission's deep appreciation and admiration for the valuable service rendered by Streety, who is still recuperating from the wounds sustained while on routine patrol in Brevard County.

Streety was born in Leon County and graduated from Leon High School in 1984. The 42-year-old officer is married and has three children.

Heroic efforts come in many forms. The FWC recognized Dr. Karen Steidinger of Parrish for doggedly researching harmful algal blooms - particularly red tide. In fact, the Florida red tide organism "Karenia brevis" is named after her.

She was recognized for receiving the 2008 Yasumoto Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae. Through her work, she recognized that blooms possess multiple, sequential phases, which helped science understand the role that nutrients and environmental forces have on red tide development.

Although Steidinger retired in 2003, she continues to work with the staff of the state's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg.

Artists also further the cause of healthy wildlife and habitats. Orlando artist Bill Bishop's paintings, illustrations and sculptures of fish and his writings about fishing have informed and entertained those reading books, columns and magazines about his favorite pastimes - tarpon and fly fishing.