FPTA Volunteer Awards

Florida Paddling Trail Association Volunteer Recognition

The Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization. What propels this organization forward is the dedication and efforts of its volunteers; without this team or “family’ of volunteers, we would be up the creek without a paddle!

The Florida Paddling Trail Association’s annual awards serve as a way to recognize members, volunteers, partners, and supporters for their incredible contributions to the FPTA and Florida’s waterways. Every year, we ask our partners, members and volunteers to nominate people in the community for their exceptional contributions.

AWARD CATEGORIES

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

This award is presented at the FPTA Presidents’ discretion to an FPTA member (individual, team, paddling club, or business member) who has made extraordinary efforts supporting FPTA’s mission. This award is considered the highest recognition for an FPTA Member, and as such, this is limited to one recipient annually.

2023 Liz Sparks

Since FPTA was established, she has been an integral part of its success. From blazing trails on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT), establishing the Annual CT Reunion in 2014 at Silver Springs, to doing her Trail Angel magic, Liz has always been there. She's a great cook, plays one hell of an air banjo, and is a wonderful/dear friend to many.

2022 Deb Akin

2021 Jill Lingard

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual (or individuals) whose volunteer efforts reflect the spirit of our all-volunteer organization. The following award is selected by the FPTA Board of Directors:

2023 Julie Flynt and Tommy Thompson

Julie is always the first to volunteer, whether it's Trail Angel duties (which she is very passionate about), Trail Keeper events, or volunteering for the 2023 PaddleFest! Her heart has a special place for FPTA and it is reflected in her actions. Her efforts for PaddleFest’s Silent Auction (obtaining donations & sending thank you letters to donors) were key to the auction’s HUGE success! Julie is a dedicated Trail Angel for Region C: Nature Coast/Big Bend and always ready to paddle or offer a safe port for paddlers on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Tommy is an invaluable resource to the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) and to all paddlers in the State of Florida. He has paddled and is extremely knowledgeable of all or most of the waters in the South East, and is paddling the area all the time. Whether volunteering his time and talents as a Region B: Forgotten Coast Trail Angel or mentoring paddlers, Tommy can "walk the walk and talk the talk". He is a tremendous and very generous resource for all paddlers and is an asset to our organization.

2022 Pam Shemet

2021 Joe Webb

2020 Dan Thompson

2019 Wayne Douchkoff

2018 Steve Cournoyer

2017 John Corzine

2016 Bill Stasiewicz

2015 Gus Bianchi

2014 Tom McLaulin

2013 —————

2012 Deb Akin

2011 Dan Thompson

2010 Esther Luft

2009 Judy Engel

2008 John Norris

HANK BROOKS AWARD

The Hank Brooks Award recognizes FPTA Business Members, FPTA Paddle Clubs and Agency Partners that support FPTA’s core missions. While Florida Statutes (Title XVIII, Chapter 260) established the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT), Hank Brooks, the first President of the Florida Paddling Trails Association, laid the foundation for the independent non-profit organization we all know today; The Florida Paddling Trails Association. Under Hank Brooks’ leadership (2007 - 2010), he established FPTA’s core missions.

● Develop and maintain water trails, including the CT. ● Protect the environment along those trails. ● Serve as a resource and voice for paddlers. ● Promote paddling safety.

This award is selected by the FPTA Board of Directors:

2023 Doug Alderson/Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails

Doug is being recognized for his past and present work on the development and promotion of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). In 2007, it was Doug’s vision to establish a nonprofit to support and maintain the CT, known today as the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA). His dedication and contributions as a liaison between the OGT and the FPTA have significantly contributed toward the promotion of the CT (including the successful rewrite of the 8th Edition of the CT Guide) and the continued success of FPTA by serving as an Executive Committee member.

2022 South Florida Paddlers