2025 PARK RANGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Florida Park Service Ranger Association Honors Melissa Shoemaker as Park Ranger of the Year

The Florida Park Service Ranger Association has named Melissa Shoemaker as the recipient of the 2025 Park Ranger of the Year Award. Shoemaker, a dedicated park services specialist at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula and Constitution Convention Museum State Parks, received the honor for her exceptional contributions. The award ceremony was held April 5, 2025, during the association’s annual meeting at Lake Louisa State Park. Shoemaker was selected from statewide nominations representing more than 1,000 Florida Park Service employees.

Shoemaker exemplifies the "Ranger First" ethos through her dedication, selflessness, and leadership. Her "service above self" attitude is evident in her hands-on approach, from mentoring colleagues and coordinating events to conducting sea turtle patrols and participating in controlled burns. She inspires her team and volunteers with her positivity and patience, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Her ability to balance fieldwork with community engagement underscores her commitment to the Florida Park Service’s mission.

"Everything she does comes from the bottom of her heart with the most positive attitude you’ll come across, and she never seeks recognition or attention for herself,” wrote Park Manager Jonathan Dillard, who nominated Shoemaker. “I could not imagine having the success we have had at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park over these last couple of years without Melissa. She is a shining star of the Florida Park Service."

Shoemaker was chosen from among district awardees, including Sam Cole of Ichetucknee Springs State Park (District 2), Steve Gard of Anastasia State Park (District 3), Kyle Easley of Hillsborough River State Park (District 4), and William Moore of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (District 5). Each finalist was recognized for their "Ranger First" service and dedication.

The Park Ranger of the Year Award, hosted by the Florida Park Service Ranger Association and sponsored by Tyler Technologies, is in its fourth year. The award recognizes Florida Park Service employees who exemplify the "Ranger First" philosophy: service to the land, to the public, and "service above self." Judges include former state park service directors, and representatives from partner organizations.

All Florida Park Service employees, regardless of title, are eligible for the award. “Park rangers are the heart of Florida’s award-winning state parks, and we want to recognize these exceptional employees who serve every day to make our state parks the very best in the nation,” said Donald Forgione, president of the Ranger Association.