Space Coast Images Among Florida Wildlife Federation Statewide Photo Contest Winners

images capture some of Florida’s most iconic and ecologically important scenes

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA — The Florida Wildlife Federation unveiled the winners of the 2025 Lou Kellenberger Florida Photo Contest, including a threatened Florida scrub-jay in flight at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and kayakers making their way down the St. Sebastian River.

Kayaking on the St. Sebastian River by Jeff Howe and Florida Scrub Jay by Marcos Rodriguez showcase exceptional photography that captures the essence of wild Florida.

These images capture some of Florida’s most iconic and ecologically important scenes, taken right in your own backyard. We are grateful to these photographers for helping us tell the story of why wild Florida is worth protecting.

This year’s theme, Florida in Focus, encouraged photographers of all backgrounds to highlight the state’s extraordinary biodiversity, natural habitats, and outdoor experiences through their lens.

From the intricate patterns of native orchids to the sweeping vistas of Florida’s coastal landscapes and the wonder of wildlife in motion, this year’s entries offered a compelling visual narrative about why Florida is worth protecting.

Thousands of submissions poured in from across the state, representing every corner of the Sunshine State and its cherished ecosystems.

“As we near our 90th anniversary, this year’s photo entries do more than showcase Florida’s stunning species and landscapes – they’re powerful reminders of what we’re fighting for,” said Sarah Gledhill, President and CEO of the Florida Wildlife Federation.

“We thank the photographers who brought wild Florida into focus and shared these moments that move us to keep protecting it for wildlife and future generations alike.”

2025 Photo Contest Winners by Category

Wildlife:

• 1st Place – Gopher Tortoise by Parks Marilla
• 2nd Place – Spiny Lobster by Gabriel Jensen
• 3rd Place – Alligator Hatchling by Ethan Coyle
• Honorable Mention – Smiling Otter by Marcos Rodriguez

Birds

• 1st Place – Florida Scrub Jay by Marcos Rodriguez
• 2nd Place – Sandhill Cranes by Robert Gloeckner
• 3rd Place – Pileated Woodpeckers by Mark Schocken
• Honorable Mention – Great Horned Owl by Elizabeth Phillips

Native Plants

• 1st Place – Cypress Trees by Don Pelliccia
• 2nd Place – Orange-fringed Orchid by Pankaj Kumar
• 3rd Place – Buttonbush by Christopher Harrington
• Honorable Mention – Cypress Knees by Stephen Poffenberger

Landscapes

• 1st Place – Amelia Island by Stan Cottle
• 2nd Place – Blue Cypress Lake by Judy Haran
• 3rd Place – St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge by Michael Rodock
• Honorable Mention – Green Springs Park by Kristina Gavigan

Recreation

• 1st Place – Kayaking on the St. Sebastian River by Jeff Howe
• 2nd Place – Daily Walk at Honeymoon Island State Park by Tiffany Gloeckner
• 3rd Place – Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park by Brian Kamprath
• Honorable Mention – Fishing on Anna Maria Island by Christopher Berg

People’s Choice Award:

Whooping Crane by Lizzi Fricker: Voted by the public during the online voting period July 12–22, this image received the most votes and resonated widely with viewers for its striking composition and emotional impact.

Prizes and Recognition: Winning photos will be featured in the 2026 FWF 90th Anniversary Calendar, with additional prizes including gift cards, state park passes, and FWF merchandise. People’s Choice and Lucky Lens winners also receive special prize packs and recognition.

Upcoming Livestream: To celebrate World Photography Day, FWF will host a special livestream event, Capturing Conservation, on Tuesday, August 19, from 6 – 7 p.m. live on Facebook and YouTube. The program will highlight the power of visual storytelling in conservation and feature photo contest winners as they share the stories behind their images and their connection to Florida’s natural world.

The photo contest honors the memory of Louis P. Kellenberger, Jr., a passionate nature photographer and longtime FWF board member, whose work and love for Florida’s wild places continue to inspire. Lou and his wife, Betsy, helped shape the contest into the beloved event it is today.

View all winning photographs and learn more about the Federation’s work.

The Florida Wildlife Federation is a statewide non-profit dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild spaces by taking action today to prevent irreversible loss tomorrow. Since 1936, we’ve united conservationists, anglers, hunters, recreationists, and wildlife enthusiasts to protect Florida’s ecosystems.

From the halls of the legislature to the homes of everyday Floridians, we’ve achieved milestones such as securing protections for iconic species like the Florida panther and constitutional amendments for land and water conservation. With a steadfast commitment to tackling challenges like pollution and unchecked development, we envision a future where Florida’s natural resources are fiercely protected by and for all.

Similar Stories