Last Updated on November 18, 2022
Authentic Florida was recently the recipient of two “Excellence in Craft” awards at the 2022 Florida Outdoor Writers Association (i.e., FOWA) Conference.
The Conference was held at the Plantation on Crystal River and was sponsored by Discover Crystal River.
Since 1946, FOWA has been a gathering place for outdoor communicators. On a daily, weekly and monthly basis, FOWA members communicate to millions of Florida’s outdoor enthusiasts the bounty and excitement of fishing, boating, hunting and outdoor destinations.
Authentic Florida was recognized as a top Digital Platform winner and Melanie Lentz-Janney was awarded third place for her conservation article: The Buzz on Saving Florida’s Honey Bees.
The 2022 FOWA award recipients included:
Magazine Feature or Newspaper Feature Article, Online or Print, More than 1200 words
1st Place – Message From the Springs Heartland – Doug Stamm
2nd Place – Conch Republic dictionary: Talk like a native when you visit Key West – Karuna Eberl
3rd Place – 10 Tips for Catching Snook in the Surf – Polly Dean
Magazine Short Feature or Regular Column or Newspaper Article or Column under 1200 words
Online or Print, Less Than 1200 Words
1st Place – Remote islands in Florida Keys: 6 hidden, little-known spots – Karuna Eberl
2nd Place – Catching Up With Guy Harvey – Jennifer Huber
3rd Place – Shrimp & Grits 2.0 – Tommy Thompson
Photography / Photojournalism – Published Individual Photos, Photo Stories, Photo Essays
1st Place – Curious Manatee at Crystal River Refuge – Sally White
2nd Place – The Springs of Florida – Doug Stamm
3rd Place – Hooked UP – Cefus McRae
Blog Post – Outdoor Human Interest, Location, Education/Technique or Youth Outdoor Participation
1st Place – 10 Reasons to Love Highlands Hammock State Park – Sebring FL – Jennifer Huber
2nd Place – What’s Happening at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park – Diane Bedard
3rd Place – All About Captivating Crystal River – Diane Bedard
Digital Platform
1st Place – Florida Hikes Website – Sandra Friend and John Keatley
2nd Place – Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail App – Sandra Friend and John Keatley
3rd Place – Authentic Florida.com – Melanie Lentz-Janney
TV/Video/Webcast
1st Place – Low Country Living – Jonathan Moss
2nd Place – Shaky Water – Capt. Jay Withers
3rd Place – BowFishing Hartwell – Cefus McRae
Outdoor Book
1st Place – Florida Trail Hikes – Sandra Friend & John Keatley
2nd Place – Florida Trail Guide – 2nd Edition – Sandra Friend & John Keatley
Outdoor Travel & Destination Story
1st Place – Looking For Treasure on the Treasure Coast – Steve Wayne
2nd Place – Cajun Rendezvous – Jonathan Moss
3rd Place – 12 Keys Animals Not to Miss and When to See Them – Karuna Eberl
Conservation Story
1st Place – Leaving a Natural Legacy in the Family Tradition: Heartwood Preserve – Diane Bedard
2nd Place – Researchers Unravel the Mysteries of Silver Rice Rats – Karuna Eberl
3rd Place – The Buzz on Saving Florida’s Honey Bees – Melanie Lentz-Janney
Family Participation in the Outdoors
1st Place – Hidden Creeks, Secret Springs: A Baird’s Adventure on the Chassahowitzka River – Sally White
2nd Place – Finding Fossils in Florida – A Peace River Adventure – Diane Bedard
3rd Place – Launching Into Paddleboarding – John Keatley
Self-promotion Video, Audio, Web site, Blog site or Phone app created to promote your own business communications. Must have been created in 2021 (Category For Corporate and Tourism Members only)
1st Place – Green Adventure Guide: Sustainable Travel in Ocala/Marion County – Ocala/Marion County VCB
2nd Place – Summer Cycling – How to Roll When the Heat is On – Titusville Area Visitors Council
3rd Place – Fox Lake Park – Titusville Area Visitors Council
Jennifer Huber won the 2021 “Best From Conference”, presented by Visit Sarasota Beaches and Beyond for her story Ten Ways to Love Venice’s Outdoorsy Side.
A big congratulations to all the 2022 Florida Outdoor Writers award winners!
Check out the latest edition of FOWA’s digital magazine, The Market’s Edge, here.
Learn more about the organization: www.FOWA.org.
Sadly, it was announced at the conference that FOWA will be dissolving at the end of the year. We want to thank everyone on the Board for their tireless efforts to pivot through these changing times.