The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) and Ron Jon Surf Shop are pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Indian River Lagoon Photo Contest.
Eighty-five photographers from the five-county Lagoon region submitted nearly 250 photos to the contest, which showcases the natural beauty and wildlife of the lagoon.
Thirty winning photos and runners up are featured each year in the Indian River Lagoon Calendar, which is distributed for free through the public library system and by environmental non-profit organizations throughout the region.
“We’ve run the photo contest for the last 17 years,” said Kathy Hill, the Program’s Deputy Director. “And it’s still a treat to see the photos start pouring in every year. We’re really fortunate to have such a talented pool of photographers highlighting the very best of what the lagoon has to offer.” IRLNEP Executive Director, Duane De Freese agreed.
“The Lagoon means quality-of-life for most of us, and the photos make the best case for what’s at stake if we don’t keep working toward reversing the Lagoon’s decline,” he said.
Ron Jon Surf Shop is sponsoring this year’s cash prizes and will distribute calendars to shoppers at their Cocoa Beach location.
“We’re proud to have Ron Jon Surf Shop as an IRLNEP Innovator and Investor partner. With this year’s sponsorship of the calendar contest, they’re continuing to help us engage the community and keep the focus on clean, healthy waters we can all enjoy,” De Freese added.
Winning the Best Photo award of $500 is Jim Mandeville, of Hobe Sound, with his photo “Jupiter Lights Approaching Storm.” Eleven other photographs each won $100.
The complete list of winning photographers is below:
- Jim Mandeville, Hobe Sound – Jupiter Lights Approaching Storm
- Jolynn Linder, Titusville, – Black Necked Stilt and Chick
- Liz Luedke, Edgewater – Starburst at Dusk
- Bob LeClair, Port Orange – Comin’ Atcha!
- Jeremy Carr, Hobe Sound – River Sunset
- Travis Spake, Merritt Island – Mangrove Tunnels
- Dorothy Cunningham, New Smyrna Beach – Rainbow Vista
- Robbyn Spratt, Merritt Island – Lightning on the Lagoon with Star Trails
- Morgan Woodard, Indialantic – Busy Bear Island
- Jim Angy, Indialantic – Green Heron
- Richard Vogel, Indialantic – Fly Fishing on the Lagoon
- Bob LeClair, Port Orange – Mangrove Crab