SUBJECT
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Confirm the appointment of Ms. Tabitha Biehl to serve as the Director of the Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division.
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Charter specifies the county manager’s appointment of executive service employees is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.
The County Manager has appointed Ms. Tabitha Biehl to the position of Director of the Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division, effective October 27, 2025.
With over 20 years of experience in environmental leadership, Ms. Biehl brings a strong background in stormwater management, conservation, public education, and community engagement. She has worked across government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations to develop and lead successful programs that protect Polk County’s natural resources while promoting public access and environmental awareness.
Ms. Biehl began her career in environmental conservation as a Research and Monitoring Biologist with The Nature Conservancy in 2002. There, she led citizen science initiatives like the Florida Scrub-Jay Watch across six Central Florida counties, coordinating over 150 volunteers and fostering partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.
In 2005, she joined the Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division as the Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator, where she managed popular public preserves including Circle B Bar Reserve. She developed and led environmental education programs reaching over 8,000 students annually, supervised staff and volunteers, oversaw restoration projects, and secured $5 million in grant funding to support educational and environmental initiatives.
From 2016 to 2019, Ms. Biehl served as Executive Director of the Lakes Education/Action Drive, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection of Polk County’s 500+ lakes. In this role, she expanded public awareness and engagement through community programs, educational events, and successful fundraising efforts.
Since 2018, Ms. Biehl has served as the Land and Water Natural Areas Manager for Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division. She leads a team of over 30 professionals and coordinates the efforts of more than 150 active volunteers. Her responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, and community investment programs for stormwater and environmental lands. She has secured over $50 million in grant funding, led county-wide strategic initiatives, and built partnerships across departments, municipalities, and community organizations to support conservation, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Ms. Biehl earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology with a specialization in Ecotourism from Purdue University and completed graduate studies in ecology and wetland science. She earned certifications as a Certified Public Manager and Certified Supervisory Manager, as well as numerous environmental certifications, including Prescribed Burner, Master Naturalist Instructor, and Certified Interpretive Guide.
She has played a key role in countywide strategic planning and serves on several advisory boards, including the Florida Stormwater Association, the Gopher Tortoise Technical Advisory Group, and the Heartland CISMA. Her work has consistently focused on aligning environmental protection with community priorities, and she is known for building strong partnerships across local agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers.
Polk County looks forward to Ms. Biehl’s continued leadership in protecting and enhancing the county’s natural resources for current residents and future generations.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend the Board confirm the appointment of Ms. Tabitha Biehl to serve as the Parks & Natural Resources Division Director effective October 27, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT
The Parks & Natural Resources Director is an authorized position in the Adopted FY 25-26 budget. The existing appropriations are sufficient to cover the negotiated salary and benefits, which totals $208,235.83 ($148,126.09 base salary + $60,109.74 estimated benefits)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bill Beasley
County Manager
863-534-6444