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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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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...
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