Rick O’Connor, Florida Sea Grant Agent for UF/IFAS Extension in Escambia County, has been awarded the 2017 Don Sweat Sea Grant Extension Award.
The award is presented annually to a Florida Sea Grant agent who takes initiative, creativity, and leadership in his or her extension program.
His programs include topics on coastal invasive and nuisance species, restoring habitat and fisheries, monitoring water quality and biological indicators, and enhancing marine literacy for the community. He is a native of Pensacola and enjoys a variety of outdoor recreation activities with his family.
Rick’s name has been added to the permanent plaque on display at the Florida Sea Grant state headquarters at the University of Florida.