Staff Spotlight, Ken Neider
Park Ranger, Ken Neider
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Ken grew up in Florida, and he has the stories to prove it. Whether its floating down the Peace River, sport-fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, hiking park trails or boating from one barrier island to the next, Ken enjoys sharing his stories about all there is to be found in the Sunshine State. Every visitor to a state park shares a unique perspective on what attracts them to get out in nature and what keeps them coming back. A common link among these perspectives is simply to have a great time. Ken’s approach helps visitors achieve that goal.
If you are out hiking the 1.25-mile trail between Lemon Bay and the gulf, Ken can help you identify the plants that thrive in that coastal habitat. If you are out for a kayak adventure, Ken can steer you toward neighboring islands or where you are likely to see a dolphin or where the ospreys are nesting this year. If you find a cool shell washed up from the gulf, Ken can help you identify it. But don’t let his easy-going nature fool you: Ken gets major projects completed behind the scenes too, and he makes it look easy.
As a contractor, Ken’s skills in fixing things are evident all over Stump Pass. He led the reconstruction on the park’s ranger headquarters and bathrooms following the damage that resulted from Hurricane Irma. If it can be fixed, patched up, remodeled or built, Ken’s the guy that can do it, and he does. Say hi to Ken when you visit Stump Pass - you will be glad you did.