PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 23, 2009 - Winners of the eighth annual Indian River Lagoon Photo Contest have been selected from nearly 300 submissions received this year.
The annual contest highlights the lagoon's ecological, economic and recreational significance. Entries ranged from scenic sunrises and sunsets to photos of wildlife, boating, fishing and other forms of recreation.
"The enthusiasm we receive for the contest is overwhelming," said Troy Rice, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program director. "This is the first year that we weren't able to offer prize money to contest winners, and despite that, we still had a difficult time choosing the winners because of the tremendous support of the region's many talented photographers. People really look forward to participating in the contest and to seeing the new calendar every year -- it's just a wonderful way to teach people about how important the lagoon is."
Ursula Dubrick of West Melbourne submitted the winning photo, "Snowy Egret Reflection." Jack Rodgers of Oviedo captured second place with his photo, "Cool Blue Morning." Gail Cohen of Vero Beach won third place for her photo, "A Piece of History." These photos and more than 25 others are featured in the 2010 Indian River Lagoon Calendar, which will be available in most public libraries and the St. Johns River Water Management District's Palm Bay Service Center by mid-December.
The calendar, as well as application materials and contest rules for next year's contest, may be downloaded in January from the District's Web site at
itsyourlagoon.com. For additional information, call Kathy Recore at (321) 984-4950.