Wes Wolfe
The Florida State Parks Foundation has a new member of its Board of Directors — former Rep. Matt Caldwell, who’s presently serving Lee County as its Property Appraiser.
“As a seventh-generation Florida native, I am excited to join the Foundation board and work alongside a passionate group of people supporting our award-winning Florida State Parks,” Caldwell said in a statement.
“During my time in the Florida House of Representatives, I was proud to sponsor — and have the Governor sign into law — dozens of bills, including many related to natural resources. I am honored to help advocate for the protection, sustainment and growth of our world-renowned Florida State Parks.”
The state park system is indeed one of Florida’s legitimate claims to fame. In 2019, Florida State Parks became the first park system in the nation to win four Gold Medal awards from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, having won them previously in 1999, 2005 and 2013. The Academy awards the state parks Gold Medal only once every two years.
Caldwell served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and received the 2018 Republican nomination for Agriculture Commissioner. He won election as Lee County Property Appraiser in 2020. Caldwell began working professionally as a real estate appraiser in 2004.
“We are looking forward to working with Matt and thrilled to welcome him to the board,” said Tammy Gustafson, Florida State Parks Foundation President. “Matt’s background and enthusiasm for Florida’s environment and its conservation will make him a great asset in advancing our mission of preserving our state’s beautiful treasures.”
