Florida VMA

Event: Annual meeting, April 5-8, Tampa
Awards: President's Award: Dr. Larry G. Dee, Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Dee (Auburn '69) co-owns Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. From 2008-14, he represented District IV on the AVMA Board of Directors. Dr. Dee is a past president of the FVMA, American Animal Hospital Association, and American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He is treasurer of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Jack L. Blackwood, DeFuniak Springs. Dr. Blackwood (Auburn '82) owns Walton County Animal Clinic in DeFuniak Springs. He co-founded the Okaloosa-Walton Veterinary Emergency Clinic, serving as president of its board of directors for several years, and launched the Animal Sterilization Assistance Program of Walton County. Dr. Blackwood is a past member of the FVMA Financial Committee. Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Mitsie Vargas, Winter Haven. Dr. Vargas (Tuskegee '94) practices at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven. A past president of the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society, she has served on the FVMA's Awards and Veterinary Assistant/Technician Certification committees. Dr. Vargas is a certified veterinary journalist. Gold Star Award: Drs. Jenifer A. Chatfield, Dade City; Donald S. Howell, Largo; Tracey Ladue, Orange Park; Jennifer Locke, Jacksonville; Harvey Partridge, St. Petersburg; Thomas M. Potter, Tallahassee; Lauren Prather, Winter Garden; Ruth-Anne Richter, Brandon; Claudia Valderrama, Hallandale; and John S. Woodby, Miami
Officials: Drs. Marc A. Presnell, Lakeland, president; Michael Epperson, Fort Walton Beach, president-elect; Donald H. Morgan, Largo, treasurer; Alex "Steve" Steverson, Tallahassee, immediate past president; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. Ernest C. Godfrey, Pinellas Park, and Richard B. Williams, Jacksonville