LEE COUNTY VCB
Executive Director Tamara Pigott, right, presented the 2025 Junonia Award to Toni Westland at the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 12 in Bonita Springs.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) presented the Junonia Award to Toni Westland at its Annual Meeting on Nov. 12 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs.

She was the supervisory refuge ranger at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Westland retired in May after a 27-year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Her contributions were never constrained to the title on her business card, because Toni has worn more hats than most of us own. She was an educator, media liaison, visitor services lead, mobile classroom driver, and yes, our wildlife ambassador extraordinaire,” VCB Executive Director Tamara Pigott said. “Today, we don’t just recognize a career, we acknowledge a calling as we celebrate a lifelong commitment to nature, education, creativity and community.”

During her tenure, Westland brought innovative ideas, like the Wildlife on Wheels (WoW) mobile classroom, Roving Ranger mobile visitor center and award-winning Learning Lavatories, to life. From building pollinator gardens in Title I schools to mentoring young environmental educators, she has always believed that nature should be shared and protected by everyone.

In retirement, Westland continues her environmental education mission as Art Ranger Toni, creating hand-painted wearables and home goods inspired by nature and made from repurposed materials.

The Junonia Award honors individuals who have positively impacted the local tourism community through their exceptional leadership, dedication and unique talents. Created in 2006, it is named for the junonia — a treasured shell known for its rarity and exceptional quality that is on every sea sheller’s bucket list.

In addition to the award, the VCB unveiled its new Sales & Marketing Plan — themed “Growing Together” — to industry partners at the meeting. Keynote speaker and Brand USA President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Dixon spoke about the state of global travel and what is in store for 2026.

To view the VCB’s 2024-25 Sales & Marketing Plan presentation, visit https://www.visitfortmyers.com/sites/default/files/2025-11/FY%202025-2026%20Sales%20%26%20Marketing%20Plan.pdf.

To reach LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU, please email