07/30/2025
Staff Spotlight – Meet Mike Hammond
Coordinator, Calusa Blueway – Lee County Parks & Recreation
Today, we’re thrilled to feature Mike Hammond, a longtime member of the Lee County Parks & Recreation team with over 20 years of dedicated service. Mike currently serves as the Calusa Blueway Coordinator, a role he’s held for the past decade, sharing the beauty, history, and ecology of Southwest Florida’s waterways with residents and visitors alike.
Mike began his Parks & Recreation career as a Program Specialist at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, where he led environmental education programs, paddling excursions, and outdoor events. He then moved into the Ranger Unit, including time with the Conservation 20/20 program, before stepping into his current role.
“The best part of my job is sharing the beauty of our waterways and wildlife with others,” Mike says. “It’s incredible to be with someone when they spot a manatee, dolphin, or sea turtle for the first time. Those moments never get old.”
Although Mike didn’t grow up in Lee County, he was drawn to the area during a vacation years ago, paddling sections of what is now the Calusa Blueway, exploring beach parks, and walking through the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Since relocating, he’s become a regular user of Lee County’s parks, hiking trails, and paddling launches. His children have participated in camps and sports programs throughout the system.
What motivates him? “I love nature, paddling, Florida’s unique history, and working with people,” he says. “This job lets me bring all of that together every day.”
Outside of work, Mike has found deeper purpose through Parks & Recreation by getting involved with organizations like Special Olympics and Surfers for Autism. “Anyone who has worked with these or similar groups knows what an incredible gift it is to be part of their world.”
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the passionate individuals who help us “Build Together, Play Together.”
