ONP center named for Jim Thomas

The environmentalist and advocate was recognized for working toward the restoration of Lake Apopka.

By Amy Quesinberry
| 2:33 p.m. February 27, 2019

Jim Thomas and his family: daughter, Ellen McNeil; daughter-in-law and son, Angie and Jay; and wife, Peggy.

West Orange Times & Observer
Neighborhood

Jim Thomas knew he was being recognized, but he had no idea that his name would be emblazoned across the front of the main building of the Oakland Nature Preserve.

On Saturday, Feb. 16, the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center was dedicated in front of Thomas, his family and dozens of friends and fellow conservationists.

Thomas has advocated for the restoration of Lake Apopka since he founded Friends of Lake Apopka in 1991 and was instrumental in the forming of ONP in 1997.

Jim Peterson, left, president of Friends of Lake Apopka, was one of many who congratulated Jim Thomas.

The special ceremony included remarks by Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark, who read a proclamation declaring Feb. 16, 2019, Jim Thomas Day in the town; former Oakland Town Manager Dennis Foltz; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who was a state senator and represented West Orange County in the 1990s when FOLA advocated for the lake’s restoration; FOLA president Jim Peterson; former FOLA president Jack Amon; and Dr. Erich Marzolf, director of the Division of Land and Water Resources for the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Thomas spoke, as well, calling the naming a very big honor.

“I hope we are going to just keep working,” he said. “I don’t want any of you to let up; we’ve got things to do. … I couldn’t be more proud of what’s happened here and seeing it happen has kept me going for years.”

Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark read a proclamation in honor of Jim Thomas.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke to the crowd.

Friends and colleagues congratulate Jim Thomas on the new name of the Oakland Nature Preserve’s headquarters.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.