Ray Vinson joined Big Waters as Land Stewardship Manager in November 2025. He grew up in Tampa, spending time with his family in beautiful places like Cayo Costa and Myakka River State Park. After graduating from University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in environmental science and policy he joined Florida State Parks AmeriCorps, where he began learning about invasive plants and prescribed fire. After working as a park ranger at Honeymoon Island and Rainbow Springs he jumped on the opportunity to for Sarasota County Natural Resources. From there he moved on to manage natural areas at Manatee County and City of St Petersburg, developing skills in prescribed fire leadership and project management. He is a certified prescribed burner with a successful history of reintroducing fire in the urban interface. He is the co-chair of the Suncoast Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area working to educate professionals and the public about controlling invasive species. He loves spending time snorkeling, biking trails and sailing with his wife Alyssa and their two children Luke and Annabelle.
Ray Vinson
Land Stewardship Manager
My childhood was defined by trips to Myakka State Park, Cayo Costa, and Looe Key. Today, if I’m not working to protect our natural lands, I’m out exploring them—whether I’m hiking, biking, diving, or fishing. I feel so lucky to spend my days protecting Florida's wild spaces so that my kids can grow up with the same adventures I had.
