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About the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation

The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation (FBGF) is a fund raising entity (501c3) created to provide leadership and financial support for the Florida Botanical Gardens. The FBGF began as the Friends of the Gardens in 1993 for the purposes of encouraging interest in and support for a botanical garden in Pinellas County.

The Friends became the FBGF in 2003 as a cooperative public private partnership with the intent to enrich the cultural and educational opportunities of the community at a significantly reduced cost to the taxpayers. The FBGF has successfully partnered with Pinellas County to maintain, expand and improve the Gardens since then.

Our Mission

The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation is committed to creating an environment at the Florida Botanical Gardens for the community to come together for education, inspiration and enjoyment.

Our Values

To ethically, inclusively and respectfully serve our visitors, Foundation members and donors through
  • Advocacy: Advocate for the Florida Botanical Gardens as a locally treasured and globally renowned entity.
  • Collaboration: Develop and foster effective partnerships with our donors, members, volunteers, Pinellas County Government (especially Parks & Conservation Resources), and other organizations that support our mission.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Deliver resources and programming that serve people of all ages, abilities, culture and incomes.
  • Financial Security: Secure financial resources to support our Foundation goals and to help maintain and develop the Gardens.
  • Inspiration: Lift our visitor’s spirits, touch their hearts and engage their minds through our endeavors.
  • Stewardship: Manage the resources entrusted to the Foundation to ensure the conservation and preservation of the natural environment to better serve our current and future generations.

To learn more about our Position Statements and Strategic Initiatives, view our Strategic Plan for 2021-2024.

View the Plan

The Story

walkway in large tree canopy

It all began in the late 1990’s when a small group of dedicated garden lovers dreamt of creating a verdant oasis in the heart of Pinellas County. It is through their efforts the Florida Botanical Gardens opened in December 2000, converting 100 acres in the middle of the most densely populated county in Florida into a diverse garden paradise.

Garden areas are devoted to unique botanical specimens, showcasing outstanding tropical and subtropical flora and fauna, as well as incorporating water and art features. You will see themed formal gardens, featuring roses, topiaries, palms, vines, succulents and azaleas, as well as gardens dedicated to native plants, tropical fruit, herbs and butterflies. The Majeed Discovery Garden delights younger visitors as they are able to connect with nature through its many unique features.  

palm tree
palm trees lit with christmas bulbs

The Foundation has been a major supporter of the gardens since its inception. Foundation events help promote community awareness and generate resources to support growth and enhancements. Holiday Lights in the Gardens provides an enchanting evening where the Gardens are decorated with more than one million sparkling, eco-friendly LED lights.

Visit often, bring a friend, a picnic and discover seasonal delights. Admission is always free. Please help preserve and support this remarkable Pinellas County gem - become a member today!

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Board of Directors & Staff

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John Thomas

Board President

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Vivian Haicken

Co-Vice President

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Alison Nourse-Miller

Co-Vice President

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Martha Vorob

Treasurer

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Dan Beaver

Board Member

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Vernon Bryant

Board Member

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Pete Chiefari

Board Member

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Emma Eshbaugh

Board Member

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Shaune´ Ferguson

Board Member

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Margaret Gates

Board Member

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Kyle Griffith

Board Member

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Mindy LaGrande

Board Member

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Lisa Lombardi

Board Member

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Deb Mallory

Board Member

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Stephanie Messler

Board Member

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Jim Schanz

Board Member

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Neil Scully

Board Member

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Joye Swisher

Board Member

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Ruth Ullery

Board Member

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Emily Goot

Executive Director

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Carol Cortright

Guest Experience Manager

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Megan Riber

Office Manager

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Jessie Wingar

Children's Garden Educator

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Spencer Curtis

Parks and Conservation Resources Liaison