The 2007 awards were announced at FOWA's annual conference, held this year in Homosassa on September 15. David Brown, of Tampa, took three first-place awards in the Newspaper Article, Travel/Destination Story and Special Communication categories. He received a second place award for Magazine Feature, and a pair of third-place honors for Magazine Feature and Article Series.

Tommy Thompson, of Gainesville, won a first place in How-To Story, for "Scouting for Scallops," which appeared in the July 2006 issue of FS. For another How- To Story, Thompson took third place. Tommy also won an honorable mention for Travel/Destination Story, "Time to Join the Circus," published in FS in February 2006 issue.

Larry Larsen, of Lakeland, won second prize in Photojournalism and two honorable mentions, one for How-To Story and one for Web site category, in this case his own site, www.larsenoutdoors.com

Brown, Thompson and Larsen are all long-time Contributing Editors at FS.

Pat Ford, a Miami-based photographer whose work has been featured in FS and sister publication Shallow Water Angler, took home top honors in the Book category, for "The Best Fly Fishing Trips." Ford also won third prize in Travel/Destination story.

John Kumiski, a Chuluota writer and flats guide, took second prize in Travel/Destination Story.

FOWA awards reflect the association's commitment to recognizing the work of outdoor photojournalists in Florida. The association was founded in 1945. Membership benefits, for new writers and veterans alike, include networking with other writers and editors, contacts with various companies, and leads for story ideas from tourism boards, fishing guides and other sources. For details on FOWA, visit www.fowa.org or contact Executive Director Doug Kelly at doug7kelly@hotmail.com