TAMPA — Lykes Bros. Inc. has been recognized as the 2025–2026 South Region Alpha Landowner of the Year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement for its partnership in support of conservation, resource protection and public safety.

The award recognizes landowners who demonstrate outstanding partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Lykes earned the recognition through continued cooperation, information sharing and support for law enforcement efforts.

"Conservation on this scale depends on strong partnerships and a shared responsibility to protect the natural resources that sustain Florida," said Johnnie P. James Jr., president and CEO of Lykes Bros. Inc. "For more than 125 years, that responsibility has guided how Lykes cares for the land. We are deeply grateful to FWC for recognizing a partnership that helps protect vital habitat and preserve Florida's natural heritage for generations to come."

Lykes' longstanding collaboration with FWC and other conservation partners and government agencies reflects its broader commitment to land stewardship through conservation initiatives including those focused on gopher tortoise relocation and Florida panther protection. Lykes maintains permitted recipient sites that provide suitable habitat for relocated tortoises and has more than 109,000 acres of conservation easements which support recovery of the endangered Florida panther and other wildlife as well as water resources.

For more information, visit Lykes.com.