Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2025) – County Manager Bill Beasley announced the appointment of Tabitha Biehl as Director of Polk County’s Parks and Natural Resources Division. Biehl was confirmed by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and will begin serving in the role on Monday, Oct. 27.
As Parks and Natural Resources Director, Biehl oversees a budget of approximately $162 million, 182 employees and the Parks and Natural Resources Division’s daily operations.
“As I step into this new role, I’m reminded that our work is about legacy and ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature, learn from it and find peace within it,” said Biehl. “We will continue to build partnerships, advance innovation and strengthen community connections, all with the same care and conviction that have brought us this far.”
Biehl has served as Land and Water Natural Areas Manager for the Parks and Natural Resources Division since 2018. Under her leadership, the division has secured more than $50 million in grant funding to support environmental stewardship, stormwater management and recreational amenity enhancements. She joined the county in 2005 as an Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator.
Biehl earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology with a specialization in ecotourism from Purdue University and completed graduate coursework in ecology and population modeling at the University of Central Florida and wetlands ecology at the University of Florida.
Biehl succeeds Gaye Sharpe, who is retiring from the county following 35 years of service, with seven of those years as director. Biehl will earn $148,000 annually.
Source: Polk County Communications Division
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