Steve Knight was born in New Orleans in 1940. He was raised in Madison County and was a 1959 graduate with honors of the North Florida Junior College, received his AA Science Degree in 1961, and later received his BS degree from Florida State University in Science Education. Shortly thereafter he completed the Florida State Board of Health Training School and in 1967 became a Registered Sanitarian.
Steve retired from the Columbia County Environmental Health Department, a part of the Columbia County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health, after working there for 39 years. He served as the local environmental health director from 1981-1993 and was the Environmental Specialist III Coordinator from 1993-2003.
While working at the environmental health department, he found a hobby that grew over the years. A hobby that led him across different parts of the country and allowed him to share a connection with his ancestors. He became a civil war reenactor.
Steve had an ancestor in the original Olustee Battle. He was anxious to experience by participating as a reenactor to what his ancestor may of felt. He has been involved in the reenactments since 1980 and also participates in the Creek and Seminole Indian Battle reenactments. He is a member of the Sixth Florida Battalion, Company B.
Steve came to the forefront on many occasions to speak to groups at the schools about the Olustee Battle and also recruited a lot of young men into becoming reenactors.
He was an active member of the Jaycees where he learned to work on community projects.
One of his greatest enjoyments was to become a Scout Leader for ten years when the Jaycees sponsored Troop 522. They had 14 Eagle Scouts produced during that period.
Steve has been a sports photographer for the Lake City Reporter. He has on a part-time basis operated a Photography business in Lake City doing weddings and other events.
He received numerous awards during his working career in his chosen field. He also is very active with the Alligator Festival and now works toward educating the youth about not only Olustee but the Indian Wars that were fought throughout Florida.