Jay Cochran and Debbie Roberts
Jay and Deb met while in the Army at Walter Reed Medical Center based in Washington D.C. To be closer to family they decided to relocate to Florida where a favorable job opportunity awaited in the Gainesville area.
From a young age they were both enamored by the outdoors. Jay reminisces about her childhood spent climbing trees and wandering through the woods. Deb shares similar memories, emphasized by her childhood dream of becoming a park ranger.
There is no doubt that Jay and Deb’s contributions are paramount to managing the resources found at this immense park. Inspired by the park service’s mission, these two accomplish considerable projects. Their driving force is the goal of restoring Florida State Parks to the pre-European settlement or what we like to say is “the Real Florida.”
Jay and Deb relish meeting people from all walks of life, mastering new skills and surmounting challenging tasks; all admirable aspects of being a park volunteer. Their most recent triumph - removing old field fence and barbed wire. Deb says, “each inch is a victory. It’s like a healing process to the park.” Both women intend to continue their support of the park by returning annually. San Felasco eagerly awaits their return.
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