Volunteer Spotlight, Lee Abbott and Connie Patzer

Lee Abbott and Connie Patzer

Alafia River State Park

Volunteers Lee Abbott and Connie Patzer began volunteering together nine years ago at various parks throughout the United States. They have volunteered in places such as Colorado, Texas, Georgia and Florida.

Before beginning the adventure of becoming full-time volunteers, Connie worked for the University of Colorado for 31 years, and Lee worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and in construction. After realizing that sometimes in life it is much better to stop and smell the roses, they decided to transition into a new lifestyle that would allow them to slow down and enjoy life in a more meaningful way.

The first Florida State Park to welcome them was Koreshan State Park. They have also volunteered at Anastasia State Park and Lovers Key State Park, adding Alafia River State Park this year.

Lee and Connie’s love for volunteering with Florida State Parks has grown by meeting new people, sharing new experiences and making lifelong friends. They enjoy talking to visitors to get them interested in volunteering and to get a unique perspective of living in Florida when they compare it to life in Colorado.