Who We Are

Staff standing in a row

Click on the links below to learn about our amazing staff and their accomplishments.

Starting from left to right:

Victor Blanco
Marine & Natural Resources

Educational program
- Enhancing Taylor County waterways
- Improving marine ecosystems literacy in Taylor County
- Increasing the sustainable use and conservation of fishing resources in Taylor County
- 4-H and youth development
The enhancing Taylor County waterways educational program, which mainly targets local government officials (County commissioners, County administrator, County Engineer, County Attorney), has resulted in the development and adoption of one major waterway navigational restricted area ordinance and a continuous improvement process of Taylor County navigational safety, including maintenance and service of 48 waterway markers (signs and buoys), four river light systems and at least four other navigational aids, removal of three derelict vessels and removal of 876 derelict crab traps from coastal areas.

Lori Wiggins
Family & Consumer Sciences and CED Leadership

Educational program
- Leadership and management to the Taylor County Extension Service
- Health, nutrition, and wellness of individuals and families
- Food preservation and food safety
- Vaccine Education and awareness
Lori has 28 years of experience with the UF/IFAS Extension. She is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the County Extension Director where she provides leadership and direction for the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs to assist citizens related to rural health disparities, nutrition education, weight management, food preservation and food safety. Lori has served in leadership roles in FEA4-HA and Florida ESP where she served as the President of both.

Abbey Tharpe
4-H Youth Development

Educational program
- Organizational strategies and marketing 4-H in Taylor County
- Life skill development · Summer Day Camps
- School Enrichment/Community Clubs
- Healthy Living/Mental Health Education
The 2021-22 club year is actively engaged with ninety youth participating in clubs, such as, Horse, Culinary, Sewing, Livestock, Clover buds, and Sharpshooters. Taylor County 4-H works diligently to provide options for youth to participate in 4-H. Taylor County’s 4-H Agent is currently working on the PROSPER grant (Promoting- School -Community and University Partnership to ENHANCE Resilience) to develop healthy social and emotional health for 6th-grade youth and families in Taylor County. Taylor County 4-H is also known for its superior summer camping program, which provides youth a chance to develop character, and valuable life skills, make new friends, and discover new interests. We have thirteen-day camps planned that range in topics such as theatre camp, wild about water, sports, culinary arts, and much more.

Lisa Strange
Agriculture and Natural Resources

Educational program
- Develop and coordinate a meaningful Master Gardener Volunteer experience In Taylor County
- Encourage best management practices to maintain an environmentally responsible community
- Promote sustainability and management that conserves both Commercial Horticulture and Agricultural Natural Resources
- Enhance Forestry and Firewise management and foster 4-H youth development
Reorganized an inactive Master Gardener group by providing continued education hours and recruited, trained, and retained two new classes of (26) volunteers, and implemented a new statewide software reporting tool, Better Impact. Developed an on-line newsletter for volunteer members, keeping members engaged, recognized, and satisfied with their volunteering experiences. Is a constant and challenging accomplishment in a rural, low-income community. Raised awareness and certified 84 men on the Green Industry Best Management Practices to help protect our natural resources and water, who will boost the economy where their families live, work, and shop, additionally saving the state thousands of dollars by reducing recidivism rates from the correctional institute where they were trained. Increased annual workshop participation by improved marketing and professional leadership, providing updates on citrus management for north Florida producers and potential future growers with deliveries of information from UF specialists statewide. Successfully provided seasonal Plant Clinics at the local library on various gardening topics, with increased interest for more activities throughout the year.

Leigh Ann Grubbs

Administrative Secretary

Leigh Ann supports four Extension agents and countless community members who rely on Extension programs. A few of her many duties include financial requests and reports, managing the Forest Capital Hall event calendar, compiling and designing the Master Gardener newsletter, creating flyers, and troubleshooting anything from technical issues to problems with the building. She also completed the Master Gardener Volunteer training in 2022 and actively participates in maintaining the demonstration gardens, assisting with the annual plant sale and engaging in other Master Gardener activities.

Grace Murphy

4-H Program Assistant

Grace plays an integral role in coordinating summer camps, clubs, and various programs throughout the year. She introduced a new initiative for the Livestock Club, mentoring students and helping them prepare for the North Florida Livestock Show and Sale. Her dedication to youth development and leadership is evident through her continued support and innovation.

Who We Are

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