Myrtle Bailey

Myrtle is a native Floridian, living in Pensacola and Tallahassee her entire life. She was reared in the country 12 miles west of Pensacola in the small community of Beulah where her love for the north Florida woods and upper Gulf coast began. There her concerns about natural preservation for wild life began.

Myrtle has an undergraduate degree from FSU, a Masters from UWF and an almost PhD (ABD) from FSU. She spent her early career years teaching high school English in Pensacola and then moved to Tallahassee in 1976 to continue graduate work. Shortly thereafter she began a career in education policy and budget in the Executive Office of Governor Bob Graham. Charlie Reed, later State University System Chancellor was her first boss.

During her time in education policy and budget she worked closely with the House, Senate, Department of Education as well as many other professional education organizations in developing and implementing the Governor’s education budget and policy priorities.

Her love for untouched nature came to fruition in Pensacola, where she and three other citizens mounted a successful effort to preserve three miles of Gulf front coast from development.

In Tallahassee Myrtle discovered the beauty and joy of the rivers by spending time canoeing, kayaking and biking the St Marks trail and spending time at Wakulla Springs. But, St Marks Wildlife Refuge really caught her eye. She once spent Thanksgiving day there hiking and picnicking. Myrtle loves the marshes and wildlife at St Marks, giving her an instant feeling of peace. She is retired and spends time walking, oil painting, reading for her book club, taking OLLI classes and volunteering with OLLI. Currently, she is owned by four cats, all rescues.