Since this episode of Fluent in Floridian was recorded, Eric Draper has become the Director of the Florida State Parks System.

Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper, a professional conservationist, has dedicated his career to protecting the Sunshine State’s unique environment and wildlife. Having grown up during Florida’s environmental discovery period, Draper’s early life consisted of innocently wandering the state’s forests, as well as adventurously canoeing through the Hillsborough River near Tampa. His career aspirations developed during his participation in a political campaign aided by environmental groups. Today, Draper works diligently to protect and preserve Florida’s natural landscape.

Draper is fluent in Floridian. When asked about Florida’s uniqueness in relation to his position, he expresses his reverence for the Sunshine State. “Florida is the most beautiful place in the country. I just love the state of Florida and I love every part of it.” Draper continues his expression of admiration by raving on the state’s diverse fauna. “We have such amazing wildlife from the Florida panthers to our bird life and reptiles, alligators and crocodiles. There’s always something to see and always something to get excited about.”

Draper’s favorite animals are the reddish egret, a coastal heron bird, and the swallow-tailed kite, a pernine raptor. He describes the reddish egret as a “[…] bird that has the funny behavior of dancing while it’s fishing.” On the other hand, the swallow-tailed kite “[…] is always a harbinger of spring and one of those birds that, when you see it soaring in the sky or ducking around and catching dragonflies, you gotta say, ‘Oh, it’s a good day because I saw a swallow-tailed kite.’”

Florida State University President John Thrasher has dedicated his life to serving the Sunshine State. Within the span of 50 years, Thrasher has served in several respected roles within multiple fields, including the military, law, government, and education. Prior to assuming the role of 15th president of Florida State University, Thrasher served as Chairman of the Clay County School Board, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, member of the Florida Senate, as well as chairman for the Republican Party of Florida.

Thrasher is Fluent in Floridian. When he isn’t leading one of the top 50 universities in the nation, he spends his time visiting two of Florida’s most beautiful destinations: St. Augustine Beach and Green Cove Springs. “We really love St. Augustine Beach but we love our little place in Green Cove Springs where we have a house still out in Clay County. We raised our children in that county.”

Outside of establishing the athletics-known university as a leading academic and research institution, Thrasher serves on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. He notes that his position as a university president offers him a unique perspective as compared to other members. “I think having presidents involved, particularly understanding the academic side of the student-athlete […] is a very positive thing.”Listen to hear us talk about all of these issues and more.

If you enjoyed this interview, you might enjoy our episodes with FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson, University of Florida President Kent Fuchs and Chancellor of the State University System, Marshall Criser III.

The Fluent in Floridian podcasts seeks to highlight the Sunshine State’s brightest leaders solving issues affecting the state’s citizens, as well as its 100 million annual tourists. Each week, the podcast will cover important topics, including education, the environment, the arts, politics, business, and health care. Each interview will allow listeners to gain insight on both the featured guest’s professional and personal background, as well as how they are contributing to the state’s growth and continued success.

Each of the episode’s guests are fluent in Floridian. Interviewees such as Florida State University President John Thrasher and political operative Sally Bradshaw assert the excellence that is emitted throughout the state’s university systems. Conservationist Eric Draper and community developer Syd Kitson uphold the opportunities the state has to develop from an environmental and technological standpoint.

Chris Cate, Fluent in Floridian’s leading interviewer, is a former teacher, television reporter, spokesperson in the governor’s office, communications director for two of Florida’s secretaries of state, as well as a former communications director for our state’s chief financial officer. As a current member of the SalterMitchell PR creative team, Cate aids Florida businesses and organizations in relaying their stories. “I’m a Floridian who loves and cares about the future of this state.” Subscribe to the Fluent in Floridian Podcast on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or Google Play Music.