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Naples Daily News (Florida)
TALLAHASSEE - Florida State Parks Director Lisa Edgar has resigned from the post after less than two months on the job.
Edgar tendered her resignation in an email Thursday night to Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Gary Clark.
"Thank you for the opportunity to work for you and the Florida Park Service," she wrote. "It has been an honor. Unfortunately, an immediate family emergency requires my full attention. As such, I regretfully must resign at this time."
The former Public Service Commission member was hired in December and assumed the top state park job in January. She replaced Donald Forgione, a 32-year park service veteran, who was demoted to manage Paynes Prairie State Park near Gainesville. His reassignment was questioned by environmentalists and park advocates concerned about proposed changes to how the state parks will be managed.
Edgar's replacement has not been named.
"While we evaluate the next steps, the day-to-day activities of the division are being overseen by the two assistant directors of the Florida Park Service," DEP Communications Director Lauren Engel said in an email.
Her resignation comes on the heels of DEP Secretary Jon Steverson's departure at the end of January. During his embattled two-year tenure, Steverson faced widespread criticism for his push to allow hunting, timbering and grazing in Florida parks. He joined the law firm of Foley & Lardner.
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