By Mike Lednovich
Fernandina Beach Municipal Golf Course General Manager David DeMay and city Parks and Recreation Director Catherine Vorrasi are leaving their posts.
DeMay, 56, is leaving to join a golf company in South Florida.
“I wasn’t looking (for a job). It’s an opportunity that came out of the blue that I just couldn’t turn down,” he said.
DeMay said the city golf course had made great strides in course improvements and staffing during his short time in charge.
“The city golf course has a lot of great momentum going forward. It has a bright future,” DeMay said. “We have a great staff in place. We purchased new golf carts, renovated the clubhouse banquet room and improved the conditions of the course.”
DeMay said he will be leaving in two weeks.
In 2013, DeMay joined the Golf Club of Amelia Island and later became executive director. In December 2022, DeMay was named general manager of the city golf course. He succeeded Mike Cooney, who was GM following the city taking over operations from Billy Casper Golf.
During his brief tenure, DeMay earned praise from city commissioners and members of the Golf Course Advisory Board for improvements at the golf course.
Acting City Manager Charlie George said he has received verbal notice from Vorrasi that she is leaving.
Vorrasi, 41, joined the city in September 2022. She recently presided over the opening of the new Simmons Road Park nature walk. Vorrasi was charged with heading a department that was supervised by her predecessor Nan Voit for 25 years.
As director of Parks and Recreation, Vorrasi began with a series of public meetings to hear the needs of citizens regarding public recreational facilities. She oversaw installation of new fencing at the city’s ball fields and other improvements.
Vorrasi did not respond to requests for comment.
She is a Coast Guard veteran and had previous experience in Bartow, Florida where she served as the Director of Leisure Services for three years. Vorrasi also served in similar positions in New Mexico and Arizona communities prior to Bartow.
Originally from Virginia, she has a bachelor’s degree (George Mason University) in Education, Health and Physical Education, and holds a master’s degree (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign) in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Management. She has also earned several professional credentials related to public service and parks and recreation.
I don’t know Mr. DeMay but the food service at the clubhouse is as good as any place in town. I hope the excellent food and service will continue in his absence. Good luck, sir!