ABOUT RAYMOND
I
am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your Property
Appraiser. I started working in this office in 1984 under the late
J.W. "Billy Martin". Mr. Martin hired me that year as agricultural
appraiser. I started learning the job and was certified as a Florida
Evaluator in 1987. When Mr. Martin made the decision to retire in
1988, I decided to seek election as Property Appraiser. Again, I
thank you for your support in electing me to this office to serve
you. I enjoy working for you.
 I am a sixth generation resident of Florida and a third generation
resident of Highlands County. I feel that I am part of this county
and my heart is with the people who live here. I am committed to
serve you to the best of my ability.
I live in Sebring with my wife Becky and our two children Garrett
and Heather. We enjoy camping, hunting, fishing and just spending
time together as a family. We also enjoy the study of Florida History
and spend time traveling and entertaining people with our Florida
Cracker Whip Cracking demonstrations. Becky is a registered nurse
and works in the home health care industry. Our children are active
in 4-H and enjoy raising livestock each year for the fair. We are
members of Bible Fellowship Church in Sebring. Our family enjoys
making music together. Becky has a beautiful voice while Heather
plays the piano and Garrett the trumpet. Dad fills in with the banjo
and the guitar.
Although my family is my biggest blessing to my life, I would like
to share some other blessings in my life. I was privileged to serve
as president of the Property Appraisers Association of Florida in
1992-93. I was recipient of the Presidential Award of the Property
Appraisers Association of Florida in 1997. Served as member of the
Legislative Committee to the Property Appraisers Association from
1988-1999 and am currently chairman of the Agricultural Committee
for the Property Appraisers Association of Florida.
One of the highlights of my career came when I was selected by Rotary
International to travel to Brazil for one month and represent our
country in a Group Study Exchange program. I was one of a team of
four people that traveled through the country of Brazil and learned
firsthand about their culture, economy, government, industry and
society. This experience changed my life in ways that I am yet realizing.
I have also had the opportunity of traveling across Florida on horseback
eight times logging one thousand miles in the saddle on the Florida
Cracker Trail. Two of these times I served as trail boss for the
trip. This 1800's style trip has given me great insight into the
lives of the early Florida pioneers.
I am currently a member of the following organizations; Highlands
County Sheriffs Mounted Patrol, International Association of Assessing
Officers, and the Property Appraisers Association of Florida. My
past civic organizations include; Past President of the Sebring Noon
Kiwanis Club, Highlands County YMCA, Past President of the West Sebring
Volunteer Fire Department, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission
auxiliary and the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.
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