Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Turitz
Barbara Turtiz’s journey to Florida Oceanographic Society began in 2020, when a friend invited her to join a volunteer educator training. It turned out to be exactly what she’d been searching for. After moving to the area in 2007, Barbara spent nearly a decade volunteering with Volunteers in Medicine until a skiing accident sidelined her with a broken leg. When she was finally ready to return, the timing no longer worked out—and although she tried a few other volunteer roles, none offered the same sense of purpose she craved. That changed the moment she found Florida Oceanographic. Since then, she has generously donated more than 300 volunteer hours.
A lifelong learner and former teacher, Barbara feels right at home as an Exhibit Guide. She loves learning about marine animals and Florida’s coastal ecosystems—and even more, sharing that knowledge with visitors. Teaching comes naturally to her, and she delights in connecting with guests of all ages. One of her favorite parts of volunteering? The kids. “I love relating what I’ve learned,” she says, “but I also love learning from the kids. They know so much about the animals and are so excited to share it with me.”
Barbara describes Florida Oceanographic as a truly joyful place to volunteer. She appreciates the camaraderie among volunteers and the dedication of the staff. With a laugh, she adds, “The only problem is that just as I get to know the young education team, they grow in their careers and move on—but that just means I get to meet the next group!”
Earlier in life, Barbara was able to stay home with her children while they were young. Once they reached middle and high school, she felt ready for a new challenge. Inspired by a friend whose life was changed by nutritional counseling, Barbara returned to school and earned a master’s degree in nutrition. She spent 15 years working as an outpatient dietitian at a regional hospital near Portland, Maine, helping patients manage their health after discharge and supporting one of the state’s earliest bariatric surgery programs. Teaching remained a passion throughout her career—whether leading diabetes education classes, visiting schools, writing community nutrition grants, or speaking at conferences.
Before becoming Florida snowbirds, Barbara and her husband, David, spent several winters in St. George, Utah—where, as she jokes, they could ski, golf, and play craps all in the same day. Ultimately, though, they wanted to be closer to family on the East Coast. A three-month trial stay at Harbour Ridge in 2006 sealed the deal, and they quickly knew they had found their place. Today, they split their time between Florida and Portland, Maine, feeling fortunate to call two beautiful places home.
Barbara and David have been best friends for nearly 60 years. They enjoy golfing, skiing, and traveling together, especially when it involves time with their children and grandchildren. They recently welcomed a new puppy, Gauge—named after a ski trail at Sugarloaf Mountain—who is growing into a lovable (and large) companion.
An avid reader, Barbara now often listens to audiobooks while exercising, enjoys long walks with friends, and has an eclectic taste in books. One lesser-known fact? She’s a devoted fan of Korean dramas—a habit she blames on an intellectually adventurous friend who introduced her to Crash Landing On You during the pandemic.
For Barbara, volunteering at Florida Oceanographic is the perfect blend of learning, teaching, and community. It keeps her curious, connected, and inspired—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
SNAP SHOT
BORN: York, PA
COLLEGE: Boston University
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: River Walk for special date nights
BOOKS and AUTHORS: Loved the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear and everything by Isabelle Allende.
TV: Only watch Korean dramas and police procedurals
