Donald V. Forgione, Director
Florida Park Service

Welcome from the Director

Today marks the first day of autumn. As the weather cools this time of year, warm thoughts come to mind. Many of my fondest family memories center on the traditions of the fall - especially time spent around the campfire. A recent advertisement for family camping equipment noted that campsites were the "original social networking site." I couldn't agree more.

Whether you're interested in making some great family memories, longing for a trip to get the kids all back together or simply looking to take a break from our busy lives, Florida's state parks offer the perfect setting for your autumn endeavors. Regardless of your interests - if you're fond of fall, you'll love Florida State Parks.

Among Florida's 160 state parks, more than 3,200 family campsites, 230 tent campsites, 60 youth campsites, 67 group camp areas and 95 equestrian camp sites await. Many state parks with family campgrounds often host evening campfire programs. If you join one of these, you might learn about the history of the park or hear a tall tale of a character that once inhabited the surrounding land. Florida Park Service rangers are a wealth of information and the campfire circle is likely one of the finest places to catch them at their best.

Sitting together watching the flame of the campfire dance in the moonlight is a special experience that brings people closer together. Not only does it provide a comfortable atmosphere for recounting fond memories and a fun place to create new ones, it also provides a space to plan the following day in the park. Camping, hiking, paddling, bike riding, museum hopping, Christmas shopping - we've got it all. As the Director of the Florida Park Service, I'm honored to remind all of Florida's citizens and visitors of the jewel in your own backyard. I encourage you to spend time around a campfire this autumn and get back in touch with each other and Florida State Parks.

Sincerely,
Donald Forgione
Director
Florida Park Service

Biography

Donald V. Forgione - A 26-year veteran of the Florida Park Service, Forgione began his career as a park ranger at Paynes Creek Historic Site in Bowling Green, Florida, in 1984. He has since worked his way up in the Florida Park Service throughout the state. He has served as assistant park manager, park manager, park law enforcement officer, as well as assistant bureau chief and bureau chief. For the last six years as District Two Bureau Chief, Forgione has provided overall management and administration of bureau operations for a 40 park network and more than 200 employees. He has received certification in environmental conservation and law enforcement, as well as in park maintenance management from North Carolina State University and is a state certified burn manager.