FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   July 18, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2112
                     Wayne Stevens, (850) 245-2150

Dive Back Into History at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

-- Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates momentous reopening after nearly two decades –

HOBE SOUND – A once popular swimming area in Jonathan Dickinson State Park is reopening to the public 18 years after it was declared off-limits by state health officials. In a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs and state and local leaders officially reopened the swimming hole after it received a clean bill of health. Extensive environmental restoration along the Loxahatchee River over the last five years is credited with cleaning up the water.

“Florida’s economy and quality of life depend on a clean and healthy environment,” said Secretary Struhs. “Cleaning up the Loxahatchee River is another example of Florida’s commitment to restoring the environment in South Florida. Because of our restoration efforts, swimmers can once again enjoy the cool, clean waters of the Loxahatchee River.”

DEP, local and state government and private landowners worked together to clean up water in the park’s swimming area, which was impacted by bacteria from nearby septic tanks and farms. Reducing the number of septic tanks, improving fresh water flow and relocating livestock significantly improved water quality.

“Reopening the swimming area is one in a long list of accomplishments at Jonathan Dickinson State Park,” said park manager Mark Nelson. “Improving water quality has allowed us to once again provide visitors with access to Florida’s natural treasures.”

The Loxahatchee River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River – one of only two in the state and the first to receive the distinction. The Seminole Indians named the river Loxahatchee meaning “river of turtles.” The coffee-colored river is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, herons, alligators and bobcats, and borders a subtropical swamp with ancient bald cypress trees, pond apples, orchids and osprey.

The park was named for the survivor of a 1690 shipwreck off the coast of Florida, who recorded his adventures in a journal titled “God’s Protecting Providence.”

Swimming is just one form of recreation available at the 11,500-acre park. Visitors can hike and bike along trails through restored scrub habitat or explore the newly refurbished Hobe Tower. An equestrian trail, education and research center, and hiking trails along the Atlantic ridge are planned improvements to the Park.