Florida State Parks Celebrate Veterans Day with Free Admission

TALLAHASSEE – To honor the nation’s 25 million veterans and 1.3 million active-duty service men and women, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will offer free day-use entry to all state park visitors on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

“It is a privilege for DEP’s state parks to honor the American service members who have courageously dedicated their lives to serve and protect our country by offering free admission to all state parks on Veterans Day,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “We remind our residents and visitors to appreciate and celebrate the many freedoms and privileges we enjoy, such as Florida’s state parks and the recreational opportunities and festivals they provide.”

“Florida’s state park system has a long tradition of recognizing the selfless service and sacrifice of America’s veterans to our nation,” said Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director LeRoy Collins Jr. “I salute Secretary Sole and the men and women of the Department of Environmental Protection for honoring Florida’s more than 1.7 million veterans and their families.”

Florida’s state parks support veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces year-round through a variety of initiatives. The POW-MIA flag is flown in Florida’s state parks and Orman House Historic State Park in Franklin County is home to the only replica of the Three Servicemen statue at the Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. State parks also work closely with Operation Purple®, a camp program for children of military parents and other regional veterans groups, ROTC programs and military affiliated organizations. Active-duty members of the Florida National Guard, their spouses and minor children also receive half-price entry to Florida’s state parks year-round.

“We support and appreciate our veterans, active-duty military members, their families and continued contributions to our society,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Through the multiple state parks that protect, preserve and interpret Florida’s historical and cultural past, Florida’s state parks remain committed to honoring our nation’s heroes.”

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages including: swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs, bird watching, fishing, hiking and walking on natural scenic trails.

Battle re-enactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage. Florida’s state parks are also home to the 2008 Best Beach in the nation. Caladesi Island State Park, located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County, was honored with this coveted award.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.