Florida State Parks Honor Veterans with Free Park Entrance for All Visitors on Veterans Day

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP) Florida State Parks will offer free day-use entry to all state park visitors on Wednesday, November 11, in recognition of Veterans Day.

?We are proud to celebrate the men and women whose heroic service enables us to enjoy this wonderful country and its natural treasures,? said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. ?This Veterans Day, we encourage all Floridians and guests to visit a state park free of entry costs in honor of our nation?s heroes.?

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 the park service also works 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 are pleased to offer free day-use entrance this Veterans Day to show our support and appreciation of all veterans, active-duty military members and their families,? said DEP?s Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. ?We hope that all of Florida?s citizens and visitors will take advantage of this day to experience the state?s natural and cultural gems while honoring our dedicated service men and women.?

The Orman House Historic State Park in Franklin County honors veterans and military families with the only authorized replica of the Three Servicemen statue at the Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. DEP, the City of Apalachicola and Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc. constructed the Veterans Memorial Plaza and erected the statue, dedicating the Three Servicemen, Detail statue on August 1, 2008. The site honors veterans of the southeast United States for their commitment and service to the nation.

All other use fees, such as overnight accommodations, tours or special events, will be charged as usual. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg is not included in this special offer.

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, most of which are open 365 days a year. Florida's state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include more than 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages.

To follow Florida's state parks on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/FLStateParks. For more information about Florida's state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.