Governor, Cabinet Recognize Florida State Parks? 75th Anniversary

TALLAHASSEE- Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet today signed a resolution, sponsored by Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, recognizing 2010 as the Year of Florida State Parks in celebration of its 75th Anniversary. Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, Florida State Parks has grown from eight to 160 parks over the last 75 years, and are overseen by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP) Florida Park Service.

?Florida State Parks not only preserve our state?s beautiful natural environment, but also contribute billions of dollars to state and local economies, and promote tourism to our great state,? said Governor Charlie Crist. ?During the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks had an economic impact of nearly $1 billion and served more than 21.4 million visitors, illustrating the importance of these natural treasures to Florida?s residents, visitors and wildlife, as well as the beaches, waterways and forests that Florida State Parks protect.?

?By acquiring and preserving portions of Florida?s natural lands over the last 75 years, Florida State Parks have added an invaluable element of beauty to our state and an abundance of recreational opportunities that those of us who enjoy the outdoors can appreciate,? added Commissioner Bronson.

Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida?s natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the nation?s first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation?s best park service.

?Florida?s state parks are valuable gems that preserve Florida?s past while allowing guests to experience ?the Real Florida^SM,? said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. ?We are extremely proud of this significant milestone and encourage Floridians and visitors alike to join us in celebrating 75 years of recreation and preservation throughout 2010.?

In 2010, Florida State Parks will host special activities and interpretive events from coast to coast to commemorate the 75th Anniversary, including 25 signature events which highlight individual parks? histories, as well as the history of the state park system as a whole.

Dollar for dollar, state parks provide a value that is hard to beat, with 40 free parks, and most day use entrance fees ranging from just $2.00 to $8.00. Florida?s 160 state parks offer white sandy beaches, vast open prairies, steep ravines, lush semi-tropical forests, cultural sites and crystal clear lakes, rivers and springs. State parks also offer countless locations to learn about Florida?s cultural history and serve as outdoor classrooms for students of all ages.

?We are excited to celebrate this important milestone and to be part of preserving Florida?s natural and cultural resources,? said DEP?s Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. ?The staff and volunteers, who last year contributed more than 1.2 million hours of service to state parks, are a vital component in the commitment to preserving ?the Real Florida^SM.?

Affordable, family-friendly activities, such as swimming, hiking, bicycling, paddling, diving, fishing, camping, horseback riding, birding, photography, events and ranger-led tours are just a few ways to enjoy Florida?s natural resources. More than 3,400 campsites, 260 cabins and 14,000 park programs are available for people of all ages, statewide, 365 days a year.

To learn more about 75th Anniversary events, contests and discounts visit www.FloridaStateParks.org, and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLStateParks.