The Post Volume 10, Issue 35

Celebrate Literacy Month at Florida’s State Parks

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is celebrating the fourth annual Literacy Month this September at each of Florida’s 160 state parks.

In conjunction with International Literacy Day on Wednesday, September 8 and National Library Card Signup Month, day-use entrance to all of Florida’s state parks will be free the weekend of Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13 for visitors who bring a library card, library book, or who donate a new or gently used family-friendly book.

Gretchen Scoggin reading to young children at Maclay Gardens.

Promoting literacy at Florida’s state parks creates an appreciation for both reading and the environment that visitors can take back to the classroom and community. September’s Literacy Month is the perfect time for all park visitors to experience resource-based recreation while enhancing the mind through literacy events.

Florida’s state parks, along with local libraries and schools, will host a variety of events during September including book readings, author appearances and book exchanges. Books donated during Literacy Month will go to schools and libraries in need or be used for permanent book exchanges within state park collections.

For more information on the Literacy Month initiative and events, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org and follow us at Twitter/FLStateParks.

You Snooze, You Lose — Don't Drive Drowsy

To honor the memory of their 8-year old daughter, Ronshay, who was killed when a driver fell asleep crashing into the bus she was a passenger on, and in an effort to prevent other families from experiencing such a loss, her family worked with State Representative Alan Williams to initiate the Ronshay Dugans Act. Through their efforts, the first week in September is designated as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to bring attention to this safety issue that leads to 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 crashes each year in the United States. For more information about drowsy driving and the campaign, visit www.dot.state.fl.us/safety.

Celebrate September as Florida Literacy Month in a State Park

Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation designating September as Florida Literacy Month. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks and its partners are celebrating the fourth annual Florida Literacy Month with special events at state parks and libraries statewide. In conjunction with International Literacy Day on September 8th and National Library Card Signup Month, entrance to all of Florida’s state parks will be free* Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 for visitors who bring a library card, library book or who donate a new or gently used family book.

“Florida Literacy Month is a perfect reminder that reading and writing can be enjoyed in many settings, including the outdoors,” said Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “Reading a nature-themed book at a Florida State Park is one example of an exciting way for students and adults alike to learn about the environment while improving literacy skills.” ...more

Green Lodging Program Grows to 650 Properties

Labor Day is a perfect time to celebrate the accomplishments of 12 hotels helping to protect Florida’s environment by becoming designated members of DEP's Green Lodging program. The Green Lodging program recently designated additional properties throughout the state for travelers who would like to stay in an eco-conscious facility. The designation of the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Clearwater Beach marks the 650th property designated statewide.

“Florida’s Green Lodging Program encourages and enables vacationers to be environmentally conscious even while they are relaxing on a getaway,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “While Floridians are vacationing, they can also be conserving water and energy while protecting the state’s natural resources." ...more