FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 9, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FLORIDA STATE PARKS OFFER FREE ENTRY
ON VETERANS DAY

~Celebrate Veterans Day at a local state park~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In honor of Veterans Day, all visitors will enjoy free entry at Florida State Parks* on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Florida Park Service encourages residents and visitors to celebrate the contributions of veterans and active military personnel at one of Florida's 174 state parks, trails and historic sites.

“Veterans Day is a day of reflection and a time when we can thank our veterans for their service in the armed forces,” said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. “I am honored to provide free entry to Florida State Parks for everyone to recognize our veterans.”

Florida State Parks also preserve an abundance of historical and cultural sites that honor the nation’s fallen service members. In Apalachicola, visitors can pay respect to Vietnam veterans at Orman House Historic State Park's Three Servicemen Statue, a bronze replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Several parks are hosting special events, including Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, which is hosting “Life at Wakulla in WWII.” The event will feature artifacts and memorabilia from Camp Gordon Johnson in the lobby of the lodge and a historic film of troop training maneuvers conducted at Wakulla Springs in the early 1940s. Park and museum staff will be on site to discuss their shared history of troop training and recreation. For other state park events on Veterans Day, click here.

*This offer does not include Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. All other use fees, such as overnight accommodations and tours, will be charged as usual on Nov. 11, 2015. 

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience while visiting. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

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