FSU, UCF FANS CAN CELEBRATE BOWL GAME SUCCESSES AT FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOR HALF PRICE IN JANUARY

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 7, 2013

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

FSU, UCF FANS CAN CELEBRATE BOWL GAME SUCCESSES AT FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOR HALF PRICE IN JANUARY

~State park system honors the state's premier university athletics~

TALLAHASSEE The Florida Park Service is celebrating the BCS National Championship win of Florida State University and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl win of the University of Central Florida by cutting admission in half for its fans Mondays through Thursdays throughout January.

What better way for fans to celebrate the nail-biting victories of the Seminoles and the Knights than with a relaxing hike, picnic or stroll in a Florida State Park? Team-themed cookouts and gatherings in park pavilions are a good way to show others the pride they have in these two programs.

Fans wearing FSU and UCF hats or shirts and students showing a current ID will get into a state park for half price. The offer is good for day-use of Florida State Parks on Mondays through Thursdays.

“FSU and UCF are winners, just like the state parks,” said Donald Forgione, Director of the Florida Park Service. “So it’s only natural that the state parks cheer on these bowl wins along with fans. The players and coaches of Florida’s universities work hard and we applaud their success.”

Half-priced admission is good at all Florida State Parks except Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. This offer does not include additional usage fees, special events or Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20.

Florida State University won the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game against Auburn University on Jan. 6. The University of Central Florida beat Baylor University in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.

In October, the Florida State Parks System had its own big win, when it was awarded a third Gold Medal of Excellence from the National Recreation and Parks Association. This makes Florida the first three-time gold medal award recipient. Since 1935, the Florida Park Service has provided recreational activities, while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources.

To find out a listing of the amenities for a state park near you, visit the Florida State Parks website, or download the official Florida State Parks mobile app.