FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2014
GET HEART HEALTHY THIS VALENTINE'S DAY IN AN AWARD-WINNING FLORIDA STATE PARK
~Spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart at a Florida State Park~
Bahia Honda State Park is a romantic and beautiful spot to spend your Valentine's Day.
TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department
of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites Floridians and
visitors to celebrate Valentine's Day at a state park or trail. From early morning hikes and day-long festivals to picnics with friends
and family you love or sunset watching and full moon walks with your Valentine,
you are invited to share Florida’s natural treasures.
Governor Scott said, “I encourage Floridians and their visitors
to get outdoors and experience the many hiking, biking and walking trails or
special events our parks and trails offer this holiday weekend. We are blessed
to live in a state with access to our natural resources and recreational
opportunities, and Florida’s award-winning state parks have activities for
people of all ages.”
Recognizing the
importance of providing a healthy and affordable outdoor activity for Florida’s
families and visitors, Governor Scott has proclaimed February as Florida
Hiking Trails Month. Florida’s hiking
trails give visitors access to natural and cultural resources, as well as
promote healthy lifestyles, nature-based tourism and economic benefits for the
state. With more than 2,500 miles of hiking trails on public lands, from urban trails in the midst of cityscapes to
wilderness trails that run through Florida’s award-winning state parks, there
is a hiking trail for everyone.
“Florida state parks and state trails offer many
heart-healthy activities to share with those that you love,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione.
“Valentine’s Day and heart health go hand-in-hand. Research by the American
Heart Association, shows that every $1 spent on biking trails and walking paths
could save approximately $3 in medical expenses.”
Here are some of the special Valentine's Day activities happening at Florida’s state parks:
- Thursday, Feb. 13 through
Saturday, Feb. 15 - Valentine’s Day Sunset Cruise at Crystal River Preserve
State Park. Cruise departs at 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 14 - Take a hike with a park ranger
on Valentine’s Day at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka from 9 to 11 a.m.
You’ll enjoy the beautiful ponds, plants and creatures throughout the park
while you hike.
- Friday, Feb. 14 - Renew your vows at Lovers
Key State Park’s 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony.
Vow renewals will begin at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. and include a champagne toast,
hors d’oeuvres, coffee, desserts, photos and a special gifts. $75 per couple
donation to the Friends of Lovers Key.
-
Friday, Feb. 14 - Love birds are able to take
a full moon beach stroll at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at
Flagler Beach. Join a ranger underneath the light of a full moon and learn
about some interesting moon facts.
- Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 - Enjoy
a romantic moonlight paddle at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland. The two-hour
tours are available on both days and begin at 6:30 p.m. Canoe rentals
available. Shuttle service is $10 per vessel.
-
Saturday, Feb. 15 - Sweethearts Forever boat
cruise, dinner and jazz music at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park south
of Tallahassee. Meet at the Waterfront Visitors Center at 5:15 p.m. for the
evening cruise. A buffet dinner will follow in the Lodge with live music of the
Dorian Q Jazz Quartet. $25 per person.
Visit our website for a complete list of activities in
Florida’s state parks and trails.
If you are getting married, why not fall in love with a
Florida State Park wedding? Whether simple and intimate or more elaborate,
state parks offer beautiful natural scenery and breath-taking vistas at
affordable prices. NEW Florida State Parks wedding rental flyers present
information in an easy format to make your search for the perfect venue easier
than ever. Visit www.floridastateparks.org and use the “Weddings” activity icon to find
the park that’s right for your event.
|