FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2014
GOV.
SCOTT: VETERANS CELEBRATED WITH FREE ENTRANCE TO STATE PARKS
TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that in honor of Veterans Day, there will be free entry
for everyone at state parks* on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Florida Park
Service encourages residents and visitors to celebrate veterans and active
military personnel by bringing them to one of the 171 state parks and
trails to enjoy outdoor activities.
Governor Scott
said, “This Veterans Day, I encourage all Florida families to get out and enjoy
Florida’s natural treasures at our wonderful state parks. We also honor our veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice they gave to protect
our state and nation.”
“Veterans Day
is a perfect opportunity to visit Florida’s award-winning state parks,” said
Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. “Spend the day hiking,
biking or picnicking with a veteran – and most importantly, thank them for
their service.”
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 statue in
Washington, D.C.
In October,
Governor Scott announced that more than 27.1 million
people visited Florida’s state parks and trails between July 1, 2013, and June
30, 2014, generating nearly $2.1 billion in direct economic impact. In the year
following the state parks system winning a third National Gold Medal in
Excellence, record-breaking numbers of visitors were enjoying Florida’s natural
treasures and outdoor areas.
For more
information on state parks in your area, visit the Florida State
Parks website or
download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® app, which is available on
iTunes and Android Market by searching “Florida Pocket Ranger” and is
identified under ParksByNature Network.
*Free daytime
entry to any state park except Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
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