DEP JOINS VOLUNTEER FLORIDA TO ASSIST WITH PANHANDLE FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 11, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP JOINS VOLUNTEER FLORIDA TO ASSIST WITH PANHANDLE FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

~Florida State Parks provides campsites to volunteers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with Volunteer Florida, is supporting those impacted by the spring floods in Florida’s panhandle counties. From April 28 to May 6, a severe weather system brought torrential rains to the Northern Florida Gulf Coast. 

Governor Scott declared a State of Emergency for 26 Florida counties on April 30 and individual assistance was granted for both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on May 6.

To help assist with the recovery efforts, the department has offered complimentary campsites at Big Lagoon State Park, Blackwater River State Park and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. The campsites will be utilized by Volunteer Florida volunteers as they rebuild and repair homes affected by the flood in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. 

“We are happy to contribute and help Escambia and Santa Rosa residents recover from the devastating floods this spring,” Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione said. “Last year, more than 30,000 volunteers donated more than 1.3 million hours of their time to help with Florida State Parks operations. Just as we support and rely upon volunteers at our parks, we understand how the flood victims appreciate Volunteer Florida volunteers helping rebuild their homes. We are proud to assist with these campsites.”

“We are grateful for the support of our partners at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said Chester W. Spellman, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “Volunteer Florida is committed to helping Floridians in the Panhandle with long-term recovery from the flooding, and this is a wonderful way to assist those who are serving the survivors.” 

For more information regarding the 2014 spring flood, click here.