FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 29, 2014

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

PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING STATE PARK TO BE HELD IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

~The public is invited to share input on the land management plans ~

RUSKIN – Join the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service for a second public workshop and presentation of the updates to the management plans for Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at the SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin. 

Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park is a 615-acre park only accessible by boat within the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve. The park provides habitat for two endangered plant species, seven shorebird species and the Florida manatee. It also provides protection for Little Cockroach Key archaeological site, which is considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 

Proposed updates for this park include the placement of interpretive information at county boat ramps located at the end of Cockroach Bay Road and in Domino Park to inform visitors about the history and sensitivity of the park and how to protect the park while enjoying the peace and solitude it offers.  

An expanded advisory group will meet Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the same location. 

The public notice, agenda and draft plan are available online here. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Park Manager Kevin Kiser at 941-721-6747 or Kevin.Kiser@dep.state.fl.us. 

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting the park manager. 

If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

WHAT:         PUBLIC WORKSHOP  

WHEN:         Jan. 6, 2015
                     7 p.m. 

WHERE:       SouthShore Regional Library
                     15816 Beth Shields Way
                     Ruskin, FL 33573

WHAT:         ADVISORY GROUP MEETING

WHEN:          Jan. 7, 2015
                      9 a.m. 

WHERE:        SouthShore Regional Library
                      15816 Beth Shields Way 
                      Ruskin, FL 33573

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 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, 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

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/e4d243