FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNOUNCE 2014 ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 20, 2015

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

FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNOUNCE 2014 ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

~Winning photo taken at Gasparilla Island State Park in Boca Grande~

2014 Winners

Photo contest winners in order of first, second and third place. 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service and the Friends of Florida State Parks Inc. are pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2014 annual Florida state parks photo contest. First place winner Jason Boeckman’s photo, "Ibis," was taken at Gasparilla Island State Park in Boca Grande. Second place winner, Shawn Vela, photographed "Coquina" at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast. Third place was awarded to Karen Gamble, who photographed "Starfish" at Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach.  

“Each year, we receive hundreds of amazing photos taken at Florida’s state parks and state trails. Each one inspires us to bring a camera along when we visit Florida’s incredible natural and cultural resources. Congratulations to the winners,” said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service.  

Annual photo contest winners are selected from the 12 monthly contest winners. The photographs were evaluated by professional photographers John Moran, Kevin Kolczynski and Lynn Berreitter to determine the top three winners. A Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass will be presented to the first place winner while an Individual Annual Pass will be presented to the second and third place winners.

The Florida State Parks and State Trails Photo Contest allows visitors to share photos taken at state parks and state trails. Register and submit your favorite photos for a chance to win entrance passes to Florida’s state parks. Visit the Photo Contest website for rules and details.