FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 20, 2016

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP ANNOUNCES 2015 FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS 

~Winning photo taken at Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville~

(clockwise) Winning photo "Boneyard and Beach Sunrise" was taken at Big Talbot Island State Park and second place photos are "Tranquil Sunset" at Bahia Honda State Park,
"Sailboats Race Toward Sunset" at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park,
and "North Jetty" at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service and Friends of Florida State Parks Inc. announce the winners of the 2015 Annual Florida State Parks Photo Contest. First-place winner Lisa Westberry photographed "Boneyard and Beach Sunrise" at Big Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville. There was a three-way tie for second place, which included "Tranquil Sunset" photographed by Lyrica Bonfour at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, "Sailboats Race Toward Sunset" photographed by Celeste McWilliams at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, and "North Jetty" photographed by Richard Vogel at Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach.

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

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

The Florida State Parks Photo Contest for 2016 is open! Register and submit your favorite photos for a chance to win entrance passes to visit Florida’s state parks. Visit the photo contest website for rules and details.

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 174 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to 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/1314957