FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2016

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

DEP ANNOUNCES BAY COUNTY EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST WINNERS 

~Posters represent the importance of protecting Florida’s beautiful natural environment~

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - In celebration of Earth Day, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest District invited Bay County fourth- and fifth-grade students to to creatively illustrate the importance of safeguarding Florida’s natural resources and enhancing its ecosystems.

“I am proud to announce winners of the 2016 Earth Day Poster Contest for Bay County," said DEP’s Northwest District Director Shawn Hamilton. “These artists did a fantastic job of capturing so many ways we can protect our environment. It is reassuring to see that our students are learning so much about our environment in school.”

The posters were judged on how well they portrayed an Earth Day message, artistic merit, originality and neatness. The winning posters are displayed on the Northwest District’s website and additional pictures are available on the department’s Facebook page. 

About the Department of Environmental Protection's Northwest District

The Northwest District, headquartered in Pensacola with branch offices in Tallahassee and Panama City, provides environmental permitting assistance, emergency response and environmental education outreach in 16 counties in the Florida panhandle. Famous for its stunning sugar-white beaches and beautiful emerald waters, Florida’s panhandle attracts visitors from all over the world. The region is home to many freshwater and saltwater fishing spots as well as the source of the famed Apalachicola Bay oysters. Northwest Florida’s diverse landscape is also filled with natural springs, unique hardwood forests and fresh water rivers, making it truly a place of beauty. The district is committed to DEP’s vision of strong community partnerships, safeguarding natural resources, and enhancing ecosystems. For more information visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/northwest/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/144baf0