CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

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

PAYNES CREEK HISTORIC STATE PARK
TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING

~The public is invited to provide comments on the management plan~

WHAT:     Public Hearing 

WHEN:     July 13, 2016
                   5-7 p.m.

WHERE:  Hardee Junior High School Library
                   2405 US Highway 17
                   Wauchula, FL 33873

DEP's Florida Park Service is in the process of updating the Unit Management Plan for Paynes Creek Historic State Park. Citizens are invited to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposed plans for the state park and to share their comments.

Please review the public notice, agenda and draft plan. Copies may also be obtained by emailing Jackson.Mosley@dep.state.fl.us or calling 863-375-4717. The public is invited to review and submit comments to the Division of Recreation and Parks at FL_StateParkPlanning@dep.state.fl.us until July 28, 2016. 

The following developments/improvements are proposed for the updated Paynes Creek Historic State Park management plan:

• Develop a new 30-site campground;

• Expand picnicking opportunities with an additional large pavilion in the picnic area;

• Create an observation platform on the Oxbow Nature trail to create new wildlife viewing and interpretive opportunities; and

• Add a canoe/kayak launch/landing on the Peace River.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the hearing by emailing Jackson.Mosley@dep.state.fl.us or calling 863-375-4717. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice).

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. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/153defd