FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2016

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

FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF PHOTO CONTEST

~More than 6,000 photos entered into photo contest~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service and ReserveAmerica are pleased to announce the winners of the “We Share the Setting, You Share the ___” photo contest.

• Grand-Prize Winner: Claire Mitchell has won a GoPro Hero 4 camera and a Family Annual Entrance Pass to Florida’s state parks. Her photo, "Monday Morning – We Must be Doing Something Right," was taken at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park.
• Second-Prize Winner: Stephanie McLeish has won a Perception Access Kayak plus 12 day-passes to Florida’s state parks. Her photo, "Teamwork," was taken at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
• Third-Prize Winner: Jacob Miller has won a Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler plus six day-passes to Florida’s state parks. His photo, "Sunset Vibes," was taken at St. Andrews State Park.

"We received 6,297 submissions, all depicting an experience at a state park or trail," said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service. "Each picture shared how our visitors enjoy their favorite Florida state park. Congratulations to the winners and all who entered the contest.”

“We are incredibly pleased to sponsor this highly successful photo contest,” said Spencer Robertson, marketing head for ACTIVE Network’s Outdoors Division. “Tens of thousands of people have already experienced the beauty of Florida state parks through the images that were shared this year.”

ReserveAmerica is the largest provider of campsite reservations in North America, serving the Florida Park Service, the National Park Service and more than 30 states’ park systems. Florida State Parks has used ReserveAmerica for more than 11 years for reservation services.

All photos can be viewed here.

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/1642f01