Media Advisory: Oct. 5, 2016

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

STATE PARK CAMPGROUND EVACUATIONS AND PARK CLOSURES FOR HURRICANE MATTHEW

~Evacuation of state park campgrounds and park closures to ensure visitor safety~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service announces the closure of state parks and evacuation of campgrounds across Florida due to imminent weather conditions including strong winds and rain.

The following state parks are closed until further notice:

• Sebastian Inlet State Park (Brevard County)
  
• Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park (Okeechobee County)
  
• Avalon State Park (St. Lucie County)
  
• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park (Including Jack Island Preserve) (St. Lucie County)
• Savannas Preserve State Park (St. Lucie County)
  
• St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park (Martin County)

The following state park campgrounds have been closed in preparation for the storm:

• Tomoka State Park (Volusia County)
  

•  Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach (Flagler County)
• Anastasia State Park (St. Johns County)
• Faver-Dykes State Park (St. Johns County)
• Hontoon Island State Park (Volusia County)
• Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (Okeechobee County)
• Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway (east) Rodman campground (Putnam County)
• Fort Clinch State Park (Nassau County)
• Little Talbot Island State Park (Duval County)
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County)
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Monroe County)
• Long Key State Park (Monroe County)
• Curry Hammock State Park (Monroe County)
• Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County) 
  

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency.

Florida's State Park system is one of the largest in the country with 174 state parks, trails and historic sites covering nearly 800,000 acres. For more about Florida State Parks and closure updates, visit www.floridastateparks.org/.

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 – Nov. 30. For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visit FloridaDisaster.org and FLGetAPlan.com. Follow the State Emergency Response Team on Twitter at @FLSERT and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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/1694ddc