Media Advisory: Oct. 14, 2016

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

HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK REOPENS FOLLOWING HURRICANE MATTHEW

~One state park remains closed~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – DEP’s Florida Park Service announces that Hontoon Island State Park has reopened for day use following impacts from Hurricane Matthew. Florida Park Service staff have traveled across the state to impacted areas to reopen more than 90 state parks. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Flagler County remains closed until further notice.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency.

Visitor safety is paramount in the decision to close and open Florida state parks during times of severe weather. The Florida Park Service is in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers and will keep parks closed as necessary to ensure visitor safety.

Following severe weather events, the Florida Park Service works to reopen parks as quickly as possible to provide recreation for Florida's residents and visitors. Strike teams from parks unaffected by Hurricane Matthew have been sent to the areas hardest hit by the storm to assess damage and begin cleanup efforts. State parks will be opened as quickly as visitor safety can be assured. Parks that have reopened may have reduced amenities.

Please visit floridastateparks.org and the Florida State Parks Facebook page for continuously updated information.

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/16b609c