FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2017

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

Honeymoon Island State Park Celebrates One Million Visitors

~Park welcomes 1 million visitors earlier in the fiscal year than ever before~

Honeymoon Island State Park staff work hard to provide an outstanding visitor experience.

DUNEDIN, Fla.– Honeymoon Island State Park has already welcomed more than 1 million visitors this fiscal year, six weeks earlier than ever before. This is the ninth consecutive year that the park has surpassed the 1 million visitor mark.

Peter Krulder, park manager said: “This accomplishment would not be possible without the dedicated staff of employees and volunteers who continue to provide exemplary customer service day in and day out.”

Dan Robison, chairman of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce said: “We are thrilled to join the outstanding staff and volunteers at Honeymoon Island State Park in celebrating the milestone of welcoming 1 million visitors to the park this year. This is the first time in park history that this accomplishment has been met this early in the year.

"Honeymoon Island offers residents and visitors access to pristine Gulf beaches, hiking trails through slash pine woods and intimate spots for viewing of wildlife such as osprey, eagles and dolphins. The park gives us a front row seat to some of the best things that Florida has to offer! For those of us who call Dunedin home, Honeymoon Island is the place that we love to share with visitors as much as we love to cherish it as our own.”

In fiscal year 2015-16, Honeymoon Island State Park boasted 1,267,746 visitors. The park is home to a wide variety of shorebirds, osprey nests and one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. Visitors can swim, fish and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or picnic while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

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.

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