FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2017

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

DEP Attends Beacon Hill Veterans' Memorial Park
Re-Dedication

~Project enhances enjoyment of natural resources following Deepwater Horizon oil spill ~

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the re-dedication of the Beacon Hill Veterans’ Memorial Park in Gulf County. Park improvements were funded by a $654,000 agreement with BP to conduct early restoration projects addressing impacts resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.   

“We were pleased to work with Gulf County on park improvements to recognize and honor our armed forces as well as increase the public's enjoyment of natural resources affected by Deepwater Horizon,” said Drew Bartlett, DEP deputy secretary for ecosystems restoration. “We hope to work with the county on other Gulf restoration projects in the future.” 

Improvements to the park include the construction of a small amphitheater with tiered concrete seating, a new greenspace for additional seating and venue space, a paved parking area, relocation and expansion of the current dog park, renovation of two restrooms and a pavilion, and the addition of an irrigation system with well supply. 

The amphitheater design includes features recognizing the five branches of the United States Armed Forces – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Additionally, a granite monument will be erected to honor U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clifford C. Sims, a Gulf County resident who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1968 for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.

“In honor of our military veterans, I am proud to be a part of the re-dedication of Beacon Hill Veterans’ Memorial Park,” said Jimmy Rogers, District 3 commissioner. "Whether it be swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, playing ball on the field or court, walking the trails, running the dogs or enjoying the amphitheater, there is something for all at Beacon Hill Veterans’ Memorial Park.”

DEP and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are the state agencies, in conjunction with select federal agencies, responsible for restoring the natural resources damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Learn more about Florida's Deepwater Horizon restoration efforts. 

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.

Visit the department’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1a3e03e