Media Advisory: Sept. 6, 2017

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

Florida State Parks Prepare for Hurricane Irma

~State park closures to ensure visitor safety~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service announces the closure of one state park and all campgrounds in the Florida Keys in preparation for imminent weather conditions including strong winds and rain.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Monroe County is closed until further notice.

The following state park campgrounds are closed:

• Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County)
  
• Curry Hammock State Park (Monroe County)
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Monroe County)
• Long Key State Park (Monroe County)

All other Florida state parks remain open at this time. Additional park closures are anticipated later today and tomorrow.

Visitor safety is paramount in the decision to close and open Florida state parks during times of severe weather. Additionally, Florida state parks are in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers and may close sooner depending on conditions and location. For example, barrier islands and parks that are near major bridges may close sooner to ensure visitor safety.

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

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Visit FloridaDisaster.org for updates and information about this storm. 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/1b54f1c