DEP Announces Winners of Florida State Parks Photo Contest

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2017

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

DEP Announces Winners of Florida State Parks
Photo Contest

~Nearly 4,000 entries were submitted during the contest~

Florida State Parks photo contest winners

Counterclockwise from top: first place, Milky Camp at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park by Andre Brown; second place, Palm Tree Alcove at Rainbow Springs State Park by Caroline Peet; third place, Surfing at Fort Clinch at Fort Clinch State Park by Freddie Peake.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks and ReserveAmerica are excited to announce the winners of the “Play Outside in Florida State Parks” Summer 2017 Photo Contest.

  • Grand-Prize Winner: Andre Brown has won a Kelty TrailLogic TN2 Tent and a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass. His photo, “Milky Camp,” was taken at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

  • Second-Prize Winner: Caroline Peet has won a Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch and 12 Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. Her photo, “Palm Tree Alcove,” was taken at Rainbow Springs State Park.

  • Third-Prize Winner: Freddie Peake has won an Enerplex Kickr IV Portable Solar Panel and six Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. His photo, “Surfing at Fort Clinch,” was taken at Fort Clinch State Park.

"I am thrilled that we received nearly 4,000 incredible submissions through this contest," said Florida State Parks Assistant Director Chuck Hatcher. "This contest was an excellent opportunity to highlight our award-winning state parks and encourage people to get outdoors. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who participated."

The Summer 2017 Photo Contest received 3,935 submissions and provided a great opportunity for visitors to share their park memories. The contest ran from June 21, 2017- Aug. 21, 2017. 

“After partnering with Florida State Parks on the 2016 photo contest for the first time, we saw how important this could be to help get more people outdoors,” said Spencer Robertson, Senior Marketing Manager for ReserveAmerica. “It has turned into a great community for sharing amazing activities, places and events. The social aspect encourages park-goers to get more excited through viewing others’ experiences. We are very happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide our continued support in the next contest.”

All photos from the Summer 2017 Photo Contest can be viewed here. Look for the Winter Photo Contest coming soon!