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~

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!

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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