Media Advisory: Nov. 9, 2017

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

Hontoon Island State Park Reopens

~The park is accessible only by private boat until ferry operations resume~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service has reopened Hontoon Island State Park for day use following the impacts of Hurricane Irma. The park is accessible only by private boat until ferry operations resume.

Visitor safety remains paramount as response efforts continue. Florida State Parks staff continue to work as expediently as possible to finish remaining clean-up and repairs. Amenities and access to certain areas of the park may be limited until this work is completed. 

Please visit floridastateparks.org for the most up-to-date information. 

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Irma. Visit FloridaDisaster.org for updates and information about this storm.

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 – Nov. 30. For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to "Get a Plan," visit FLGetAPlan.com. For continuous updates and recovery tips, 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 175 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/1c3443b