FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2018

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

Florida State Parks Announces Winners
of Photo Contest

~More than 2,000 photos entered into contest~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida State Parks and ReserveAmerica are pleased to announce the winners of the "Celebrate Florida State Parks" Winter 2017-2018 Photo Contest.

• Grand-Prize Winner: Beth Pannell has won a Canon EOS Rebel T6 Camera and a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass. Her photo was taken at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and captures a moment during her family’s first camping trip with their daughters (who were most excited to sleep in a tent and eat s’mores for the first time). Beth and her family also enjoy visiting Bald Point State Park, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.
• Second-Prize Winner: Tamara Sandusky has won an REI Co-op Siesta 30 Sleeping Bag, Coleman Pack-Away Cot with Side Table and 12 Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. Her photo was taken at Lake Kissimmee State Park. Tamara and her family (including their dog, Sadie) love state parks and often visit to camp, hike and bike during their excursions.
• Third-Prize Winner: David Burns has won a Coleman Classic Propane Stove, Snow Peak Personal Cooker 3 Cookset and six Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. His photo was taken at Fort Clinch State Park. David and his family love to visit Fort Clinch and are looking forward to visiting additional Florida State Parks in the upcoming months to collect more stamps for their Florida State Parks Passport.

The Winter 2017-2018 Photo Contest received 2,165 submissions and was a great opportunity for visitors to share their park memories. The contest ran from Dec. 21, 2017, to Feb. 21, 2018. Florida State Parks congratulates the winners and all who entered the contest.

View all the photos from the Winter 2017-2018 Photo Contest. Look for new photo contests 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 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.

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