FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2018

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

Florida State Parks Announces Winners of Summer 2018 Photo Contest

~More than 2,700 photos were submitted for contest~

From left to right: Sunrise Paddle at Lake Louisa State Park by Linda Wilinski; Owl Love in Myakka at Myakka River State Park by Heather Chadwick; and Surfing in Sebastian Inlet Park at Sebastian Inlet State Park by Lana Velazquez.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks and Aspira are pleased to announce the winners of the “Share Your Story!” Summer 2018 Photo Contest.

• Grand-Prize Winner: Linda Wilinski won a PEAK Inflatable 10'6 Stand Up Paddle Board Complete Package and a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass. Her photo, “Sunrise Paddle,” captures a moment at sunrise while kayaking at Lake Louisa State Park. Linda and her husband enjoy visiting Florida State Parks to camp and kayak, and capturing the places they visit with her camera. As Annual Pass holders, their favorite state parks to visit include Myakka River, Weeki Wachee Springs, Rainbow Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife, Silver Springs and Highlands Hammock.
• Second-Prize Winner: Heather Chadwick won a Garmin Forerunner 735XT Heart Rate Monitor Watch and 12 Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. Her photo, “Owl Love at Myakka,” was taken at Myakka River State Park. Even after visiting the park for almost 30 years, Heather continues to find more tucked-away treasures with each visit, including this pair of Barred Owls. 
• Third-Prize Winner: Lana Velazquez won a Garmin eTrex 20x GPS and six Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. Her photo, “Surfing in Sebastian Inlet Park,” was taken at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Lana was inspired to visit after seeing photos of surfers at Sebastian Inlet, and this photo was taken during her first opportunity to watch them. She looks forward to visiting more parks in the future.

“Linda, Heather and Lana did a terrific job of capturing the moments that make Florida State Parks special,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “I saw so many great submissions for this summer’s contest, and I’m grateful for all the talented photographers who shared images of our state parks.”  

The Summer 2018 Photo Contest received 2,716 submissions, providing a great opportunity for visitors to share their park memories. The contest ran from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2018. Florida State Parks congratulates the winners and all who entered the contest.

View all photos from the Summer 2018 Photo Contest and 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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