FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2019

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

Florida State Parks Announces Winners of Winter 2019 Photo Contest

~More than 2,200 photos were submitted for contest~

From left: Dade Battlefield Reenactment at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park by Randy Lathrop; Small and Sweet at Anastasia State Park by Sharon Reed; and Winter at Don Pedro State Park at Don Pedro Island State Park by Tommy Schmicker.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida State Parks and Aspira are pleased to announce the winners of the "Celebrate Florida State Parks” 2019 Winter Photo Contest.

• Grand-Prize Winner: Randy Lathrop won a Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 12-Foot Sit-in Kayak and a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass. His photo, “Dade Battlefield Reenactment,” was taken at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park and captures a scene during the annual reenactment event. While this photo was captured during Randy’s first visit to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, he regularly enjoys visiting Sebastian Inlet State Park.
• Second-Prize Winner: Sharon Reed won a Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent and 12 Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. Her photo, “Small and Sweet,” was taken at Anastasia State Park. Sharon woke up well before sunrise to make the journey to the park for the chance to capture a shot of birds during the nesting season.  
• Third-Prize Winner: Tommy Schmicker won a Florida State Parks logo backpack and hat, and six Florida State Parks Day Entrance Passes. His photo, “Winter at Don Pedro State Park,” was taken at Don Pedro Island State Park. Tommy, an Eagle Scout, enjoys visiting parks and being outdoors with his son who is a Tiger in Cub Scouts.

“Randy, Sharon and Tommy captured some of the moments that make Florida State Parks special,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “There were so many great submissions to the winter contest, and I’m thankful for all the creative and skilled photographers who shared their passion for state parks.”

The 2019 Winter Photo Contest received 2,257 submissions, providing a great opportunity for visitors to share their park memories. The contest ran from Jan. 1-March 15, 2019. Florida State Parks congratulates the winners and all who entered the contest.

View all photos from the 2019 Winter 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.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/24061f0