FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 4, 2019

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

Celebrate Florida Paddlesports Month

~Explore paddling trails and Florida State Parks this November ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites Florida's residents and visitors to celebrate Florida Paddlesports Month this November and explore the more than 4,000 miles of designated paddling trails throughout the state.

“Florida’s State Parks and designated paddling trails offer terrific access to outdoor experiences. Our rivers and waterways are scenic with native wildlife and opportunities to enjoy Florida's unique ecosystems,” said Florida Parks Service Director Eric Draper. “Florida Paddlesports Month is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy The Real Florida.”

Florida is home to 67 state designated paddling trails, coordinated by the Florida Park Service Office of Greenways and Trails. Annually, an estimated 13.5 million residents and visitors enjoy the beauty and health benefits of paddlesports in Florida.

Florida’s fall and winter months provide the perfect weather for exploring paddling trails and waters. Florida's state parks offer a range of paddling opportunities, including kayaking the many springs at Ichetucknee Springs, paddleboarding the mangrove-lined waterways at Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson or exploring a rare coastal dune lake at Topsail Hill Preserve. Paddlers can observe wildlife and Florida’s seasonal visitors, such as various waterfowl and manatees.

November also features many statewide events that provide Florida's residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the state's natural resources: 

• Hillsborough River State Park is hosting a Second Saturday Paddle on Nov. 9, 2019, at 8:45 a.m.
• Ichetucknee Spring State Park is hosting a Moonlit Paddle on Nov. 9, 2019, at 6 p.m.
• Little Manatee River State Park is hosting a Park After Dark: Moonlight Paddle on Nov. 9, 2019, at 6 p.m.
• Anastasia State Park is hosting a Full Moon Paddle on Nov. 12, 2019, at 4 p.m.
• Maclay Gardens State Park is hosting a Full Moon Paddle on Nov. 12-14, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. 
• Lake Kissimmee State Park is hosting a Guided Kayak Trip on Nov. 21, 2019, at 9 a.m.
• Savannas Preserve State Park is hosting a Guided Kayak Tour on Nov. 22-23, 2019 at 7 a.m.

Visit Florida State Parks for more information and to plan your paddling adventure.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 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 Outdoor Florida® 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/269608c