Welcome from the Director
Donald V. Forgione Director Florida Park Service

I am so pleased that you have visited the website for Florida State Parks. If you are interested in learning about any of Florida’s 160 state parks or are ready to plan your next vacation or "staycation," you should also visit the Florida State Parks Online Park Guide at www.floridastateparks.org.

Summer is the perfect time of year for visiting Florida’s state parks. If you’re looking to beat the heat, nearly 70 state parks offer swimming in Florida’s pristine beaches, 72 degree springs or majestic lakes and rivers. There are also a variety of other water opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and surfing. With all of the diversity Florida State Parks offer, there is surely something for everyone to get wet and stay cool.

If you are more of land lover, Florida State Parks have plenty of other activities to keep you entertained during your state park visit. You can check out state of the art nature centers, educational programs, cultural and historic sites, go camping or stay in cabins ranging from primitive to modern, hike a trail, take a tour, see some wildlife, have a picnic or just plain relax in a beautiful natural setting- the Real Florida^SM.

Whatever you fancy, I hope you enjoy your visit to Florida State Parks. With more than 1,000 staff members, 6,000 plus volunteers, beyond 700,000 acres and 160 different sites, I am certain you will be amazed by someone or something during your visit. Please be sure to let any staff member know if we can be of assistance in any way. If you would like additional information, you can also contact our Florida State Parks Information Line at (850) 245-2157.

Sincerely,
Donald Forgione
Director
Florida Park Service

Biography

Donald V. Forgione - A 26-year veteran of the Florida Park Service, Forgione began his career as a park ranger at Paynes Creek Historic Site in Bowling Green, Florida, in 1984. He has since worked his way up in the Florida Park Service throughout the state. He has served as assistant park manager, park manager, park law enforcement officer, as well as assistant bureau chief and bureau chief. For the last six years as District Two Bureau Chief, Forgione has provided overall management and administration of bureau operations for a 40 park network and more than 200 employees. He has received certification in environmental conservation and law enforcement, as well as in park maintenance management from North Carolina State University and is a state certified burn manager.

Back to About Us Homepage

(Return to Top)