STATE PARK ADMISSION FEES WAIVED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2001

State Park Admission Fees Waived Veterans Day Weekend

--Florida honors veterans Nov. 10, 11, and 12--

TALLAHASSEE—Lt. Governor Frank T. Brogan announced today that admission fees at Florida’s award-winning state parks will be waived for all visitors Saturday, November 10 through Monday, November 12 in honor of America’s veterans. Joining him for this announcement was Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs, Matthew Ubben, Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Veterans' Affairs, and Wendy Spencer, Director of Florida State Parks.

"The State of Florida and each of our 155 state parks offers this special invitation to every citizen as well as our guests from out of state," said Lt. Gov. Brogan. "Florida’s state parks, which we call The Real Florida, represent our state’s past as well as its present. That is one reason why Veterans Day is such an appropriate occasion to offer a reminder that our parks have something for everyone, both young and old."

Florida’s state parks play a vital role in Florida’s tourism industry, with over 18 million persons visiting parks last year. Their attraction is attributable to the variety of recreational opportunities offered. Activities ranging from camping, hiking, boating, and nature trails are among the family-oriented possibilities that exist for park guests.

"Our state parks offer unique and diverse facilities suitable for all ages; there is truly something for everyone," said Struhs. "While record numbers of visitors are frequenting our parks, millions more are probably not fully aware of what they have to offer. Through this one-time sneak preview, we feel that some first time visitors will be repeat customers."

Admission fees for a carload of up to eight people, which range from $3.25 to $4.00 at most parks, are being waived. Other fees, such as camping and cabin rentals, will remain in place, as will fees for the privately operated Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg.

"We believe that in these emotionally and economically difficult times Floridians may choose leisure activities that are located close to home," said Spencer. "In addition, we are inviting visitors to our state to experience Florida’s finest, most authentic natural areas and discover why our state parks system is nationally recognized."

In addition to their growing contribution to Florida’s economy, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country. The 155 parks cover nearly 600,000 acres throughout the state. Free information on Florida State Parks is available by calling (850) 488-9872 or at the state parks website at www.MyFlorida.com.

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Resources for: Citizens Educators Businesses Government Information Calendar Contacts News Newsletters Organizational Chart Publications & Reports Unless indicated, documents on this Web site are Adobe Acrobat files, and require the free reader software.	Press Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2001 State Park Admission Fees Waived Veterans Day Weekend --Florida honors veterans Nov. 10, 11, and 12-- TALLAHASSEE—Lt. Governor Frank T. Brogan announced today that admission fees at Florida’s award-winning state parks will be waived for all visitors Saturday, November 10 through Monday, November 12 in honor of America’s veterans. Joining him for this announcement was Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs, Matthew Ubben, Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Veterans' Affairs, and Wendy Spencer, Director of Florida State Parks. "The State of Florida and each of our 155 state parks offers this special invitation to every citizen as well as our guests from out of state," said Lt. Gov. Brogan. "Florida’s state parks, which we call The Real Florida, represent our state’s past as well as its present. That is one reason why Veterans Day is such an appropriate occasion to offer a reminder that our parks have something for everyone, both young and old." Florida’s state parks play a vital role in Florida’s tourism industry, with over 18 million persons visiting parks last year. Their attraction is attributable to the variety of recreational opportunities offered. Activities ranging from camping, hiking, boating, and nature trails are among the family-oriented possibilities that exist for park guests. "Our state parks offer unique and diverse facilities suitable for all ages; there is truly something for everyone," said Struhs. "While record numbers of visitors are frequenting our parks, millions more are probably not fully aware of what they have to offer. Through this one-time sneak preview, we feel that some first time visitors will be repeat customers." Admission fees for a carload of up to eight people, which range from $3.25 to $4.00 at most parks, are being waived. Other fees, such as camping and cabin rentals, will remain in place, as will fees for the privately operated Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in St. Petersburg. "We believe that in these emotionally and economically difficult times Floridians may choose leisure activities that are located close to home," said Spencer. "In addition, we are inviting visitors to our state to experience Florida’s finest, most authentic natural areas and discover why our state parks system is nationally recognized." In addition to their growing contribution to Florida’s economy, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country. The 155 parks cover nearly 600,000 acres throughout the state. Free information on Florida State Parks is available by calling (850) 488-9872 or at the state parks website at www.MyFlorida.com. -30- Sign up for DEP's Press Releases email: Last updated: August 18, 2005
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