FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2004
CONTACT: Matt Mitchell, (850) 245-2501

Florida State Parks Director Receives Southeast Appointment

--Southeast State Park Directors Association names Mike Bullock Vice-President—

FT. GEORGE ISLAND – Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock was named vice-president of the Southeast State Park Directors Association this week. The regional association elected Bullock during their annual meeting at Northeast Florida’s Ft. George Island State Park.

“Mike’s appointment reflects his hard work and dedication to Florida’s award-winning state park system,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “The diversity of natural resources and recreational opportunities within the nation’s southeastern state parks will benefit from his strong and visionary leadership.”

A 32-year veteran of Florida’s state park system, Bullock began his career in 1972 as a planning manager. During his tenure, he served as Assistant Director for the Florida Park Service before being appointed Director in 2003.

Now in its 62nd year, the Southeast State Park Directors Association represents state parks in 13 states from Virginia to Florida. The collaborative work of the Association is placing southeast state parks among the most effectively managed and progressive park systems in the country.

Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Over the last five years, Florida added eight new parks, more than 203,000 acres and increased attendance at its nationally-renowned park system by five million visitors. In 1999, the Florida state park system was awarded the National Gold Medal for Excellence as the nation’s best park system.