FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Lover's Key Completes Beach Expansion

--Guests spread their towels on 175 feet of wider, safer Gulf beach--

FT MYERS BEACH – Just five months after restoration began, visitors to Lover’s Key State Park are soaking up the sun on 175 feet of wider beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach expansion protects sea turtle and bird nesting habitat while providing recreational opportunities for park guests.

“Erosion was infringing on sea turtle nests in the area and threatening park structures such as the famed wedding gazebo,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “This restoration offers a long term solution to erosion concerns and provides visitors with more sandy beach to enjoy.”

The $3.4 million restoration project pumped 570,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach at Lover’s Key. Over the next decade, the beach is expected to remain in tact, retaining at least 35 feet of sand space. Long term benefits include protection of park property from hurricane damage and increased sea turtle and migratory bird nesting resembling historic nesting patterns.

“Timing was critical during this renourishment project,” said Lover’s Key State Park Manager Paul Rice. “Thankfully, the sand pumped in over the summer protected Lover’s Key from surging tide during this active hurricane season.”

Throughout the project, park rangers and volunteers monitored sea turtle and bird nesting areas daily. Over the next three months, staff and volunteers will begin planting sea oats on a one-mile stretch to help protect the beach and dune system.

The most popular park in the southwest, Lover’s Key State Park last year welcomed more than 700,000 visitors, injecting more than $20.5 million into the local economy. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, the park offers a safe harbor for manatees, dolphins, bald eagles and ospreys. Visitors can enjoy five multi-use trails on Black Island and kayaking, fishing and boating along Estero Bay.

Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida added eight new parks and more than 203,000 acres to its nationally-renowned park system. Last year, Florida’s state parks attracted a record-breaking 19.1 million visitors.