FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112
I-95 Welcome Center Hosts State Parks Celebration
--Florida Park Service invites travelers to enjoy The Real
FloridaSM --
I-95 WELCOME CENTER — The Florida Park Service took over the
Interstate 95 Welcome Center near Yulee today to invite travelers to celebrate
their holiday season at one of Florida’s 158 award-winning state parks. Park
rangers welcomed visitors with information and giveaways highlighting the wealth
of recreational opportunities and diverse natural landscapes that dominate the
state’s park system.
“Florida’s state park system is one of the largest and best in the nation,”
said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “More than 150 parks across the
state highlight the historical, cultural and natural value of Florida and offer
a Real Florida experience.”
Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158
parks covering more than 700,000 acres from Pensacola to Key West. More than
1,600 miles of hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling and equestrian trails
traverse breath-taking landscapes from coast to coast. Over the last five years,
Florida added eight new parks and more than 203,000 acres to its
nationally-renowned park system.
Nature-based tourism in Florida is on the rise, with more than 19.1 million
people visiting state parks last year -- setting an all-time record for
attendance. Florida's State Park system received the 1999 National State Park
Gold Medal, recognizing it as the best in the nation. For more information,
visit www.FloridaStateParks.org
or reserve a cabin or campsite at 1-800-326-3521.
-30-
004-326
Press Office
