State Recreation Sites Receive Best of Florida Awards

“We are honored by Florida Monthly’s recognition of the state’s exceptional recreation sites,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “DEP takes pride in protecting the state’s environment while providing nature-based recreation and cultural resources for Florida’s residents and visitors.”

The state’s Best of Florida Awards include:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Best State Park and Best Campground
• Blue Springs State Park - Best Manatee Viewing Spot
• Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Best Picnic Location
• Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park’s Florida Folk Festival – Best Cultural Festival
• Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park’s annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee – Best Historic Reenactment
• Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway - Best Greenway/Trail

The Florida Monthly Best of Florida Awards are chosen annually by the publication’s readers. Award categories range from Best Resort and Best Florida Band to Best Lighthouse and Best Restaurant. The 11th annual award recipients are featured in the magazine’s September 2006 issue.

“Family friendly events, first-class facilities and excellent customer service make Florida’s state parks most desirable destinations,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “A combination of protection, interpretation and recreation create a Real Florida experience for all park visitors.”

DEP is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The agency maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves that safeguard Florida’s natural resources and provide nature-based recreation.

For more information about DEP, please visit www.floridadep.org.

For a complete list of Florida’s Best, visit www.floridamagazine.com.