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GAINESVILLE – The Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. (FFSP) is pleased to announce the installation
of its new officers and board members chosen during a board meeting at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. FFSP
is the statewide citizen support organization (CSO) for the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park
Service. The unanimously elected FFSP members include:
- President - Elaine McLaughlin, Bokeelia, Florida
University of Florida, Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sports Management
- President-Elect - Virgie Thompson, Freeport, Florida
Retired
- Secretary - Pat D'Asaro, Bagdad, Florida
Retired
- Treasurer - Roy Kimbell, Jupiter, Florida
Retired
- Board Member - Jamie Lynne Tacy, Sarasota, Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- Board Member - Tammy Gustafson, Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando Resort
"As a valuable resource for the Florida Park Service, the Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. is also
a rewarding experience for each one of its members,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome and many thanks to the new FFSP officers and board members.”
The FFSP is recognized as the leading advocate for state parks. Its vision in supporting the mission
of the Florida Park Service is to ensure the existence of …the Real FloridaSM for future generations by
preserving and protecting state parks, educating residents and visitors about their importance, and creating
community support.
The organization provides financial support to the parks system which supplements state funding and ensures
inclusion of and accessibility to the full enjoyment of the parks natural and cultural resources for all
persons.
“Florida is blessed with the best state park system in the nation and I am delighted to be part of the
leadership team that will help raise awareness for our parks among Florida residents,” said President
Elaine McLaughlin. “In these difficult economic times, state parks remain one of the great family getaways
as an affordable place to go and renew our spirits.”
The FFSP welcomes new members and interested individuals to visit the website
http://www.floridastateparks.org/friends/ to learn more
about this essential organization. Members enjoy a variety of benefits but most importantly are helping the state
park system provide the quality service and programs it is known for.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system
is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach.
From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural
scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and
Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window
into Florida’s cultural heritage. Florida’s state parks are also home to the 2008 Best Beach in the nation, Caladesi
Island State Park.
For more information about Florida State Parks visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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