MEDIA ADVISORY: Aug. 29, 2012 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us  FLORIDA PARK SERVICE TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS SYSTEM PLAN ~Citizens are invited to give comments about the future of Florida’s Greenways and Trails ~ At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is presently the longest paved rail trail in Florida. Photo by John Moran. TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service will host six public meetings to gather input regarding the vision for the Florida Greenways and Trails System. A new plan is being developed to establish priorities and define the role of the system in advancing Florida’s economy, tourism, health, alternative transportation, recreation, conservation and quality of life. This is the first update to the Florida Greenways and Trails System  Plan since adoption in 1999 by the Florida Legislature. The draft plan and maps are available on the Office of Greenways and Trails website. The open house-style meetings will focus on the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan, as well as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and the U.S. Forest Service’s Florida National Scenic Trail Route Designation. The open houses will take place: Tallahassee  Wednesday, Sept. 12  4 - 7 p.m.  Florida Department of Transportation Headquarters  605 Suwannee St. Panama City Beach (FGTS and FNST only)  Thursday, Sept. 13  4 - 7 p.m. (Central)  Panama City Beach Senior Center  423 Lyndell Lane  Palatka (FGTS and FNST only)  Tuesday, Sept. 18   4 - 7 p.m.  Ravine Gardens State Park  1600 Twigg Street  Sanford  Saturday, Sept. 22  10 a.m. - 2 p.m.   Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens  3755 NW Hwy 17-92  Sarasota  Tuesday, Sept. 25  4 - 7 p.m.  Sarasota County Public Works  1001 Sarasota Center Blvd  Boca Raton  Wednesday, Sept. 26  4 - 7 p.m.  Sugar Sand Park Community Center  300 S. Military Trail

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails Florida’s 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, more than 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-50fff5

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