FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2012
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FLORIDA STATE PARKS
~Millions of holiday lights, historical tributes, visits by Santa- Florida’s State Parks have it all this holiday season ~
Festive greenery and holiday ornaments decorate Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola.
TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites Floridians and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in one of Florida’s 171 award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites. Let the fresh air and beautiful, natural scenery fill you and your family with holiday cheer.
Visit state parks to join historical holiday reenactments, stroll in gorgeous winter gardens, give your wish list to Santa, paddle and hike through Florida’s version of a winter wonderland and see the antebellum houses, visitor centers, forts and other buildings draped in millions of lights.
“This time of year, we cherish our family and friends and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. And there is no place better than Florida’s state parks to spend time with family this holiday season,” said Governor Rick Scott. “We are blessed to live in a state with access to our natural resources and recreation opportunities. I encourage everyone to celebrate the holidays and enjoy time with family at one of Florida’s state parks.”
Most of Florida’s state parks are open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to sunset, including Christmas Day. Some museums or historic sites have different hours, and may be open only five days a week. Check the Florida State Park website to get more information about your favorite park.
“State Park staff and volunteers dedicate countless hours to make each of Florida’s state parks the perfect venue to celebrate the holiday season for our visitors,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Enjoy holiday festivities and spend some time in Florida’s environment with family and friends at a state park.”
Here is a sample of holiday events in Florida State Parks:
NORTHWEST REGION
Saturday, Dec. 1
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee
Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9
Friday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 16
6 to 8 p.m.
7908 Three Rivers Road
Sneads
Friday, Dec. 7
6 to 9 p.m.
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee
Saturday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 15
5 p.m.
465 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs
Saturday, Dec. 15
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
181 Eden Gardens Road
Santa Rosa Beach
Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22
4 to 8 p.m.
12301 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola
Tuesday, Dec. 25
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
12301 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola
NORTHEAST REGION
Festival of Lights, featuring more than four million lights throughout the park.
Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 30
6 p.m.
11016 Lillian Saunders Drive
White Springs
Saturday, Dec. 1
Registration: 8 to 10 a.m.
Ride begins at Ridge Manor Trailhead
6410 Croom Rital Road
Ridge Manor
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8
6 to 8:30 p.m.
3100 South Old Floral City Road
Inverness
Saturday, Dec. 8
6 to 9 p.m.
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka
Saturday, Dec. 8
3 to 8 p.m.
7200 County Road 603
Bushnell
Sunday, Dec. 9
10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3708 Patten Avenue
Ellenton
Friday, Dec. 28 and Sunday, Dec. 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1000 Faver-Dykes Road
St. Augustine
CENTRAL REGION
Friday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 16
Friday, Dec. 21 through Sunday, Dec. 23
Friday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 27 – Lights only
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon
SOUTHWEST REGION
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8
6 to 10 p.m.
6131 Commercial Way
Spring Hill
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8
6 to 9 p.m.
15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15
6 to 10 p.m.
6131 Commercial Way
Spring Hill
Wednesday, Dec. 19 through Wednesday, Dec. 26 (except Dec. 25)
5:30 to 9 p.m.
4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa
SOUTHEAST REGION
Saturday, Dec. 1
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Offshore Island - MM 78.5 Oceanside
Islamorada
Saturday, Dec. 8
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6400 N. Oceanshore Boulevard
Palm Coast
Saturday, Dec. 15
3:30 p.m.
3109 E. Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
Friday, Dec. 21
3:30 p.m.
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