The July Florida State Parks Monthly Newsletter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. July 2016 A Monthly Newsletter of Florida State Parks  |  #FLStateParks Discover something new for National Park and Recreation Month! The National Recreation and Park Association has celebrated Park and Recreation Month. This annual event celebrates the importance of parks and the need for recreation. Parks around the nation provide natural resources and facilities to help you find ways to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature while exercising, socializing and having fun. We at Florida State Parks suggest creating a fishing excursion with your friends while you’recamping in one of our award-winning state parks and trails. If you are visiting the Jacksonville area, be sure to check out Little Talbot Island State Park, where there are over five miles of beaches for hiking, kayaking, beach-combing, surfing and picnicking.  Is fishing your favorite past-time? George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park is located seven miles north of Little Talbot Island on State Road A-1-A and provides access to one of the best fishing areas in Northeast Florida. This month, and all month long, get out to a Florida state park or trail and enjoy the recreational activities offered. Show us how you are spending National Park & Recreation Month at Florida state park or trail on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter by using our hashtag #FLStateParks and/or #IHeartMyPark.    This month at State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites Firsthand Florida Fun Photographer and blogger Erika Z. lives and works in the Emerald Coast of Florida. Her love of the outdoors and sense of adventure leads her to explore Florida's state parks, state trails and historic sites in her free time. Last week, Erika traveled to Jacksonville to explore over 36 acres and three centuries of history at Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park.  Follow our blog weekly and subscribe to our YouTubechannel and catch up onprevious blogs to share with your friends socially. What will you discover next at a Florida State Park? Plan a picnic at Florida State Parks July is National Picnic Month, which means another great excuse to spend time outdoors with friends and family while enjoying some of your favorite foods. While classic picnic foods will always remain favorites, there are lots of great and healthy foods that can be made on the grill or over an open fire.  Need some cool and easy picnic food ideas? Whether you are here for a day or camping overnight, head on over to our Pinterest page and check out the Culinary Camping board for yummy treats the whole family will enjoy. Water Safety Tips  for the Summer Swimming is the most popular summer activity. Beaches, springs, rivers and lakes offer opportunities to enjoy the water.  Florida State Parks protect natural and cultural environments and we wish to ensure both a safe visit and experience. However, safety cannot be guaranteed when outdoors because hazards are inevitable in a natural environment. The American Red Cross has compiled some helpful water safety tips for people of all ages. Click here to find the nearest Florida State Park near you and remember to take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.   Events in July Saltwater Fishing Workshops Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast Thursday, July 7 to Friday, July 29,  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the beginner's Saltwater Fishing Workshop. Adult classes are Thursdays (July 7th, 14th, 21st, or 28th), and youth classes are on Fridays (July 8th, 15th, 22nd, or 29th). Participants will learn how to identify fish, use a rod, reel, and tackle, and apply conservation tips while fishing. Registration is required by calling 386-446-6783 or by email. All supplies are included with $20 registration fee.   >> View Event   Ranger Led Sea Turtle Walk Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Sunday, July 11, 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Learn about Florida's endangered sea turtles and then take a nighttime walk on the beach to witness a mother loggerhead sea turtle lay her eggs in the warm beach sands of Sebastian Inlet State Park.  Registration  begins on June 15 at 10:30 a.m. for July’s Turtle Walk programs. The tours have limited space available. Reservations can be made between10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m by calling Ranger Terry O'Toole at 772-388-2750.   >> View Event   3rd Annual Cool Summer 5K Series St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The 3rd Annual Cool Summer 5K Series is a celebration of summertime. Summer is the season that we work hard for and anticipate so we can spend time with our loved ones and create precious memories. The Cool Summer 5K Series is a run/walk course through St. Andrews State Park.The Cool Summer 5K Series is every Wednesday beginningJune 22 – July 27 at 7:30 a.m. (excluding Wednesday, July 6th).  For more information and pre-race registration, clickhere.   >> View Event   Junior Ranger Adventure Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach Thursday, July 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Join a park ranger to explore the marine animals and the sea grass flats. Be prepared to get wet as you wade into the estuary with dip nets to collect exciting critters. Program is appropriate for kids ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required, spaces are limited. To register, please call the Ranger Station at 239-463-4588. Can’t make it to the programs, but want to become aFlorida Park Service Junior Ranger? No problem Junior Ranger Kits are available at the Ranger Station during park hours!   >> View Event   Mini Season Lobster Palooza Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key Wednesday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come to Bahia Honda State Park for our 5th Annual Mini Season Event. Lobster Palooza takes place the day before mini season opens to get information about lobstering, fishing, diving and boating. There will be games for the kids, local environmental booths and demonstrations on learning to lobster hunt. Learn techniques, rules and regulations. A fun event for the whole family.   >> View Event     Other Important News Mobile App for Smartphones Plan your state park adventures using the new Pocket Ranger® app for your smartphone. The FREE Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app is available now on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com. Get Your Annual Pass Today Shop our online store at Shop.FloridaStateParks.org for annual passes, passports, shirts, water bottles, backpacks and more. Gift Cards Are Now Available Give the gift of sleeping under the stars in Florida State Parks! Florida State Parks offers Gift Cards which can be used to make reservations for camping and cabins at participating Florida State Parks. The Real Florida Passport The Real Florida Passport is your perfect companion while visiting Florida State Parks! The Pioneer Edition contains 56 pages of fun facts, space to make notes and so much more.Order your Passport today and visit a park near you! Limited Edition FSP Tumbler Tumblers keep your drinks hot or cold on the go, and with the Florida State Parks Limited Edition design you can take a little of your favorite state parks wherever your adventure leads. What's Available This Weekend? Are you looking for a cool place to camp this weekend? VisitReserveAmerica.com and click on our new camping this weekend feature to find state park campgrounds with open campsites for the weekend!

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