FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 28, 2019 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us Torreya State Park Campground Reopens   ~Following significant damage from Hurricane Michael, the park is now open for day use and overnight accommodations~  BRISTOL, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service hosted a ceremony today celebrating the reopening of the campground at Torreya State Park following the impacts of Hurricane Michael. The campground, which sits along the park’s iconic steep bluffs rising more than 150 feet above the Apalachicola River, offers 30 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as restroom facilities.   Torreya State Park, which experienced significant damage from Hurricane Michael – including downed trees and debris, and facility, boardwalk, road and trail damage – was partially reopened in December following weeks of cleanup and repair.  "The reopening of the park's campground signifies that we are one step closer to recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Michael," said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "I'm grateful for the many dedicated staff and volunteers who helped make this a reality." Visitor safety remains paramount as response efforts continue. Florida State Parks staff continue to work as quickly as possible to finish remaining cleanup and repairs at impacted parks. Amenities and access to certain areas of the parks, including the campground and trails, may be limited until the work is completed.   “It took enormous effort to get the park and campground reopened,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “As the cleanup continues, this is a great opportunity to celebrate park staff’s hard work and progress. The reopened campground will draw overnight visitors who want to experience one of the most unique landscapes in Florida.”   Torreya State Park is named for an extremely rare species of Torreya tree that grows only on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Now that the park has reopened, visitors can once again observe this amazing natural resource and arrange overnight accommodation options.  Of the 31 state parks impacted by the storm, only two parks remain closed. Learn more about visiting Florida State Parks.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails  The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

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