Florida State Parks Foundation

Drive with purpose and support inclusivity with our "Explore Our State Parks" specialty license plate! Each purchase directly funds our Access for All Initiatives, helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beauty of Florida's state parks. 🚗 Order your plate today and be a part of the movement toward inclusivity and accessibility: https://lnkd.in/gw-wnHjT.

Exciting news! 🎉 Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida, has been named the #1 beach in Florida by Dr. Beach and the fourth overall in the USA! 🏖️ This hidden gem is perfect for those seeking pristine quartz sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Reach it by ferry, private boat, or a scenic walk from Clearwater Beach. Immerse yourself in nature with kayaking through the mangroves, spotting herons, or simply enjoying the sun on its soft sands. Open daily from sunrise to sundown, and for the adventurous, overnight boat camping is available. Don't miss experiencing this top-ranked Florida paradise! Read more from Travel + Leisure: https://lnkd.in/eJiGsmNE.

Our "Explore Our State Parks" specialty license plate has climbed to rank No. 41 among all specialty plates in Florida! 🎉 In just over two years, your support has propelled this beautiful plate, designed by a local Florida artist, towards the top! Each purchase directly funds vital projects in our 175 state parks, from installing eco-friendly water stations to enhancing ranger mobility with e-bikes. Join us in moving into the top 40 by getting your plate today! Let’s show how much Floridians love and support Florida State Parks. Order today: https://lnkd.in/g728yBKZ. Thank you to everyone who has already made a difference with their purchase. If you haven't gotten your plate yet, or if you have another vehicle, now is the perfect time to join this green movement! 🚗

Thank you to everyone who joined us during our end-of-summer membership drive! We set a goal to welcome 100 new members by Labor Day, and thanks to your incredible support, we didn't just meet that goal—we soared past it even before Labor Day, welcoming 125 new members in just three days! 🎉 💚 It's clear how much we all cherish Florida's award-winning state parks. Thanks to your enthusiasm and commitment, we can continue to preserve, protect, sustain, and enhance these natural treasures for current and future generations. Not yet a member? Join today: https://lnkd.in/g6JdkdC8.

Yesterday we welcomed Representative Vicki Lopez to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park where she explored its historic lighthouse, beautiful beaches, and nature trails alongside Florida State Parks leaders. The park, a key historical and natural treasure in Miami, recently enhanced its Cape Florida Lighthouse with new interpretive displays, showcasing its rich legacy since 1825. Rep. Lopez noted, "It was great to see all the work that has been done to preserve the Cape Florida Lighthouse and spend a day with the people who make our state parks so special." Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park isn't just a haven for history buffs; it offers a variety of activities from biking and swimming to hiking and fishing, drawing nearly 800,000 visitors last year alone! Read more about Rep. Lopez's visit and discover why our state parks are integral to Florida's heritage and economy: https://lnkd.in/gCmBdxKz.

Dive into the clear waters of Silver Springs State Park aboard the accessible glass-bottom boat, Chief Potackee – Betty Mae Tiger Jumper! This 37-foot marvel is designed for inclusivity with a flat deck, spacious aisles, and an induction loop system for hearing aid users. Named after the only female chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, this boat celebrates her legacy and our commitment to accessibility for all. Join us in supporting our Access for All initiatives and help us continue to make Florida's natural beauty accessible to everyone. Let's make sure no one misses the boat! Make an impact today: https://bit.ly/3SEYUuU 📍Silver Springs State Park | Silver Springs, FL 📸 @wanderingfloridatrails

Pack your picnic baskets because Alafia River State Park in Lithia has been named the #3 top hidden picnic gem in the U.S. by Mixbook! 🧺 Escape the crowds and discover secluded spots along the river, perfect for a tranquil family outing amidst rugged trails and serene nature. Check out the entire list of hidden gems at https://lnkd.in/eF3ay3TM.

As we savor the final days of summer, it's the perfect time to show your love for Florida's natural treasures. Join the Florida State Parks Foundation today and become a part of preserving the beauty and heritage of our 175 state parks and trails! 🌿 ☀️ Our goal is to welcome 100 new members by the end of this weekend and we are over halfway there! 🎉 👉 Become a member today: https://lnkd.in/gEz3dXdi Your membership not only supports essential maintenance, preservation, and educational programs but also includes complimentary one-day passes to any of Florida's state parks! Whether it's exploring lush wetlands, historical sites, or stunning beaches, your contribution ensures these wonders remain for future generations to enjoy.

As sea turtle nesting season is in full swing, we're thrilled to announce the addition of new utility task vehicles (UTVs) at Cayo Costa State Park and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, thanks to a generous $31,370.85 grant from the Sea Turtle Conservancy's Sea Turtle Grants Program. 🐢 These UTVs will boost our efforts in sea turtle care and management, helping park rangers and biologists patrol nests, rescue stranded turtles, and keep our beaches clean. With 12,000 nesting sites across 40 of our parks, these vehicles are crucial for protecting our beloved sea turtle populations. A big thank you to the Sea Turtle Grants Program for their continued support in safeguarding Florida's wildlife. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyJPcdMQ.

Thanks to our collaboration with Cannondale and REI Co-op’s Winter Park store, our rangers are navigating the state parks more efficiently than ever. 🚴 Ranger Mark Adams shared his experience with the new e-bike at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park with us: "It has become my preferred method for getting around this 155-acre historic site. I just hit 40 miles on it, and am using it at least 3 to 5 miles daily. I use it to open and close everyday, and to make my way around the park while doing interpretation, checking on bathrooms, and all manner of duties. It’s the perfect vehicle to take when I just need to mail a letter to cover the mile long entrance out to the mailbox on Old Kings Road. The trails in the 6,000 acres of Bulow Creek State Park are much more accessible to me now. Before I had up to a 1.5 mile section where I could only walk, since I had to park the ATV about 3/4 of a mile in from this side. Now there is no where I can’t get on the trail much more easily, and it has already saved me a ton of time. The quietness of it is something I really appreciate also. My gator UTV is very useful in its place and was my primary transportation before, but the e-bike has some real advantages. When speaking to guests, I don’t have to wait the several seconds while the motor turns off, but can begin speaking immediately. It's also been really great at not scaring off animals, so I am seeing a ton more of them. On top of all this, it is a lot of fun to use." These e-bikes are part of our Greener Initiative, aimed at reducing environmental footprints and enhancing our rangers' ability to manage and protect our beautiful Florida State Parks. Supported by community partners and purchases of the 'Explore Our State Parks' specialty license plates, we're making strides toward more sustainable park management. 🌿