Government shutdown partially shuts down some Florida parks

Big Cypress National Preserve (Large)

The federal government shutdown will partially close Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park and other federally managed natural areas in Florida.

The Naples Daily News reports that the western gateway to the Everglades was closed on Saturday due to the shutdown, but that boat tours were operating as usual.

Everglades rangers said backcountry camping was still open, but no permits were issued so there was no guarantee campsites would be available during the shutdown.

At Big Cypress, welcome and visitors centers were closed along with the preserve’s headquarters.

Near Tallahassee, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge’s grounds remained open to the public, but the visitor center and environmental education building were closed Saturday.

The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the refuge’s 20-plus employees will be furloughed during the shutdown.

Material from the AP and the News Service of Florida was used in this post.

Staff Reports



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories