Renzo DowneyJanuary 2, 2019
3min765
$60,000 will benefit the site damaged by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
Tag: florida state parks
Renzo DowneyJanuary 2, 2019
Staff ReportsNovember 23, 2018
8min374
Florida’s state parks are open 8 a.m.-sunset on Thursday, “offering an abundance of family-friendly activities in the beautiful outdoors,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said in a news release. “Holidays are the perfect time to visit state parks and trails,” Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper said. “Each year I look forward to taking advantage […]
Jim RosicaNovember 2, 2017
2min463
After 22 years, Eric Draper is going to work for The Man. Draper, the executive director for Audubon Florida, will become the next director of the Florida State Parks system. News of the hire was made public on Thursday. Draper’s first day is Nov. 28. He replaces Lisa Edgar, who quit in February after less than […]
Jim RosicaJuly 1, 2017
6min242
Saturday is not only the first day of the state’s budget year, it’s also when a host of new laws go into effect. Here’s a capsule look at five of the more notable statutes taking effect July 1: — Religious expression in schools. This new law clarifies that public school students can’t be punished for […]
Mitch PerryFebruary 12, 2016
3min200
With Florida’s acclaimed state park system running a deficit of about $20 million annually, Department of Environmental Protection head Jon Steverson has called for the consideration of expanding commercial activities in state parks, such as hunting, cattle grazing and timber harvesting. People outraged by that idea are holding rallies up and down the state Saturday to register […]
Phil AmmannDecember 9, 2015
6min319
Florida State Parks have come under fire recently, and the Department of Environmental Protection decided it’s time to “set the record straight.” A new DEP email takes exception with several recent media accounts, each inaccurately “perpetuated misconceptions” about the future of Florida State Parks. “As these stories are being driven by false allegations based on […]
Phil AmmannMay 5, 2015
2min192
Capturing an image of the best in Sunshine State wildlife and nature can earn residents and visitors some appreciation — and prizes — in the latest Florida State Forest photo contest. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has called for submissions of photos taken at one of Florida’s forests for a competition held every quarter by the Florida […]
Bruce RitchieApril 27, 2015
5min208
A trio of former state parks directors are raising concern about state lands bills that would allow “low-impact agriculture” on state lands. Of even greater concern, thy said, is a push by Florida Department of Environmental Protection leadership to make state parks financially self-sustaining. HB 7135 would allow the Cabinet to give away state land […]
Bruce RitchieApril 14, 20154min261
Despite objections from environmentalists, a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday amended a state lands bill to require that state parks be reviewed to determine whether could be used by “low impact agriculture” or whether the state still needs them. SB 7086 is preferred by environmental groups compared to the House version of the bill, which would allow […]
Bruce RitchieMarch 25, 20154min229
Sen. Thad Altman is backing up his criticism of Amendment 1 funding in the Senate proposed spending plan for 2015-16 with budget amendments to provide $350 million for conservation land-buying. The Senate Committee on Appropriations is scheduled Wednesday to consider the proposed $80.4 billion Senate budget. Amendment 1, approved by voters in November, provides an […]