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Free admission to Florida State Parks on Veterans Day

  • November 5, 2021
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  • Parks

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proud to continue a longstanding tradition of offering free admission to Florida State Parks for all visitors on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, in gratitude for the courageous men and women who served in the nation’s armed forces. Click here for a list of area Florida State Parks. “I salute all those who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms and way of life,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Florida’s beautiful state parks provide an...

Access mats installed at Camp Helen State Park

The Friends of Camp Helen State Park are excited to announce the purchase and installation of 880 ft. long and 5 ft. wide AccessRec mats half-way to the beach at Camp Helen State Park. Because of the community’s support of kayak rentals and the pumpkin patch, the CSO was able to fully fund this project for the park without corporate donations or grants. The mats have been installed along the trail to the beach as well as at the kayak...

Improvements in the works at Deer Lake State Park

  • August 28, 2021
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  • Parks

Park closed until late summer/early fall 2022 The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Parks and Recreation (DRP) is conducting an amenity improvement project at Deer Lake State Park to add a paved access road to the park, parking for visitors, picnic shelters, restroom facilities, landscaping of native plants and connections to necessary utilities, such as water, sewer and electric. When complete, this project will provide enhanced recreational opportunities and increase water quality protections. Deer Lake State Park...

Swift night out at Wakulla Springs State Park Sept. 11

During Swift Night Out, people all over the country gather at chimneys to watch and count chimney swifts as they enter their roost. On Sat., Sept. 11, 2021 join the park ranger at Wakulla Springs State Park for an evening enjoying the chimney swifts from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Lodge at Wakulla Springs has a large flock that roosts in one of its inactive chimneys. Come witness the “flying cigar” shaped birds perform their swirling aerial dance prior to their descent...

Swimming Allowed in Lake DeFuniak Beginning August 28, 2021

Swimming permitted between Chautauqua Hall Amphitheater DeFuniak Springs citizens and guests can now swim in Lake DeFuniak beginning Saturday, August 28 in Chipley Park through Thursday, September 30, 2021, 8 am to sunset and Sundays 12:30 to 5pm.  City government leaders decided to reopen the coveted spring-fed lake for swimming for the first time since 1964 in a recent council meeting.  Although the 2021 swimming season in Lake DeFuniak is only about a month long due to the timing of...

Movies and smores at Camp Helen State Park July 22

The seventh annual Movies and Smores series at Camp Helen State Park is moving outdoors. Season finale takes place with the new movie “Onward” and an interpretive display about our feathered friends in the sky. Food truck onsite from late afternoon into the evening. The event is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. and begins with smores around the bonfires and a souvenir cup. Movie begins at sunset. For more information, call the park at 850-233-5059. Event Essential Eligibility Criteria For...

Presentation about the painted ceiling at Wakulla Springs State Park July 29

Join a ranger-led presentation on the characters, wildlife, ships and scenery on the painted ceiling of the Lodge at the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, and stay for dinner in the grand dining room. The presentation will be on Thurs., July 29 from 6 – 7 p.m. Ask your tour leader for a coupon good for a free featured appetizer with a dinner purchase. One coupon per couple, please. The tour is free with paid park entry. Event Essential...