State Parks

Volunteers make a difference for state parks

Cecilia Spears, Florida Freedom Newspapers

CHIPLEY, FL - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service announced that volunteer hours increased for the 2008-09 fiscal year. In a recent press release by the DEP, “more than 6,000 volunteers... Full story

Topsail nature programs

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at 7525 W. Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach has Hammerhead shark safety on Aug. 1, and on Aug 5, a Choctawhatchee beach mouse interpretive program. Both programs begin at 6 p.m. Learn about these... Full story

Free entrance during Parks and Recreation Month

EMERALD COAST, FL – Daily entrance fees will be waived at Florida’s state parks on Sunday, July 19 in recognition of National Parks and Recreation Month.  In addition to offering free entrance on Sunday, for National Parks and... Full story

Florida State Park and Recreation Month in July

NORTHWEST FLORIDA - Gov. Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month. To celebrate, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service encourages Florida's citizens, families and... Full story

DEP announces changes to state park fee schedule

FLORIDA STATE PARKS - In order to continue to provide high quality visitor services and affordable nature-based recreation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Park Service will implement a modest fee increase... Full story

Beat the summer heat at a Florida State Park 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Florida residents to plan their "staycation" at any one of Florida's 161 award-winning state parks.   "A "staycation" is a great way for travelers to get away without... Full story

Hiking the Emerald Coast

By Jennifer Otto

The Emerald Coast is more than sand and sea! The Emerald Coast is a hiker’s paradise with a number of trails just waiting to be discovered by you.   This is a nature enthusiast’s guide to hiking on the Emerald Coast. Get ready... Full story

Upgrades to park near completion

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - The numerous upgrades to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are almost complete, and the park has released a summer schedule for the tram service to shuttle visitors from the entrance to the park on Walton County Road 30A.... Full story

'A destination resort' could transform Crystal Beach

Fraser Sherman, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - Henderson Beach Resort, a 13-acre, 313-unit resort complex in Crystal Beach, could become Destin's next Tier Three development. Tier Three, the highest level in the city code, allows developers to exceed the city's normal limits in... Full story

Deer Lake supporters consider nonprofit

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - Talk about the possible closure of Deer Lake State Park as part of the state's budget-cutting efforts has been a catalyst for a community volunteer effort.     About 45 people attended a meeting... Full story

See Archives