Weeki Wachee Springs becomes 160th Florida State Park

November 10th, 2008

Weeki Watchee Springs in Spring Hill, Florida has been a tourist trap for years. A roadside attraction located on US Highway 19 that is known for it’s mermaid sightings. That’s right, Mermaids. Weeki Watchee Springs has been putting on Mermaid shows for it’s visitors for over 60 years now. Located at the famous spring head of the twelve (12) mile Weeki Watchee River is Florida’s newest State Park. That’s right we said it. On November 1st 2008, The Department of Environmental Protection announced it’s newest State Park making it now 160 on the list.

We’re pretty sure that we’ll cover this one really soon as we’re pretty excited about it. Only about a 30 minute trip from us, you can be sure that we will be writing about here in the near future. So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend and thought real live Mermaids were an old tale told by the sailors of yesteryear, you should check it out as well.

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Events

Blue Spring Working Group Meeting
Blue Spring State Park
When: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Volusia County's Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave. DeLand
Description: Learn about positive work being done to understand and restore Blue Spring. Join with others to become part of the solution, restoring Blue Spring and other springs by protecting the groundwater that flows through them.
Fees: None
Contact: Carol Lippincott, Carol_Lippincott@cox.net
Directions: Blue Spring is located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance.
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Layers Of Life At Fort Mose
Fort Mose Historical State Park
When: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:00pm
Description: Fort Mose Historic State in partnership with the Florida Public Archeology Network (FPAN) will host Layers of Life at Fort Mose. Kids are welcome to join us and discover how archaeologists learn about people of the past. Using cake mixes and other edible items, they will create the “layers” of their own lives, and then they will talk about excavation at Fort Mose and what it helped us to understand about the people who lived there.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: From St. Augustine: From downtown St. Augustine, drive north on A1A. At the carousel (you read it correctly), continue straight north on San Marco. (A1A turns right towards Vilano Beach. Don't go that way.) San Marco merges with Hwy 1. Shortly after the merge, look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.
OR: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Fort Mose Trail. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.
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Hike In The Hammock
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
When: Friday, March 12, 2010, 10.00 a.m.
Description: Join park staff on a Ranger - led hike on the Joe Kenner Nature Trail, a one mile loop trail that winds through a shady coastal forest of scrub oak and saw palmetto. Participants will journey through one of Florida's breathtaking ecosystems while learning interesting facts about the hammock and history of the park.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: From I-95: Whether you are traveling north or south on I-95, take exit 284 (State Road 100). Turn east onto State Road 100 and travel approximately 3 miles till you reach A1A (and the ocean). At the light turn right (south) and travel approximately another 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be on the left.

From Daytona: Take A1A north to approximately 1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line (approximately 18 miles)The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Ormond Beach: Take West Granada (40) east, across the Halifax River, to A1A. Turn left (north) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles (1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line). The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway east across the Intercoastal Waterway (toll bridge) to A1A. Turn left (south) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles. The park is located on A1A. The Ranger Station will be on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
Avoid the toll: Take Palm Coast parkway east to Colbert Lane. Turn right (south) on Colbert Lane and travel approximately 7 miles to SR 100. Turn left (east) on SR 100 and travel approximately 1.5 miles to A1A. Turn right on A1A and travel about 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.

From St. Augustine: Take A1A south for approximately 32 miles to SR 100. Continue straight through the light and travel approximately another 3 miles to the park. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive on your right and our day use beach facilities will be located on your left.
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Barnacle Under Moonlight - Bob Ingram
The Barnacle Historic State Park
When: March 12, 6:00 PM
Description: Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family and join us on the lawn of The Barnacle for a concert featuring folk singer Bob Ingram. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., music from 7-9:00 p.m. No pets.
Fees: Over age 10 - $7; ages 6-9 - $3; under 6 are free.
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.
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Guided Paddle On The Suwannee River
Manatee Springs State Park
When: Friday, March 12, 2010. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Join park volunteers on a one way guided paddle down the scenic Suwannee River from Fanning Springs to Manatee Springs.

For more information and to make your reservation, call 352-493-6072.
Fees: Park entrance fee.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072.
Directions: Manatee Springs State Park is located at the end of S.R. 320, off U.S. 98, six miles west of Chiefland.
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Historical Reenactment
Bahia Honda State Park
When: March 12, 11:00 AM
Description: Have you ever wondered what it was like to ride the first train to Key West? Step back in time to the early 1900s and meet Mr. Henry Flagler and other travelers from that era and learn about their unique experiences. Meet on the Gulf side of the old Bahia Honda Bridge, just past the Sand and Sea Nature Center. (Bring chairs)
Fees: Free with park admission.
Contact: (305) 872-9807
Directions: Bahia Honda State Park is located in the Florida Keys 12 miles south of Marathon on U.S. Highway 1 at Mile Marker 36.8, ocean side.
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Fort Foster Garrison
Hillsborough River State Park
When: Second weekend of March. Saturday 2:00 p.m. Sunday 11: 00 a.m.
Description: Come and experience the Real Florida frontier at Fort Foster Historic Site. Fort Foster was one of the original Seminole War forts constructed in Florida during the early 1800s. Today a replica wood picket style fort has been constructed on the original site. Park Rangers and reinactors provide tours, and explain the Fort operations and living conditions, as well as telling the history of the Seminole Wars in Florida. Second weekend of this month: March13 &14, 2010 If you are interested in reenacting and getting involved with the Fort Foster Rendezvous and Garrison Weekends, please contact: Steve Saunders QM Sergeant, 813-684-6703. Email: fathersteve110@aol.com
Fees: Regular fort tour fees will be charged.
Contact: Contact the park at: (813) 987-6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
Directions: Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, Southbound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side. From I-75, Northbound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on CR 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.
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14th Annual Azalea Days
Ravine Gardens State Park
When: Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Description: This year’s festival will highlight the 75th Anniversary of the Florida Park Service. Come enjoy a weekend of old fashion family fun. Start the day by taking a ranger-led wagon ride around a 1.8 mile loop of thousands of blooming azaleas, while listening to the unique history of this park. Learn why Ravine Gardens played an important role in the economic recovery of the City of Palatka. Walking along the extensive hiking trail system located at the bottom of the ravine our visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of color and beauty; including azaleas, dogwoods, magnolias and camellias. Marvel at the array of color that blankets the sides of the ravines like a patchwork quilt. Miss Azalea and her Court will be on hand to visit with guest and talk about the history of the Miss Azalea Pageant. Vendors and crafters will be located around the Court of States within the park. The Palatka Art League will be located in the Civic Center. Also located this year in the Civic center will be an Archaeological display provided by the Saint Augustine Public Archaeology Regional Center. The sounds of music, by some local and non-local entertainers, will echo throughout the ravines. Food and refreshments will be available to purchase through out the park.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact Ravine Gardens for more information.
Directions: Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street.
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Nations’s Oldest Port Tours
Fort Mose Historical State Park
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Description: Fort Mose Historic State invites visitors to immerse themselves in history by participating in the Nation’s Oldest Port Tour, offered every Saturday in the month of March.

The Old Town Trolleys will stop at 4 historic sites every Saturday; including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum and Fort Mose Historic State Park. Fort Mose will offer trolley passengers a ranger lead program on the History of Fort Mose from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Self guided activities will be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trolley pick-up and drop off for Fort Mose is at The Oldest Jail at 10:45 a.m, 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: From St. Augustine: From downtown St. Augustine, drive north on A1A. At the carousel (you read it correctly), continue straight north on San Marco. (A1A turns right towards Vilano Beach. Don't go that way.) San Marco merges with Hwy 1. Shortly after the merge, look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.
OR: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.

From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Fort Mose Trail. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot.
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Fort Foster Garrison
Fort Foster State Historic Site
When: Second weekend of March. Saturday 2:00 p.m. Sunday 11: 00 a.m.
Description: Come and experience the Real Florida frontier at Fort Foster Historic Site. Fort Foster was one of the original Seminole War forts constructed in Florida during the early 1800s. Today a replica wood picket style fort has been constructed on the original site. Park Rangers and reinactors provide tours, and explain the Fort operations and living conditions, as well as telling the history of the Seminole Wars in Florida. Second weekend of this month: March13 &14, 2010 If you are interested in reenacting and getting involved with the Fort Foster Rendezvous and Garrison Weekends, please contact: Steve Saunders QM Sergeant, 813-684-6703. Email: fathersteve110@aol.com
Fees: Regular fort tour fees will be charged.
Contact: Contact the park at: (813) 987-6870 or patrick.potts@dep.state.fl.us for more details
Directions: All Visitors to Fort Foster must enter through Hillsborough River State Park first. Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, South bound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side. From I-75, North bound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on C.R. 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.
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Race The Tortoise 2010
OLeno State Park
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010. Race begins at 8:00 a.m. MUST ARRIVE BY 7:30 A.M.
Description: This is an out-and-back race along the Park's scenic, paved main road. The course is certified (FL09012EBM). Prize money for Open & Masters course records. Awards to first 3 finishers in each age group. The Park is located 6 miles north of High Springs, FL on U.S. Hwy. 441. IMPORTANT: You must arrive at the Park's entrance by 7:30 a.m. Profits from the race will help the Park buy an audio/visual system for training/education and finish establishing its nature center.

Park Road Closure: IMPORTANT!!! You must arrive by 7:30 A.M. No vehicles will be allowed in or out of the Park from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. for the safety of competitors. Carpooling is greatly appreciated.

Download the Race information and Registration Form or register online at Active.com.

2009 Race The Tortoise Results
Fees: See registration form.
Contact: For more information, call 386-454-1853.
Directions: O'Leno State Park is located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.
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Evening Cruise & Dinner
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
When: Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Description: Spring has sprung in Florida! The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs Lodge & State Park invites you to come and celebrate with an evening cruise on the beautiful Wakulla River. Followed by a delicious dinner in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Fees: $32.00 per adult. $20 per child 12 and under. Reservations required.
Contact: (850) 926-0700
Directions: Travel East on I-10 to Exit 196. Take State Road 263 (Capitol Circle) south 12 miles. Turn right (South) onto U.S. 319/State Road 61 (Crawfordville Highway) for two miles. Bear left onto State Road 61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for six miles. Turn left onto State Road 267 at flashing stop light. Turn right into Park entrance. From West I-10, use Exit 203. Take State Road 61 (Thomasville Road) south. Continue on State Road 61 through Tallahassee for 10 miles. Take U.S. 319/State Road 61 (Crawfordville Highway) south for two miles. Bear left onto State Road 61 (Wakulla Springs Road) for six miles. Turn left onto State Road 267 at flashing stop light. Turn right into the park.
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Guided Bird Walk
Rainbow Springs State Park
When: Saturday, March 13th, 2010. 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
Description: Meet at the Rainbow Springs State Park Visitor Center at 8:00 am. Our tour of the headspring area and boardwalk will be in search of the early migrants returning to the park and those searching for berries and insects on their way northward. People attending are requested to bring binoculars and birding books if they have them. Regular $2.00 admission applies. Call 352-465-8555 for more information.
Fees: The fee is $2.00 park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 352-465-8555.
Directions: Rainbow Springs State Park day use area is located three miles north of Dunnellon on the east side of U.S. 41. From I-75, exit at the second Ocala exit onto State Road 40. Take State Road 40, west. Drive until it dead-ends at U.S. 41. Turn left, the park entrance is on the left-hand side of the road. From Tampa, take U.S. 41, north. Drive through the town of Dunnellon. The Headsprings Entrance is located on the right-hand side of the road, approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunnellon. From areas in the northwest, take U.S. 41 to the town of Williston. After passing through Williston, you will come to a traffic light where State Road 40 has come to a dead-end. Go through this light; the Headsprings Entrance is on the left-hand side of the road. The Campground Entrance is separate from the headsprings day use area and is located 2.5 miles north of C.R. 484 off of S.W. 180th Avenue Road or 2.5 miles south of Highway 40 off of S.W. 180th Avenue Road.

The Tube Entrance is located 1.4 miles south of the Campground Entrance on SW 180th Avenue Road.
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A Women’s Pregnancy Center Annual Walk
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
When: Saturday, Mar 13th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the public to take part in the annual Walk For Life to benefit A Women’s Pregnancy Center.

The annual walk is designed to raise both awareness and dollars for the center’s operating expenses as well as its services to women during unplanned pregnancies. For registration information contact Jamie Brown at (850) 297-1174.
Fees: Park entrance fee will be waived for participants.
Contact: (850) 487-4115
Directions: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located .5 miles north of I-10 on U.S. 319.
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Nature Hike
Little Talbot Island State Park
When: Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Description: Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely paced hike to discover the island’s natural communities. Participants are encouraged to bring bug spray and bottled water. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission.
Fees: The program is free with regular park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
Directions: Little Talbot Island State Park is located 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville, on State Road A1A.
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Bluegrass Music Jam
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
When: March 14, 1:00 PM
Description: Whether you play an acoustic instrument or not, come join Joyce Anderson and friends for a good old-fashioned bluegrass jam. Acoustic musicians are encouraged to join in and play bluegrass classics. If you don’t play an instrument, just sit back and listen to the sound of guitars, fiddles and banjos. The program is free with park admission. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
Fees: Free with park admission
Contact: (561) 624-6952
Directions: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S.1 and PGA Blvd. on A1A in North Palm Beach.
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Tea With Bertha Palmer
Myakka River State Park
When: Tuesday, March 16th, 2:00 p.m.
Description: Reservations Required. The year is 1912. You have an invitation to tea with Mrs. Potter Palmer, a woman as comfortable hiking her skirt up to tread on the Myakka prairie as she was rubbing shoulders with kings. This wealthy socialite and women’s-rights advocate changed Sarasota forever with her shrewd business sense and innovative ideas. Her progressive Meadowsweet Pastures Ranch was destined to become one of Florida’s largest state parks. Mrs. Potter Palmer portrayed by Judith Leipold. Celebrate the Bertha Palmer Centennial and Florida State Parks’ 75th Anniversary. Tea and Refreshments will be served. Located at Log Pavilion from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fees: $15 per person, $10 for Friends members.
Contact: For reservations, call (941) 316-8139, stop by the Ranger Station, or E-mail Gallery@myakkariver.org.
Directions: Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.
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Lecture Series: Sfwmd - Gardenia Long
Savannas Preserve State Park
When: March 18, 6:30 PM
Description: South Florida Water Management District's Gardenia Long presents information on how we can lessen our impact on the environment we live in and the waters we thrive upon. Join us for an evening at the Education Center. Bring your questions and comments, she has a wonderful knowledge of our surrounding area.
Fees:
Contact: (772) 398-2779
Directions: The Environmental Education Center is located approximately 2 miles east of US 1 on Walton Road in Port St. Lucie. The address is: 2541 Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
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Painting On Location
Myakka River State Park
When: Thursday & Friday, March 18 & 19, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: By Jean Blackburn & Cheryl Moody

Reservations Required. Award-winning artists Jean Blackburn and Cheryl Moody will devote two days to teaching techniques, interpretation, composition, color, materials and other concerns of painting outdoors in natural light. Oil painting techniques will be emphasized but photographers and acrylic and water color painters are also welcome. Bring lunch, painting equipment and supplies (suggested list will be sent upon registration). May require participants to ride in the bed of a truck and a short walk on unlevel ground.
Fees: Fee for 2 days is $80 or $75 for Friends Members.
Contact: For reservations, call (941) 316-8139, stop by the Ranger Station, or E-mail Gallery@myakkariver.org.
Directions: Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.
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Crabbing For Beginners
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
When: Friday, March 19, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
Description: Participants will be immersed in a Florida salt marsh where they will learn about crabbing equipment, techniques, skills, rules and regulations. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to bring their own crabbing equipment and supplies. Should you need assistance to enable your full participation, please contact the park office as soon as possible at (386) 517-2086. Every effort will be made to insure your inclusion.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: From I-95: Whether you are traveling north or south on I-95, take exit 284 (State Road 100). Turn east onto State Road 100 and travel approximately 3 miles till you reach A1A (and the ocean). At the light turn right (south) and travel approximately another 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be on the left.

From Daytona: Take A1A north to approximately 1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line (approximately 18 miles)The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Ormond Beach: Take West Granada (40) east, across the Halifax River, to A1A. Turn left (north) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles (1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line). The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway east across the Intercoastal Waterway (toll bridge) to A1A. Turn left (south) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles. The park is located on A1A. The Ranger Station will be on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
Avoid the toll: Take Palm Coast parkway east to Colbert Lane. Turn right (south) on Colbert Lane and travel approximately 7 miles to SR 100. Turn left (east) on SR 100 and travel approximately 1.5 miles to A1A. Turn right on A1A and travel about 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.

From St. Augustine: Take A1A south for approximately 32 miles to SR 100. Continue straight through the light and travel approximately another 3 miles to the park. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive on your right and our day use beach facilities will be located on your left.
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