Official Florida State Park Website gets an overhaul

March 4th, 2010

Well we’re a little slow these days but I just noticed that the Official Florida State Park Website got an overhaul and it looks great they really did an awesome job. The old site was hideous and a mess in my opinion and this was long overdue. Now if only we could get them to provide some sort of an API for access to some of their data, namely upcoming events, that would be awesome but there’s also so much more information that could be used to build a bigger community around Florida State Parks and everything that they have to offer. All in all though, i think they’re on the right track with the redesign and if they want to give me temporary access i’ll even help build the API to share and gather data from the community but i don’t see that happening as it’s a government agency and there would be a ton of hoops to jump through in order for that to happen so we’ll leave it up to them and see what they do with it. If you disagree with this model or even if you do agree with us, feel free to comment and let us know what you think.

On a side note we haven’t been to a park in about 5 months now and if you ask me that is way too long. We’re going to flip a coin here soon and choose a park from a hat and then head off into the sunset in search of a new adventure to share with you fine folks. Pam’s sister is flying in from California today and we’ve already told her that we’ll take her to one of Florida’s beautiful springs I just hope that the weather cooperates as it’s been unpleasantly cold lately but the water is supposed to remain the same temperature year round. Still think I’d be more inclined to swim in during the warmer days though. We’ll be headed down to Venice Beach this weekend in search of some shark teeth and stuff so we might find a park while we’re there as well. Regardless we will definitely keep you informed and we will take plenty of photos as always.

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Events

Celebrate Florida Literacy Month At Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
When: Beginning Friday, September 10th through Sunday, September 12th
Description: Come enjoy a free day at the park during Florida's Literacy weekend. Day use entrance fees will be waived for visitors who bring a library card, library book or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book to the park. On Sunday, September 12th at 2:00 p.m., all are invited to enjoy storytime with new park manager Steven Dale in the park's picnic area. Steven will read aloud several favorite children's stories by Shel Silverstein. This activity is suitable for all ages.
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived for visitors with a library card, library book or who donate a book.
Contact: (863) 386-6094 for more information
Directions: Highlands Hammock State Park is located off US 27 on SR 634 (also known as Hammock Road), four miles west of Sebring.
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Old-time Music Weekend
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 10, 11 and 12, 2010.
Description: OLD TIME MUSIC WEEKEND
Fees: Fee: $199.00 - includes all Workshops, Concerts, Jams, Seminars and Discussion Groups.
Evening Concert: $10.00
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439 - Old Exit 84), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.
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Story Time In The Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
When: September 10, 2010, 2:00 p.m.
Description: Parents please bring your children to join the Flagler County Library as we explore a variety of topics through reading while enjoying a beautiful outdoor setting. The event will be held in the large pavilion near the Intercoastal Waterway.
Fees: Free admission when you show a library card or book; or donate a new or gently used family friendly book
Contact: Contact park for more info.
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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Life In The Seagrass - Puppet Show
Bahia Honda State Park
When: September 10, 10:00 AM
Description: Hey, kids! Join park rangers at the nature center and find out what life is really like in the seagrass beds. Sing-a-long to the 'Seagrass Rap'! Seating is limited to 30. Please call the nature center for information - (305) 872-9807.
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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Stories By The Fire
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
When: Friday, September 10, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
Description: Do you enjoy gathering with friends around a camp fire to share stories and have fun? Join a Park Ranger for an evening of stories by the fire. Participants should bring a chair or blanket, water to drink, and any “family friendly” stories that they would like to share. Meet at the grassy circle at the end of the road in the Lakeview campground.
Fees: No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. September 10 through 12, if you show the ranger at the ranger station a library card or a library book or donate a gently used book you will receive free admission to the park.
Contact: For more information, call 352-473-4701.
Directions: Gold Head is located in northeast Florida midway between Gainesville and Jacksonville, 6 miles north of Keystone Heights on S.R. 21.
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September Is Florida Literacy Month
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
When: Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12, 2010.
Description: In conjunction with International Literacy Day and National Library Card Signup Month, Florida State Parks will waive day-use entrance to visitors who bring a library card, library book or with the donation of a new or gently used family friendly book on Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12, for Florida Literacy Month. In 2009, nearly 8,000 people participated, donating more than 1,300 books to libraries, schools and literacy organizations.
Fees: This event is free. Representative from the Citrus County Library will be in the Visitor Center.
Contact: For more information, call 352-628-5343.
Directions: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located in Homosassa Springs, 75 miles north of Tampa on U.S. 19 and 90 miles northwest of Orlando.
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Literacy Month - Book Exchange
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
When: September 10-12, 8:00 AM - Sunset
Description: In celebration of Florida Literacy Month, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will be hosting a month-long Book Exchange in September. Simply bring your book to the Visitor Center to exchange for another one to read. Braille and books-on-tape are also welcome. During the weekend of September 10-12, the park will be offering free admission to visitors presenting a library card, library book or donating a new or gently-used, family-friendly book.
Fees: Admission is free with a library card, library book or the donation of a new or gently used book.
Contact: (305) 451-1202
Directions: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located on U.S. Highway 1 at Mile Marker 102.5, north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.
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Literacy Month - Childrens Book Reading
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
When: September 10, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Description: Join us on September 10 as we celebrate Literacy Month with a very special book reading by Nancy Hodges. Nancy is the Children's Librarian at the Village of North Palm Beach Library. She will be reading from several books about sea turtles and sea turtle hatchlings. Her program will be geared toward pre-schoolers. In addition, there will be a craft session and a guided tour of the Nature Center. The program is free with park admission.
Fees: Free park admission with library card, library book or donating a new or gently-used, family-friendly book.
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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The Barnacle Under Moonlight - Valerie Wisecracker
The Barnacle Historic State Park
When: September 10, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description: Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family and join us on the lawn of The Barnacle for an evening concert under the skies of South Florida. Opening the season this year is Valerie Wisecracker. Valerie is known for her unique take on Florida Americana music, she always pleases the crowd. Gates open at 6pm, music from 7-9 PM. No pets please.
Fees: $7 ages 10 and over, $3 ages 6 - 9, free 5 and under
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.
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Doctors, Lawyers & Weekend Warriors Benefit Surf
Sebastian Inlet State Park
When: Friday - Saturday, September 10/11, 2010
Description: Benefit surf contest for the Boys and Girls Club of Brevard. 75 contestants with a $125.00 entry fee.
Fees: $125.00 entry fee. Normal Entry fees apply.
Contact: Jack Kirschenbaum or 321.727.8100
Directions: From Indian River County: From Interstate 95, take the Fellsmere/Sebastian exit and go east (towards Sebastian) on County Road 512. After a short distance, turn right on County Road 510. This road will intersect with U.S. Highway 1. Continue east, over the Indian River, to State Road A1A. Turn left (north) and go 7 miles on State Road A1A, you will have arrived at Sebastian Inlet.From Brevard County: From Interstate 95, take the U.S. 192 exit and go east until you reach State Road A1A in Indialantic. Turn right (south) on State Road A1A and go 18 miles to get to Sebastian Inlet.
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Breakfast With A Ranger
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
When: Saturday, Sept 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having a Breakfast with a Ranger at 9AM. Join the Rangers of Topsail Hill and ask them all the questions you can think of about park life. This program is family oriented and ideal for the whole family to enjoy. To cover the cost of food, please bring $4, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Park entry fee for this event is waived.
Fees: Park fees waived to participants.
Contact: (850) 267-8330
Directions: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take I-10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn right and travel approximately five miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go a quarter mile to the entrance on the right.
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Swift Night Out At Wakulla Springs
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
When: Saturday, Sept 11th from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's Wakulla Springs Lodge & State Park welcomes participants to join people all over the country as they stand beneath chimneys to watch and count chimney swifts enter their roost. The Lodge at Wakulla Springs has a large flock that roosts in one of its inactive chimneys. Come to witness the swifts swirling aerial dance prior to their descent into the chimney. Be part of a nationwide program to estimate their numbers. Enjoy this unusual ranger-led program to see firsthand one of nature's amazing spectacles. Satisfy your hunger before the event with dinner in the lodge.
Fees: Free event with park paid admission. Reservations suggested.
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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Olustee Civil War Expo
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010. 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Description: Experience a day of authentic military drills, storytelling, exhibits, period artisans and the war's traveling merchants. This event features reenactors portraying civilian life during the Civil War. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, civilian life, ladies tea and other activities also are scheduled, along with exhibits of relic collections. Demonstrations of authentic weapons and fighting tactics used in the Civil War will include cavalry and infantry drills and full-scale artillery firing.
Fees: A donation of $5 per vehicle is requested.
Contact: For additional information, phone 386-397-7005.
Directions: Olustee Battlefield is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City and 50 miles west of Jacksonville.
From I-10 exit at U.S. 90 west. The battlefield is located 5.5 miles from the exit.
From I-75 exit at U.S. 90 east and travel approximately 20 miles to the park.
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Reading With The Snakes
Colt Creek State Park
When: September 11, 2010 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Description: Come spend a couple of hours in the park and learn all about snakes of florida and check out books from the local book mobile that will be on site during the event. Snake related coloring and activity sheets and snake ID booklets will be available for free while supplies last.
Fees: Free entry by showing a library book or card or by donating a book
Contact: Contact park for more information.
Directions: Colt Creek State Park is located 16 miles north of Lakeland just south of the Withlacoochee River off of State Road 471.From I-4 take exit 32 and proceed north on U.S. 98 approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471.From I-75 take exit 301 and proceed east on State Road 50 for approximately 13 miles, turn right onto State Road 471. The entrance to the park is 3.8 miles north of US 98 and 17 miles south of State Road 50.
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Nature Hike
Little Talbot Island State Park
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010. 2:00 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. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.
Fees: This program is free.
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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Treasure Hunt At Wakulla Springs
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs State Park invites park guests to participate in a treasure hunt in honor of Literacy Day. Small teams of three to five members will work together to decipher and unscramble the clues which will lead to a reward. This is a great exercise for families, Boy or Girl Scout troops, or any small group willing to endure a challenge. Not part of a small group? Meet in the Lodge lobby to be included on a team and join the rest in preparing with a brief orientation. Participants must be able to read signs, count, and follow directions.
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived from September 10 -12 for those who present a current library card, library book or for those donating a new or gently used family friendly book.
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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Scarecrow Workshop
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and the Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. are inviting groups and businesses to build a one-of-a-kind scarecrow for our fall exhibition and competition in the gardens. An optional free workshop will be held by Friends President, Betsy Kellenberger on how to build a scarecrow.
Fees: Park entrance fee is waived for participants
Contact: (850) 487-4115 or Friends President, Betsy Kellenberger, (850) 893-2951
Directions: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is located .5 miles north on I-10 on U.S. 319/Thomasville Road. Turn west on Maclay Road. The park is a short distance on the right.
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Children's Book Reading At Topsail Hill
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
When: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be celebrating Literacy Month during September. Join us at this special event as we read author Paul Lowery's children's book together, "Do You Know Where Sea Turtles Go?" Pictures of this year's turtle tracks and nests will be on display and a ranger will be available to answer any questions you might have. Donations of new or gently used family oriented books will be collected for distribution to schools, literacy organizations and libraries. Come and join the fun. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse.
Fees: Park admission is waived for this event.
Contact: (850) 267-8330
Directions: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take I-10 to Exit 85 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn right and travel approximately five miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go a quarter mile to the entrance on the right.
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Just Read Florida!
O'Leno State Park
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Description: Join us in our new Nature Center to listen to children’s stories about native Florida animals read by park rangers and volunteers. Then play a game or enjoy making arts and crafts projects that go with the story.
Fees: Free admission to State Parks is offered September 10 through September 12 with a library card, library book or with a donation of new or gently used family appropriate book.
Contact: For more information, call 386-454-0723.
Directions: O'Leno State Park is located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.
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Literacy Month - Discover Reading In The Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
When: September 11, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Description: Join us on September 11 as we celebrate Literacy Month with lots of great activities and fun ways to discover the park. There will be a 'Literacy Scavenger Hunt,' hourly 'Story Time,' 'Sounds of Nature' auditory game, build your own raft races and other fun activities. For more information, please contact the Kimbell Center at (561) 745-5551.
Fees: Free park admission with a library card, library book or donating a new or gently-used, family-friendly book.
Contact: (561) 745-5551
Directions: To Jonathan Dickinson State Park from the south
On I-95 - take Exit 87A - go east on Indiantown Road to US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.

On Florida Turnpike - take Exit 116 (Jupiter). Go east on Indiantown Road to US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.

To Jonathan Dickinson State Park from the north
On I-95 - take Exit 96 - go east on Bridge Road to US 1. Turn right (south) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 3 miles on your right.

On Florida Turnpike - take Exit 116 (Jupiter). Go east on Indiantown Road to US 1. Turn left (north) on US 1. Jonathan Dickinson is 5 miles on your left.
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