September 2014 - Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc

For the past seven years, Honeymoon Island has been ranked the #1 most visited state park in
Florida. This barrier island’s popularity is richly deserved, balancing natural beauty with an
abundance of activities and amenities.
Nature trails and observation areas are great spots to observe osprey, shorebirds, armadillo and
even gopher tortoises. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, shelling and sunbathing along
prime Gulf beachfront. Bicycles and kayaks are available for rent, and showers are here as well.
Located just a short ferry ride away from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island State Park is custommade for nature lovers. Beyond its famous white-sand beaches named America’s Best in 2008, the
barrier island boasts a three-mile nature trail through the island’s interior as well as a three-mile
kayak trail through scenic mangrove tunnels. Swimming, shelling and fishing are popular year-round.
Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and picnic pavilions and beach umbrellas can
be rented for a fee.
Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible by boat or ferry, Egmont Key lures visitors with
equal parts natural and cultural history. During the 19th century, the island was a camp for
captured Seminoles, and later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War.
After touring the historic sites, including a fort from the Spanish American War and a still-working
lighthouse, visitors can take refuge in the park’s many simple pleasures, from snorkeling in
beautiful blue-green waters to fishing and picnicking.
"Caladesi Island State Park in the northern part of St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Egmont Key
State Park in the southern part are noteworthy island destinations perfect for boaters, but with
only a short ferry trip, anyone can travel to these hidden escapes. Relax, kick back and enjoy the
soft sands and unspoiled wilderness of these two beautiful beaches." Both state parks are true
island getaways conveniently located in the Tampa Bay Area. For more information, check
out True Island Getaways now!
Some 43 species of birds call Anclote Key Preserve State Park home, with prime viewing sites
for the American oyster-catcher, bald eagle, piping plover and other beach-nesting birds.
Comprised of four islands, this preserve is located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs,
accessible by private boat or ferry. Once here, enjoy unbeatable swimming and sunbathing on
sun-soaked sand, plus spectacular sunsets of purples, pinks and oranges lasting well past
sundown.
Angling fanatics now have a line on the ultimate hotspot: Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The
world’s longest fishing pier, this former bridge is the ideal place to land that prized tarpon, grouper,
mackerel, or red snapper (to name a few). Open 24/7 and lighted at night, it’s also a prime spot to
catch a sunrise or sunset. Snacks, drinks and a bait shop are all nearby.
For more information on the natural treasures in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, visit our website, and
enjoy thisvideo.
Prefer to be more hands on in assisting our Florida State Parks, beaches, and
springs? Volunteer efforts are the primary avenue Florida State Parks
are maintained each year, and we need your help!
“For you, whether a visitor, winter resident or year round live in Florida, the odds
for volunteering are excellent. You can drop in right now and lend a helping
hand with no training necessary. Be inside or outside, the choice of venue
Although National Public Lands Day (NPLD) isn’t
determines the climate.
until Saturday, September 27th, registration is now
Why volunteer?
open for the 21st annual celebration of the nation’s
largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands.
NPLD in Florida State Parks is a partnership with
Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. in order to
promote volunteerism in parks. Event registration
is open and parks and CSOs may register by
visiting our
Volunteering adds a satisfying dimension to living here, winter visiting, or even a
short term vacation.”
Individual volunteers contribute to Florida's state parks in a variety of ways: they
may greet visitors, conduct tours, assist with special events, help rangers
remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or
trail. If you would like to become a state park volunteer or learn more
information on volunteering in a Florida State Park
site here.
visit:http://www.floridastateparks.org/getinvolved/volunteer.cfm.
Any Florida State Parks lovers will not want to
miss out on National Public Lands Day! If
you plan on volunteering, have you decided
what park you will be at for NPLD? Check out the
1,500 locations currently participating!
For Florida locations visit: http://
www.publiclandsday.org/ npld-sites/
search?state=Florida
Don't forget our accessibility campaign for the parks. Visit our website at Accessibility Projects
to see the projects we are currently trying to fund. Any contribution will help!
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