State Parks Major Economic Contributor
Florida State Parks contributed more than $665 million to local communities in fiscal year 2004-2005, generating more than 13,000 jobs and welcoming more than 17.3 million visitors.
Parks in every region of the state were major tourist attractions, with one facility in the Panhandle ranking in the top five.
Topping the list this year were:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, South Florida - $43 million
- Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Central/West Florida - $30 million
- St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Northwest Florida - $26 million
- Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, Northeast Florida - $22.5 million
- Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach, Central/East Florida - $17.9
“Florida’s state parks provide inexpensive, high-quality recreation and education in a natural setting,” said Colleen Castille, secretary for the Department of Environmental Protection. “State parks protect our environment, entertain and inform millions of visitors and contribute more than half a billion dollars to the economy every year.”
Nominated as a finalist for the Gold Medal award honoring the Nation’s Best State Park Service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 723,000 acres and more than 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
“State Parks are a growing tourist attraction that protect the environment and offer cultural and natural resources for recreation,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “With growing interest in nature and heritage tourism, Florida’s state parks are becoming favorite attractions that offer guests of all ages an unforgettable experience.”
For more information about Florida’s State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.