Blue Spring State Park

April 22, 2014 Dear ONE on WUCF Producers: As the seasons change, so does Blue Spring State Park. The summer sun draws Central Florida residents and visitors to cool off in the freshwater spring and enjoy numerous water activities, while the winter attracts families to this designated Manatee Refuge to learn about endangered species and observe wildlife. Year-round, volunteers aid in day-to-day park upkeep, providing Floridians an environmentally friendly avenue for civic engagement. Known for its crystal clear-waters and peaceful serenity, Blue Spring State Park is the treasure land for nature lovers looking for the perfect place to enjoy Central Floridas natural beauty. This beauty is a perfect fit for a segment on WUCFs ONE. We think your audience will be intrigued by the diverse recreational activities available for all ages during the summer at Blue Spring State Park, including nature trails, picnic areas under the Live Oaks, canoe and kayak rentals, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. Your audience would enjoy a place to learn about and observe the endangered manatees who contribute to the beauty of their home state. Previous ONE segments on Central Florida tourism and wildlife have included bird watching, a wildlife sanctuary, New Smyrna Beach and Silver Springs boat tours. Blue Spring State Park holds a unique appeal because your audience will have many compelling reasons to visit all yeara day of fun in the sun, a wildlife excursion, an educational trip on manatees, or a way to get involved and volunteer in the community. Blue Spring State Park employees and volunteers are eager to greet the summer season. We can provide exclusive interviews with Florida Park Service workers, including the Blue Spring park manager and an avid volunteer. A visit to Blue Spring State Park will provide compelling visuals of children and families splashing in the Blue Spring or kayaking the St. Johns River. We can also provide detailed reports, including Manatee Rehabilitation success stories, visitor statistics and economic impact figures. Additional press materials are included. Please let us know if there is any more information youd like to include in your coverage. Thank you for your consideration. Please visit the Florida Park Service at www.floridastateparks.org and Blue Spring State Park at www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring. Questions can be directed to Communications Manager, Martha Robinson, at martha.j.robinson@state.dep.fl.us or (850) 245-2072. Sincerely,

____________________ Kathryn Robinson

_____________________ Lauren Holiday

___________________ Angela Ocampo

Martha J. Robinson
Communications Manager Florida Park Service Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Martha Robinson fits the image of the Florida Park Service perfectly. And good thing, too shes responsible for providing tours, photo requests and media relations for Floridas 171 state parks and trails. As the Internal Communications Manager, Robinson works diligently to keep Florida citizens and visitors informed about Floridas state parks, which are devoted to providing diverse natural beauty and a sense of connection to the Real Florida. Robinson has been involved in the Florida State Park Service as a professional, volunteer and frequent visitor for more than 25 years. Robinsons extensive knowledge about Floridas parks inspired her to write the nomination that earned the organization their most prestigious award. The National Gold Medal Award, presented to the nations best state park system, went to the Florida State Park Service for the third time in 2013. Floridas system of parks and trails provides recreational activities, habitat restoration and special events promoting the natural beauty and diversity of the state. In the 2012 to 2013 fiscal year, the Florida state parks hosted 25.5 million visitors and contributed $1.1 billion to local Florida economies. Robinsons mission to keep the public informed about Florida state parks motivated her to create social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for the park service. Robinson has launched a series of campaigns to get visitors engaged in the online environment. In the five years since the accounts were created, the Florida Park Services social media reach has grown to more than 70,000 users. The Florida Park Service is featured regularly in Florida newspapers, local television broadcasts and radio segments. Robinson is responsible for arranging interviews and appearing in segments about anything from tourism revenue and special events to bird watching and baby manatees. Robinsons background in nonprofit organizations and media outlets has sharpened her ability to tell the right story. Robinsons own story includes a happy marriage to husband Scott, two children and two dogs. In the evenings, she can be found on the coast of Floridas Panhandle sailing or organizing activities for the Apalachee Bay Yacht Club. Contact Martha Robinson at martha.j.robinson@state.dep.fl.us or (850) 245-2072.

Jerry Garrett
Park Manager Blue Spring State Park Florida State Park Service

With four years of experience in the Florida State Park Service, Jerry Garrett is an expert in the preservation of Floridas natural resources. As park manager at Blue Spring State Park, Garrett is responsible for all park activities, including visitor services, resource management, interpretation and administration. His passion for the outdoors motivates him to lead a team that contributes to improving a piece of history that will be here for future generations to enjoy. After growing up in western Kentucky, serving in the military, and later being a business owner for 10 years, Garrett was ready to embark on a new adventure in the Sunshine State. His journey in the recreational park career began at Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation in Tampa, Fla. as a park ranger. After five years of gaining valuable knowledge on park protection, visitor experience, maintenance and resource management, Garrett was promoted to park manager in 2009. He joined the Florida State Park Service shortly after as an assistant park manager at Hillsborough State Park, and in 2013 was promoted to park manager at Blue Spring State Park. Blue Spring State Park is a valuable asset for Volusia county, bringing in 525,000 visitors in 2013. Even though Garrett has been park manager for a mere seven months, he has contributed to its success by leading a valuable restoration project that affected 88 acres of Central Florida land. He is also currently working on efforts to redesign the Blue Spring State Park boardwalk to make it more accessible for visitors. Garrett says this is all part of his mission to leave the park better than he found it. Garretts passion for the environment acts as his motivation to become further involved in environmental advocacy outside of his role as park manager. As part of Citizen Support Organizations, Garrett lends himself to the community by playing a vital role in supporting Floridas parks by volunteering, educating visitors, hosting events and raising funds for specific park projects. Additionally, he looks for ways to educate the public on water and spring restoration through the Blue Spring Alliance. Garretts extensive commitment to educating the community on the environment and to the preservation of the Real Florida help explain why Florida State Park Service is the first three-time winner of the National Gold Medal, naming it the nations best state park system. Contact Jerry Garrett at Jerry.Garrett@dep.state.fl.us or (386)-775-1599.

Sandra Boyd
Volunteer Blue Spring State Park Florida State Park System

Since joining the Blue Spring State Park team more than two years ago, Sandra Boyd has contributed to its goal of connecting visitors to Floridas diverse natural and cultural resources. As a volunteer, Boyd is responsible for assisting park rangers with day-to-day activities to ensure visitors have a memorable experience. With her passion for the outdoors, conservation, and wildlife, Boyd is the ideal park ambassador striving to preserve Central Floridas natural environment. With a degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Boyd works in the medical device field outside of volunteering. She chose to volunteer at Blue Spring State Park because she loved the idea of meeting new people and educating them on environmental conservation. Not only does she get a break from her technical profession, but she also gets to share her passion with others while enjoying the fresh air. Driven by her mantra--get outsidewhere things happen!--she uses her experience and knowledge to help Blue Spring State Park in its mission to create a sense of place for visitors. Boyd shares a similar passion with Blue Spring State Park a love for manatees. Ever since she encountered the graceful creatures at a young age, she has dedicated time to contribute to their conservation. Part of her duties as a volunteer includes leading interpretive programs on manatee education, which is one way Boyd assists in Blue Spring State Parks efforts in protecting manatees during their winter migration. As the number of manatees at the park dramatically increases year after year, manatees know they can always depend on Blue Springs and its volunteers to keep them safe from chilly waters. Aside from spending her free time volunteering at Blue Spring State Park, Boyd is a SCUBA instructor and enjoys traveling. She also redirects her passion for manatee protection by volunteering at Save the Manatees Club, a national nonprofit and membership-based organization that strives to protect and recover the manatee population and its habitat. Boyds dedication to environment preservation make her the perfect fit for the Blue Spring State Parks volunteer role as she enthusiastically contributes to its efforts in supporting and restoring Central Floridas natural treasures. Contact Sandra Boyd at sandramail@gmail.com or (949)-466-8783.

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Central Floridas Blue Spring State Park Opens Its Water to Human Visitors ORLANDO, Fla. (April 11, 2014)Blue Spring State Park is now open for summer water recreation activities including: snorkeling and diving, kayaking and canoeing, tubing trips down the Blue Spring run, and refreshing swims in 72-degree, crystal-clear water. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the Real Florida. After a record breaking winter manatee season, with the annual Manatee Festival raising more than $40,000 for the local community and visitors sighting 362 of these endangered species a day, Blue Spring State Park is currently focusing its efforts on creating a fun and natural environment for sun-soaked activities. The park provides scenic hiking on nature trails, relaxed picnicking beneath the Live Oaks, and native wildlife viewing alongside the invigorating water recreations. Day trips turn into over-the-night stays as guests take advantage of the 51 campsites located in the sand pine scrub or the six, two bedroom cabins located in a shady oak hammock--both within walking distance of the spring. The park is also school-friendly, providing Central Florida children exciting field trips filled with manatee spotting during the winter and water recreation in the hot months. Both seasons afford educational opportunities to learn more about native Florida flora and fauna. These field trips have prompted many children to join the Junior Ranger Program, a Friends -more-

Blue Springs 2 Robinson/Ocampo/Holiday of Blue Spring State Park and Department of Environmental Protection sponsored program with topics ranging from spring life and surviving in the wild to water conservation and human impact. Blue Spring State Park is a the winter home to more than 200 manatees. Tucked within 2,643 acres are 15 natural communities, a lagoon, a north-flowing river and a first-magnitude spring. Blue Spring State Park literally overflows with diversity. The Florida Park Services 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. ###

Media Advisory
For Immediate Release

Central Floridas Blue Spring State Park Opens Its Water to Human Visitors What: Blue Spring State Park is now open for summer water recreation activities including: snorkeling and diving, kayaking and canoeing, tubing trips down the Blue Spring run, and refreshing swims in 72degree, crystal-clear water. As of April 11, 2014, Blue Spring State Park is ready for summer visitors. Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Avenue Orange City, Florida 32763 Blue Spring State Park is a the winter home to more than 200 manatees. Tucked within 2,643 acres are 15 natural communities, a lagoon, a north-flowing river and a first-magnitude spring. Blue Spring State Park literally overflows with diversity. The Florida Park Services 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. Visuals: With the Real Florida as the backdrop, visuals include: Diverse wildlife thriving in their native habitats Families, young and old, enjoying all the water recreation activities in sparkling turquoise waters Visitors soaking up the sun in an unparalleled family-friendly setting Angela Ocampo (754) 423-0776 Lauren Holiday (850) 322-5116

When: Where:

Who:

Media Contacts:

Kathryn Robinson (850) 544-6613

For more information, please visit www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring.

Media Advisory
For Immediate Release

Blue Spring State Park Closes to Become Manatee Safe-Haven What: As the season changes from summer to winter, West Indian Manatees begin their trip up the St. Johns River and into Blue Spring State Park. The park closes to become Central Floridas manatee safe-haven, each year recording more and more manatee sightings. Mid-November to mid-March finds Blue Spring State Park closed to water recreation activities, providing a designated Manatee Refuge. Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Avenue Orange City, Florida 32763 Blue Spring State Park is the winter home to more than 200 manatees. Tucked within 2,643 acres are 15 natural communities, a lagoon, a north-flowing river and first-magnitude spring. Blue Spring State Park literally overflows with diversity. Save the Manatee Club is an award-winning national nonprofit and membership-based organization that strives to protect and recover the manatee population and its habitat. Its purpose is to promote public awareness and education, help fund manatee research and rescue efforts, and lobby for the protection of manatees. Visuals: With the Real Florida as the backdrop, visuals include: West Indian Manatees swimming, resting and playing in the warm 72-degree, crystal-clear waters Families hiking along scenic paths, enjoying Floridas natural flora and fauna Angela Ocampo (754) 423-0776 Lauren Holiday (850) 323-5116

When: Where:

Who:

Media Contacts:

Kathryn Robinson (850) 544-6613

For more information, please visit www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring.

The Florida Park Service

FACT SHEET The Florida Park Service seeks to preserve Florida's diverse natural and cultural sites for future generations. Floridas state parks provide visitors with natural resource-based recreational activities, educational resources and a sense of connection to the Real Florida. Florida State Parks Mission Statement The History of Floridas State Parks The mission of the Florida Park Service is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources. The 1925 Legislature created the Florida State Park system to provide free parks "for the purpose of public recreation or for the preservation of natural beauty or historic association." The creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 provided work programs for unemployed young men who constructed and managed lands for preservation. Since the 1950s, a legislative campaign for funding has led to acquisition of new lands and development of existing parks. Many believe state parks have a major potential role in promoting tourism and recreational opportunities.

Florida State Parks Today

Today, the Florida state park system is one of the largest in the nation, with 171 parks and trails. Activities include swimming and diving in Florida's rivers and springs or hiking natural scenic trails. Florida's state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. The Floridas state parks served 25.5 million visitors in 2013 and contributed $1.1 billion in economic impact. The Florida Park Service has been recognized three times by the National Recreation and Park Association with the National Gold Medal for the nations best state park system.

Awards and Recognition

The Florida Park Services 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. For more information, please visit www.floridastateparks.org or call (850) 245-2157.

Manatee Rehabilitation
FACT SHEET The Problem The West Indian Manatee is an endangered species. Its survival is threatened by collisions with boats, loss of warm water habitat, entanglement, red tide and entrapment. 2013 was the deadliest year on record for manatees in Florida. More than 800 manatees in state waters died. (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) Manatees in the United States are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. Blue Spring State Park waters are closed during manatee season, mid-November to March 15, to provide a winter home of 72 degrees Fahrenheit for the manatees. The high public visibility of the manatees in the spring allows for sick or injured manatees to be spotted and rescued more easily, which has saved manatees' lives over the years.

The Solution

Save the Manatee Club

Blue Spring State Park is a designated Manatee Refuge and works with Save the Manatee Club to monitor and track the manatees. Save the Manatee Clubs goal is to protect and recover manatees and their habitat. Manatees need water temperatures above 68 degrees F to survive As of the most recent aerial survey flown in January 2014, there are at least 4,831 manatees in Florida. (U.S. Department of the Interior) Manatee counts at Blue Spring State park have dramatically increased. When the park first started housing manatees in the 1980 to 1981 winter season, there were only 35 recorded. During the last winter season, as many as 362 individual manatees were seen at Blue Spring State Park in a single day.

Manatee Facts

Save the Manatee Club is an award-winning, national nonprofit and membership-based organization that strives to protect and recover the manatee population and its habitat. Its purpose is to promote public awareness and education, help fund manatee research and rescue efforts, and lobby for the protection of manatees. For more information please visit www.savethemanatee.org or call (407) 539-0990.

Teaser
Known for its crystal clear waters and peaceful serenity, Blue Spring State Park is the treasure land for nature lovers looking for the perfect place to enjoy Central Floridas natural beauty.

CONTACT SHEET Martha Robinson Communications Manager Florida Department of Environmental Protection (850) 245-2072 Martha.j.robinson@dep.state.fl.us Jerry Garrett Park Manager Blue Spring State Park (386) 775-1599 Jerry.Garrett@dep.state.fl.us Sandra Boyd Volunteer Blue Spring State Park (949) 466-8783 sandramail@gmail.com

Team Members:
Angela Ocampo (754) 423-0776 angelajocampo@knights.ucf.edu Lauren Holiday (850) 322-5116 laurenly@knights.ucf.edu Kathryn Robinson (850) 544-6613 k.robinson@knights.ucf.edu