E-Newsletter – February 2010 – Follow us on Twitter @FLStateParks

www.FloridaStateParks.org/enewsletter/

Battle of Olustee Reenactment

Civil War Battle Reenactment Part of Florida State Parks’ 75th Anniversary Event Series

~ The Battle of Olustee was Florida’s largest Civil War Battle~

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 13 and Sunday February 14. More than 2,000 living history reenactors will re-create the Battle of Olustee that was fought on February 20, 1863. Full-scale artillery, mounted cavalry and three African American regiments, including the 54th Massachusetts, took part in the fighting that day.

The Saturday skirmish will begin at 3:30 p.m. and the battle reenactment will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The event will feature medical demonstrations, period music concerts, military camps and drills and the lives of soldiers and civilians. Food concessions will be available. No pets.

Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $7 for adults and $3 for children over age 5. School groups are invited for activities on Friday, February 12. Student fees are $2 on Friday’s School Day.

For additional information, visit online at Battle Of Olustee or call toll free 1-877-635-3655.

Throughout 2010, DEP’s Florida State Parks will celebrate 75 years of recreation and preservation. Florida’s state parks will host special activities and interpretive events from coast to coast, including 25 signature events which highlight individual parks’ histories, as well as the history of the state park system as a whole. 

Reenactors at Fort Mose Historic

State Park

Flight to Freedom event at Fort Mose Historic State Park to Honor Black History Month

~ Reenactment of Life at First Settlement for Freed Africans in 1738 ~

At the Flight to Freedom reenactment on February 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., first person interpreters will reenact the saga of the first underground railroad. Escaping slaves, hostile slave catchers, friendly Indians and militiamen will bring to life the story of African Americans fleeing slavery in the English colonies to seek freedom in Spanish Florida. The event will also feature drumming, storytelling and Colonial weapon demonstrations. Free trolley shuttle service from the 'Old Jail' located at 167 San Marco Avenue in St Augustine. $4.00 per vehicle, up to eight people. Call (904) 823-2232 for more information.

Gregory House at Torreya State Park

Take Advantage of Deals at Florida State Parks

~ During the 75th Anniversary, special promotions will help you explore state parks ~

Panhandle Go Play Weekday - February 2010

Bluffs, beaches, trails, rivers and lakes provide ideal locations to hike, camp, fish, ride bicycles and enjoy the cool weather. 75¢ entry fee Monday through Thursday at the following Florida State Parks:

1. Blackwater River State Park, Holt
2. Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach
3. Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach
4. Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
5. Three Rivers State Park, Sneads
6. Torreya State Park, Bristol

Northeast and Central Go Play Weekday - February and March 2010

Learn about Florida’s history and culture, camp, hike, paddle or ride with a friend along equestrian trails. If you’d like to stay the night, several featured parks offer camping and cabin rental where you can enjoy campfires and fireplaces. 75¢ entry fee Monday through Thursday at the following Florida State Parks:

1. Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness
2. Gold Head Branch State Park, Keystone Heights
3. Madison Blue Spring State Park, Lee
4. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
5. Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
6. O'Leno State Park, High Springs
7. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs

Looking Ahead to Commemorative 75^th Anniversary Events

~ The year-long celebration and signature events will highlight three quarters of a century of preserving the past while looking to the future. ~

·         Saturday, March 13-Sunday, March 14: Azalea Festival at Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka.

·         Friday, March 19- Saturday, March 20: Wakulla Wildlife Festival at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs.

Special Events around Florida

·         Northwest Florida

·         Northeast Florida

·         Central Florida

·         Southwest Florida

·         Southeast Florida