Florida: state parks shine through hurricane recovery

Florida made history during last year's hurricane season, marking the first time in more than century that four storms swept through the state. Each of Florida's 158 state parks experienced a closure during at least one of the four hurricanes.

Florida Park Service volunteers and employees quickly pulled together to restore, rebuild and reopen state parks. Just two weeks after the storms passed, more than 90 percent of Florida's state parks were open to visitors.

While parks were welcoming visitors and sorting through debris, recovery efforts continued throughout the state. The Florida Park Service dispatched hundreds of employees armed with heavy duty equipment to assist with damage assessment, habitat and infrastructure restoration, cleanup operations and distribution of food, water and supplies through local and national relief agencies.

"It was truly remarkable to see staff and volunteers work together after devastating storms to quickly reopen our parks," said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. "Personnel not only cleaned up parks, they made relaxation and recreation available within the anchors of our communities--state parks."

Staff stationed in Lake Wales, the bull's eye in the center of the state where Hurricanes Charley, Jeanne and Frances crossed, assisted with senior center food supplies and extensive clean-up in surrounding communities.

Florida state park crews removed massive oaks and slender pines tossed onto rooftops, administered debris drop-off locations, cleared fence lines, roads, trails and beaches, while also distributing hot meals to some of the 8.6 million Floridians who lost power during the storms.

Many parks experienced spikes in attendance both in day-use and camping, from storm-weary visitors looking to relieve stress and enjoy nature to those who were without a home. The parks became a refuge for disheartened Floridians who found themselves surrounded by debris and destruction.

On public lands statewide, volunteers lent hurricane recovery support through Take Pride in Florida, a volunteer program administered by the Florida state parks to protect and preserve Florida's public lands and foster a culture of service. Launched by Gov. Jeb Bush, the initiative received more than 426,000 pledged hours of service, becoming one of the largest volunteer efforts for public lands in the nation's history. In an October kick-off event, volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of hurricane debris and cleared 50 miles of trails.

Five Florida State Parks AmeriCorps members were awarded the Presidential Service Award for their exemplary leadership during disaster recovery efforts following Hurricanes Charley and Frances. Working with the Army Corps of Engineers, Florida AmeriCorps volunteers spearheaded "Operation Blue Roof," tarping damaged roofs for elderly, low-income and other special-needs hurricane victims. Through the course of the 80-day mission, AmeriCorps members served more than 10,000 hours, covering more than 245 roofs.

To plan a visit to a Florida State Park, make a camping reservation or to find out about events, festivals and park activities, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

COPYRIGHT 2005 National Recreation and Park Association
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group