Record numbers visit Florida state parks (Largo, Pensacola: environment, home, offer)

[sunrico90]

A positive record that help our economy. If you visited any of our state parks, please post pics....

A record-breaking 19.5 million people visited Florida state parks over the past year, funneling almost $900 million into the economy, officials said Tuesday.

The flock of visitors during the 2006-2007 fiscal year marked a 7.6 percent increase in attendance from the previous year.

"Nature-based tourism is growing in Florida and our state parks provide an unmatched recreational experience for all types of visitors," said Michael Sole, secretary of the state's Department of Environmental Protection. "With each visitor, the parks are able to be a positive contributor to the local economy, helping large cities and small towns improve their quality of life."

Among the most popular destinations were the:

Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, with more than 975,000 visitors;

St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, with more than 890,000;
Many are getting to discover northwest FLorida....
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, with more than 860,000.

The state's park system is one the largest in the country, with 160 parks covering 700,000 acres and offering activities including swimming, diving, fishing, hiking and birding.

[tallrick]

I almost forgot about the tourists. Pennekamp park is what I see when I am on my roof. I need to get the camera out.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by tallrick

I almost forgot about the tourists. Pennekamp park is what I see when I am on my roof. I need to get the camera out.

Here is link to the park: Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys

[sunrico90]

Welcome to Big Lagoon State Park

This coastal park sits on the northern shoreline of its namesake, Big Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola.