Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Department of Environmental Protection	May 31, 2013 Newsletter
Celebrate National Trails Day Tomorrow, June 1 Join in the fun on a trail near you! Two people hike at Alafia River State Park. Celebrate National Trails Day tomorrow, Saturday, June 1. National Trails Day occurs annually on the first Saturday in June to celebrate America’s trails system. Showcasing the importance of trails in the United States, National Trails Day will feature a variety of outdoor activities across the country including: hikes, biking, horseback rides, trail running, paddling trips, bird-watching, gear demonstrations, stewardship projects and more. "National Trails Day offers an opportunity to explore Florida's natural treasures," said Donald Forgione, Director of the Florida Park Service. "Whether you hike, bicycle, ride a horse or paddle a kayak, you'll find a state park or state trail within an hour of where you live in Florida." The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day was formed by trail advocates, outdoor industry leaders and political bodies in an effort to demonstrate their dedication and support to the National Trails System. Currently the country’s largest annual celebration of trails, National Trails Day offers individuals, clubs and organizations an opportunity to share their love of trails with their communities and loved ones. In Florida, numerous National Trails Day activities will be hosted around the state. Events on Saturday, June 1 National Trails Day Hike at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 10 a.m. in Palm Coast National Trails Day River Walk at O’Leno State Park, 10 a.m. in High Springs National Trails Day Hike at Silver River State Park, 8 a.m. in Ocala Celebrate National Trails Day Summer Plant Walk at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 9 to 11 a.m. south of Gainesville National Trails Day 2013 at Grayton Beach State Park, 9 to 11 a.m. in Grayton Beach Ranger-Guided Dune Walk at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, 11 a.m. in Fort Pierce
Connect with Nature during Great Outdoors Month Boating, fishing, camping and picnicking are popular outdoor activities for connecting with nature. Swimming at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Florida's Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month. Join us as we celebrate the rich blessings of our state's natural beauty and learn about the wonders of the state's landscapes through fishing, biking and walking in nature. "June is a wonderful time to explore Florida's natural treasures," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione, "Now that young people are out of school for the summer, parents have the opportunity to take them outdoors to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and recreation." In Florida, enjoy these special events in June: Northwest Florida June 4 at 1:15 p.m. - Campbell Lake Canoe Trip at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach Saturday, June 29 at sunset - Evening Under the Stars at Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola Northeast Florida Saturday, June 8 and June 9 - three Geocaching challenges at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, south of Gainesville Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. - Lawn Games at Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Jacksonville Central Florida Saturday, June 1 - 20th Annual Beach Bash at Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Saturday, June 8 - Youth Fishing Tournament at Colt Creek State Park, Lakeland Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Battle of Bloody Mose Living History Program at Fort Mose Historic State Park, St. Augustine Southwest Florida Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Yoga, scavenger hunt, canoe tours and art at Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma Sunday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Learn how to use a compass at Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey South Florida Sunday, June 2 at 10 a.m. - Learn to Kayak at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach Sunday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Photography Class at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound Whether you prefer hiking, fishing, canoeing or sitting under a shade tree, Florida's state parks have the perfect place to explore Florida's great outdoors.
VIVA Florida 500! History Lessons Continue Commemorate 500 Years of Florida History at a Florida State Park Reenacting the Battle of Bloody Mose. Throughout 2013, Florida's state parks have joined with the Florida Department of State to commemorate 500 years of Florida's rich heritage and diverse cultural history. You are invited to join us for first-hand experiences of the eras and events that shaped our past. The reenactment of the Battle of Bloody Mose will take place Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine. This event presents the struggles and successes of the first free African settlement in what is now the United States. The Birth Place of Freedom, a lecture series, will be offered twice during June in St. Augustine. Join us on Wednesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at the in the Flagler Room at Flagler College. Actor and Playwright James Bullock will present two one-person dramatizations entitled "Two 16th Century African Heroes of the Exploration of the New World." In the first dramatization, Bullock will portray Juan Garrido. The setting for this dramatization is Mexico City where Juan is writing a letter to the King of Spain asking for a pension in recognition for his years of loyal service to Spain and the Crown in its exploration of Cuba and Florida. After a brief intermission, Bullock will return as Francisco Menendez, who was instrumental in the establishment of Fort Mose in 1738. The setting for this portrayal is Havana, Cuba, after 1763 where Menendez is living in exile after the British takeover of Florida. Menendez will be reflecting on his life as a slave, freedman, leader of Fort Mose, the Siege of 1740, the Battle of Bloody Mose and the terrible impact of the British take-over on free and enslaved Africans living in Spanish Florida. Also join us on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room at Flagler College. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Associate Professor of History and Director of Academic Programs, Florida International University, will give a presentation on the Presidio of San Agustin - the role of this Spanish military town in the 18th century under increased pressure from the expanding British colonies to the north and pressure by British colonists blocked from western expansion to move south into Spanish Florida. This lecture series is sponsored by the Fort Mose Historical Society and funded by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council. The lecture series is also co-sponsored by Florida Living History, Inc., Florida Historical Society, España-Florida Foundation, St. Augustine Historical Society and the Flagler County Historical Society. Fort Mose Historic State Park is now officially part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, that stretches from Wilmington, N.C. to St. Augustine. This connection honors those in the African-American community who made their way to Florida with a promise of freedom. Several state parks are hosting special events with a historic focus in June: Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m., Camp Helen History Tour at Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach Saturday, June 1, First Weekend Union Garrison and Candlelight Viewing at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach. Friday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m., The Palm & People at Don Pedro Island State Park in Boca Grande Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m., A Historic Caching Event (Geocaching) at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy Sunday, June 9 at 9 a.m., Bartram Challenge - A New Mystery Cache at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy VIVA FLORIDA 500 Florida’s state parks and trails have joined the Florida Department of State in commemorating 500 years of Florida history throughout 2013. This significant milestone marks the anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing on the east coast of a mysterious land – a land he named La Florida. Join us throughout 2013 as we commemorate Florida's rich heritage and the events that have shaped the state.
Summer Camps at Florida State Parks Summer camps have limited space. Make reservations early. Prices vary. June 3-7, Summer Camp (7-11 years-olds), Crystal River Preserve State Park in Crystal River June 10-14, Summer Camp (7-11 years-olds), Crystal River Preserve State Park in Crystal River June 10-14, Pioneer Day Camp (8-12 year-olds), Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell June 17-22, Wildlife Summer Camp (8 & 9 year-olds), Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa June 17-21, Eco Adventures Days (3rd through 5th grade), Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka June 17-21, Summer Adventure Camp (9-11 year-olds) at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights June 17-21, Swamp Stomp Summer Day Camp (5-10 year-olds), Savannas Preserve State Park in Port St. Lucie	Upcoming Special Events View List of Events in the Northwest Region View List of Events in the Northeast Region View List of Events in the Central Region View List of Events in the Southwest Region View List of Events in the Southeast Region Other Important News Mobile App for Smartphones Plan your state park adventures using the new Pocket Ranger® app for your smartphone.The FREE Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app is available now on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com.

GOVERNOR SCOTT, DEP URGES PREPARATION FOR THE 2013 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

~Taking steps to properly store or dispose of hazardous waste can prevent spills~

TALLAHASSEE – The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins Saturday, June 1 and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection reminds Floridians that now is the time to prepare by ensuring all hazardous materials are properly secured and stored. In addition to the devastation a storm causes on a community, high winds and water levels can cause the release of pollutants into the environment. Boats are often sunk and garages are often flooded, releasing fuels, oils and other chemicals into the environment.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Saturday marks the official start of the 2013 hurricane season. Last year was predicted to be a slow season, but with three weather events impacting Florida, as well as the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, we saw firsthand how one storm can significantly alter a community. Last year also marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, a hurricane that devastated many Florida communities and changed the way we prepare and respond to a disaster. Following the storm, the world witnessed the resilience of Florida’s citizens as we recovered and rebuilt our communities.

“We’ve worked to keep Florida families safe by investing more than $22 million this year in state and federal funding to ensure this community is protected as best possible for hurricanes. Preparing for the upcoming hurricane season should be a priority for every Florida family – and that’s why it’s so importance families ‘GET A PLAN!’ and visit www.floridadisaster.org for critical life saving tips.”

If potentially hazardous materials are left unsecured or are secured in a low-lying area that can be exposed if it lies in a flood zone, this could create environmental or safety hazards during a powerful storm. Hazardous materials left near windows can easily become exposed as well. These materials should be stored in accordance with manufacturer's directions as well as state or federal regulations. Placing materials on secured shelving can limit the likelihood of spillage.

“Predictions for the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season indicate the likelihood of a busy season with a greater than normal chance of impacts in Florida,” said Gwen Keenan, Director of DEP's Office of Emergency Response. “Private citizens, businesses and organizations should take the opportunity to minimize their hazardous material holdings before the season and secure necessary hazardous substances to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent spill that could threaten the safety of people and the environment."

The Department suggests checking your garages, sheds, boats and other recreational vehicles to identify any unwanted household hazardous waste. It is best to properly dispose of these materials, rather than having to be concerned with storing them should a hurricane approach the state. Material may be disposed of according to manufacturer's guidelines on the container or at a county household hazardous waste facility. Attention to hazardous materials before a storm arrives can help protect your family, property and Florida's environment after the storm passes. Visit DEP's Hazardous Waste website to find a facility near you and to get information about disposing of waste.

“Last year, Tropical Storms Debby and Beryl and Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy reminded Floridians the impacts tropical systems can have on our communities,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “The start of this year’s hurricane season is an excellent reminder for all Floridians to review their family and business emergency plans and disaster supply kits and learn what they can do to be prepared for this season.”

Warmer-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, as well as El Niño is not being expected to develop and suppress hurricane formation have lead to predictions of a very active 2013 hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a 70 percent chance of 13 to 20 named storms, with between 7 and 11 of those becoming hurricanes; 3 to 6 becoming category 3 or higher hurricanes.

Hazardous materials that should be properly disposed of or stored securely:

• Paints
• Pesticides
• Waste containers
• Chlorine cylinders for swimming pools
• Compressed gases

Storm preparation tips for boat owners:

• Develop a severe weather preparedness plan and ask your marina for their site specific preparedness plan.
• Remove portable containers and cans of paint, fuel, oils and cleaners. Either properly dispose or store securely.
• If it is possible and still safe, remove boats from the water and onto the upland. If this is not possible, move vessel out of slips and into open or highly protected waters.
• All boats, whether in the water or on a trailer, should be secured with extra safety lines. Boats in the water should be secured with extra lines and additional fenders.
• Remove portable marine sanitation devices, loose gear and equipment.
• Secure all hatches, doorways and windows to prevent water intrusion.

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 until November 30 and Floridians should be prepared for all possibilities. This includes storing adequate water, gasoline and non-perishable foods. Other hurricane preparedness tips are provided by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.