Friday, April 5, 2013

Celebrate Spring at a State Park


A view of the river from Suwannee River State Park.
Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionApril 5, 2013 Newsletter

Celebrate Spring at a State Park

Get outdoors and enjoy nature during the spring season.
Donald V. Forgione
Donald V. Forgione, Director, Florida Park Service
It’s springtime in Florida State Parks! Let’s take our cues from nature, get outdoors and enjoy this time of renewal and rejuvenation.
The Florida Park Service recently launched a PocketRanger® mobile app for iPhones and Androids. This interactive, on-the-go guide allows visitors to plan their next adventure in state parks. It features photos, maps, park information, activity and location search tools and more. Spring is the perfect time to use the app to find and visit your new favorite state park.
Spring also signals a time for us to begin spring cleaning. State parks do their “Spring Cleaning” in the form of prescribed burning. This resource management activity mimics natural fires that keep our environment healthy. Prescribed fires, carefully set by trained land managers, prevent wildfires and help our woodland plant and animal habitats by re-creating necessary and natural fire patterns. Visit state parks this spring to see thousands of native flowers and wildlife in their natural habitats.
When visiting state parks this spring, keep your eyes open for baby critters such as turtles and chicks of all species. It’s nesting season in our coastal parks. Visitors can see more than 200 species of birds and their chicks at Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island and Anclote Key Preserve state parks in Pinellas County. Enjoy spring weather and gorgeous coastal views at the new restaurant at Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach. Look out for wildlife from the decks of the Inlet Grill and Gifts. Visitors have a chance to view more than 180 species of birds during the course of a year at this park.
Citizens and visitors can find many great escapes in Florida’s state parks. With more than 100 miles of sandy beaches, our 41 beach parks offer recreational activities for everyone to enjoy. For a different way to experience Florida’s beautiful beaches, try horseback riding on the beach at Amelia Island State Park in Jacksonville. Visit Florida's southernmost state park, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, for many recreation opportunities and to learn about U.S. military history. White sand beaches and rolling dunes covered with sea oats make Perdido Key State Park in Pensacola a favorite destination for swimmers and sunbathers.
On April 22, join our 171 state parks and trails as we celebrate Earth Day. From beaches to forests, springs to swamps, the state park system’s nearly 800,000 acres of preserved Florida is something everyone should experience. Many state parks also welcome the spring season with festivals and events that are always fun for the whole family. Check out our app or FloridaStateParks.org for details.
No matter what you like to do, Florida’s state parks have something for everyone. On behalf of the entire Florida Park Service, I invite all Floridians to go outside, have fun and learn about our precious environment this spring.
Sincerely,
Donald V. Forgione
Director, Florida Park Service
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Celebrating 500 Years of Florida History

April offers many opportunities to explore history at a state park.

The historic home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
The historic home of author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
There are several opportunities to learn about history this month at Florida's state parks.
Celebrating the "Year of The Yearling"
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Cross Creek

Now through April 2014, the staff and surrounding community at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek will celebrate “The Year of The Yearling.” In April 1938, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings published The Yearling, for which she won a Pulitzer Prize the following April. Even after 75 years, this story of a young boy and his pet fawn, as they mature from one spring to the next in the Florida scrub, rings with authenticity and life.
Programs and events are being planned for April 2013 to April 2014 to celebrate 75 years of the book. Some events are at the park and some are in the surrounding Gainesville area. The opening event is a Rawlings exhibit as part of the Matheson Museum’s Small Towns, Farms & Families exhibit. Visit it from March 1 through May 31 and enjoy a taste of rural Florida. Also enjoy an outdoor viewing of MGM’s classic The Yearling on April 7 and a presentation about the author (a living historian is expected to make a surprise guest appearance!) on April 12.
All three of these events will be held at the Matheson Museum, 528 Southeast 1st Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. The Matheson Museum is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


Antique Tractor Show
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
, White Springs
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 4, 5 & 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy 200 years of rural American history and the craftsmanship and durability of American farm machinery. Demonstrations, exhibits, competitions and food concessions will be available. Children will especially enjoy the rooster crowing contest. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.
10th Annual Legends & Lore Festival
Fallings Waters State Park
, Chipley
Friday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Step back in time to experience Florida before electricity, cars and Mickey Mouse. Blacksmiths, gristmills, soap and butter makers will demonstrate their crafts along with military reenactors. Food concessions, live animal displays and live music will entertain. Free to participants.
7th Annual Infantry Register Muster
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
, Newberry
Friday and Saturday, April 19 & 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Witness history as living historians and interpreters portray the mustering, training and camp life of the “Confederate States of America” Army in 1862. Responding to a “second call for men” these men became the 7th Florida Infantry Regiment and were commanded by Captain P.B.H. Dudley, Sr. Visitors will see how these new soldiers were trained in weaponry and how to work with other artillery and cavalry units. Bring bug repellant and wear comfortable shoes. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people.
VIVA FLORIDA 500Florida’s state parks and trails are joining 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.

Celebrate Earth Day in 2013

Monday, April 22 is officially Earth Day. Visitor's to Florida's state parks will celebrate throughout the month.
Earth Day at Honeymoon Island State Park
Earth Day at Honeymoon Island State Park
Florida's state parks will commemorate Earth Day with events focusing on environmental education and nature-based recreation for the whole family.
Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in Earth Day events every year.
“Earth Day is a time for us all to reflect on our beautiful environment and to continue to work together on ways to protect it,” said Donald Forgione, DEP’s Florida Park Service Director. “Florida’s 171 state parks and trails protect and conserve our natural resources, while providing excellent opportunities for recreation and fun.”
The first official Earth Day was held in 1970. With the mission of uniting the world toward a common cause of environmental protection and conservation, the United Nations observed the first global Earth Day with the annual ringing of the Peace Bell on March 21, 1971.
The following state parks will host special events in honor of Earth Day 2013:

  • April 6, Native Plant Day: An Earth Day Event at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo
  • April 13, Earth Day Celebration at Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
  • April 20, Earth Day Guided Hike and Recycle Camp Site Program at Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales
  • April 20, Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at Henderson Beach State Park, Destin
  • April 20, Celebrate Earth Day with Exotic Plant Removal at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill
  • April 20, Island Earth Day Celebration at Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin
  • April 20, Earth Day Event with Special Exhibits at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
  • April 20, Earth Day Event with Drum Circle at Koreshan State Historic Site, Estero
  • April 20, 18th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
  • April 20 - 21, Earth Day Celebration Weekend at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast
  • April 21, Earth Day Celebration at Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey
  • April 21, Earth Day: Celebrate All Things Green! at The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove

  • Other Special Events and Family Fun

    Upcoming Special Events

    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.

    Acto de Arranque de la Campana Presidencial de Henrique Capriles en Weston

    Acto de Arranque de la Campana Presidencial de Henrique Capriles en Weston
    Desde Weston, Florida


    Acto de Arranque de la Campana Presidencial de Henrique Capriles en Weston.

    Latin People News. Especial.
     Con un gran acto y la participación de mas de 100 vecinos de Weston  y sus adyacencias que acudieron al llamado del Comando  Simon  Bolivar  en Weston, se  inicio formalmente la Campana Presidencial del próximo Presidente de todos los Venezolanos  Henrique Capriles.

    El acto conto con la presencia de los miembros del Comando Simon Bolivar en Weston encabezados por Oscar Ganem, Ramón Peraza, Felix Ovalle, Julio Rodriguez  y Jose Luis Armas quienes organizaron este evento lleno de fuerza  positiva, esperanza y optimismo,  por la gran cantidad de asistentes y el testimonio expresado de apoyo a Capriles,  para las próximas Elecciones Presidenciales del 14 de abril en New Orleans.

    Igualmente en el acto pudimos observar a  los Coordinadores del Comando Simon Bolivar Miami  Jose Hernandez  y  Sra. Beatriz Olavarria, el Coordinador Enlace del Comando Presidencial de Capriles en Miami Sr. Jose Gregorio Correa, el Sr.  Pedro Mena en representación de la MUD Miami,  el Sr. Angel Gomez Vice Alcalde de Weston,  Gonzalo y Mireya Aguerrevere, Juan Fanti,  Ivan Ramos, Henry Lugo Pena, Vicente Narvaez,  Vilma Neal, Antonio Badillo, Paola Tenreiro, Elizabeth León, Jose Tomas Rojas, Pedro Mendoza, Guillermo Beltran, Raul  y Marlene Storey, Jose E. Martinez, Alvaro  y Maria Beatriz Segovia, Luis Manuel Kolster, Carlos Sucre y  Juan Arevalos,    quienes señalaron que la mejor manera de ayudar al rescate de la Democracia en Venezuela es Votando temprano  el 14 de Abril y poniendo en practica las patrullas de movilización del 1X 10 electores.

    Mucha alegría y entusiasmo se vivio en este acto de arranque de la Campana Presidencial   de Capriles en Weston,  en donde se sello un compromiso de ir a Votar y volver a tener la Venezuela decente y pujante en donde nosotros nacimos.  

    Todos a Votar a New Orleans en próximo 14 de abril por  Henrique Capriles Presidente. Venezuela somos todos.   

    Thursday, April 4, 2013

    Desde el Hotel Marriot en Weston, Florida, el lanzamiento de la campana presidencial de Henrique Capriles.


    Un exito total.

    POMPANO BEACH



    Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Partners


    Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Partners
    With the success of the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce’s three existing Enterprise /Networking Groups, and requests from many of you, we are in the process of establishing a fourth group.
    The new group will be starting this month on Tuesday, April 23 and beginning in May will meet each month on the second and fourth Tuesday.
    At this time no decision has been made as to if the group will meet for breakfast or lunch. Nor has the location been settled on. So before we began the actual meetings we are going to have a gathering of those who wish to participate in this new Enterprise Group and are ready to start networking.
    We will, of course, advise all of our members of those choices, once approved by the group.
    If you are interested in being part of this new Chamber of Commerce Group we would like to hear from you. Please reach out to Marianne Miccoli of the Chamber Team and she will share the details, requirements, plus the date and location of the planning meeting for the new group. She can be reached at mmiccoli@pompanobeachchamber.com or by phone at 954-941-2940.
    As always the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Team greatly appreciate your membership and continue to make every effort to make Greater Pompano Beach a great place to do business, live and play. We appreciate your input in this exciting endeavor and look forward to your participation.
    Jean McIntyre               Ric Green
    Jean McIntyre                               Ric Green
    Chair 2012-2013                        President/CEO

    MIAMI BEACH


     Apr 3 - Apr 10, 2013  
    What to Do
    Where to Eat
    Getting Around
    Miami Beach in the News
    Michael Aller
    Michael Aller,
    "Mr. Miami Beach," welcomes you to the new world of 25/7. So much to do, you'll need the extra hour! Enjoy. 
      
    Tourism Hotline: 305.673.7400
    The City of Miami Beach provides this information to you as a courtesy. The inclusion of this information does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation of any event. Although reasonable efforts are made to ensure the information is correct at the time of distribution, information is subject to change.
     Contact Us
    1700 Convention Center Drive

    Miami Beach, Florida 33139
     305.673.7577



     



    Happening This Week!

    Showing TONIGHT!
    Soundscape Cinema Series @ Exostage 
    Quantum of Solace (2008)
    Wednesday, April 3, 2013 8:00pm
      
    New World Symphony campus, corner of 17th and Washington Ave
    Yamaha Contender Miami Beach Billfish Tournament
     Thursday, April 4, 2013

    Miami Beach Convention Center
    Jewlers International Showcase

    Saturday, April 6-8, 2013 
      
    Nautica South Beach Triathlon
    Sunday, April 7, 2013

    Fridays at the Wolf* 
    Fridays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Ave
      
    FREE gallery admission with the support of The Miami Herald. Tours begin at 6:00 p.m. with innovative programming at 7:00 p.m.

    FREE Gallery Admission to: The Wolfsonian
    1001 Washington Avenue 

    Passes to go out and enjoy a FREE gallery admission for one adult each are available now in our office location provided below.

    City of Miami Beach
    Tourism and Cultural Development Office
    1755 Meridian Avenue, Suite 500
    Miami Beach, FL 33139
      
    Please reply to this email if you are interested! 

    For additional listing of cultural events going on in Miami Beach this season visit:
    Coming Soon
     
    Next Week-
    Soundscape Cinema Series @ Exostage 
    The Princess Bride
    Wednesday, April 10 , 2013 8:00pm
      
    New World Symphony campus, corner of 17th and Washington Ave
    The Miami Beach Stage Door- 
    Paul Rednick's-Jeffrey
    April 12 thry May 5

      

    FREE MOVIES IN MIAMI BEACH 2013 
    North Shore Park Bandshell
    April 12, 2013                                                   
    Dr. Seuss The Lorax    8:00 p.m.

    Come out and enjoy FREE movies under the stars at our new North Shore Park Bandshell located at 7275 Collins Avenue!
      
      
    Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Festival
    Fourth Wednesday of every month! 
    FREE Entertainment and Music: 5pm-10pm
    Wednesday, May 22, 2013

    Northshore Bandshell-Ocean Terrace
    Collins Avenue and 73 Street

     Ongoing Events & Attractions
    Lincoln Road Outdoor Antiques
    & Collectibles Market
    Every other Sunday, Free
    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Click for more> 

    Lincoln Road Farmers' Market
    Every Sunday, Free
    9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Click for more> 

    Normandy Village Marketplace
    7802 Rue Vendome, at the Normandy Isle Fountain 
    Every Saturday, Free
    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Click for more>

    The Market at St. John's on the Lake
    4760 Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach, 33140
    Every Thursday(Seasonal), Free
    11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    Jewish Museum of Florida
    301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach 33139,
    Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays
    For information: 305-672-5044 
    For Current Exhibitions and more info Click for more>

    World Erotic Art Museum 
    For Current Exhibitions Click for more> 

    Wolfsonian-FIU
    For Current Exhibitions Click for more> 

    Bass Museum 
    For Current Exhibitions Click for more> 

    The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater
    For Calendar of Events Click for more>  

    Colony Theater
    For Calendar of Events Click for more>  

    Byron Carlyle Theater
    For Calendar of Events Click for more>