A Message From Florida State Parks Director

After Hurricane Michael, I visited some of the impacted state parks to meet the people who are on the front lines of storm recovery and lend a hand. The storm was powerful, and full recovery depends on the effort of our staff, volunteers and supporters.

At Torreya State Park, I met Leo Sestini, a longtime volunteer who had come from his summer home in Pennsylvania when he heard about the storm. Our job was to clear a trail that had been completely covered by hundreds of large trees.

I was impressed with Leo’s determination and good cheer as he helped clean up fallen trees. The whole strike team, despite the heat and hard work, showed remarkable camaraderie that day. After considerable effort, we cleared a portion of trail and brought the park one step closer to normal.

I went home exhausted after just an afternoon at Torreya, but the team  was out in the field again the next day. All over the Panhandle, staff and volunteers are continuing to do the tough work of recovery. They deserve our recognition and support, so I’m proud to share these stories and photos.

Volunteers like Leo and staff from other parks around the state are helping in part because many Panhandle staff were personally impacted or displaced by Hurricane Michael. Department of Environmental Protection employees  who have lost homes and vehicles face a long road to recovery.

You can help by donating, volunteering and visiting. The Florida State Parks Foundation and the Florida Park Service Ranger Association are collecting funds to aid parks and the people who make them possible. Parks will need volunteers to assist in cleanup efforts. Show your support for the parks by visiting one of the more than 160 parks that are open. These include parks in the Panhandle, like Edward Ball Wakulla Springs, Camp Helen and Ponce de Leon Springs state parks.