Despite a federal government shutdown which has closed St Johns County’s two national monuments, Historic City News reminds our readers that Florida’s 171 award-winning state parks are still open for business to ensure Floridians and visitors can enjoy the state’s natural, cultural and historic resources.

Floridians and visitors may enjoy Florida’s famous sunshine by visiting state parks and state trails for family friendly fun, such as fishing, swimming, beach-combing and picnicking.

“While the national parks are being shut down because of instability in Washington, Florida’s award-winning parks, greenways and trails are available for all to enjoy,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Because of Governor Scott’s leadership in Florida, the Florida Park Service continues to welcome all residents and visitors.”

Throughout October, while the National Park Service is on hiatus, the Florida Park Service is celebrating “Florida Greenways and Trails Month” with a focus on hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking activities.

Park rangers and volunteers will continue to host special events and are taking advantage of Florida’s slightly cooler temperature. State parks and state trails are open for business, 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Some special feature sites and museums have alternative hours.

PARKS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT

	Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park 4335 Firetower Road, Haines City, FL 33844 (863) 696-1112
	Anastasia State Park 1340-A State Road A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 (904) 461-2033
	Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 775-3663
	Bulow Creek State Park 3351 Old Dixie Highway, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 676-4050
	Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 (386) 517-2084
	Colt Creek State Park 16000 State Rd 471, Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 815-6761
	Cross Florida Greenway – 49th Ave. to Land Bridge 8282 SE Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	Cross Florida Greenway – Baseline to Marshall Swamp 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	Cross Florida Greenway – CR 484 to 49th Ave. 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	Cross Florida Greenway – Land Bridge Trail 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	Cross Florida Greenway – SR 200 to CR 484 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	Cross Florida Greenway – Santos Bike Trails East 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	De Leon Springs State Park 601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, FL 32130 (386) 985-4212
	Dunns Creek State Park U.S. 17 North, Pomona Park, FL 32181 (386) 329-3721
	Faver-Dykes State Park 1000 Faver-Dykes Road, St. Augustine, FL 32086 (904) 794-0997
	Fort Mose Historic State Park 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 823-2232
	Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 (386) 517-2086
	General James A. Van Fleet State Trail 7683 Berkley Road, Polk City, FL 33968 (352) 394-3969
	Hontoon Island State Park 2309 River Ridge Road, Deland, FL 32720 (386) 736-5309
	Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 33104 N.W. 192nd Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972 (863) 462-5360
	Lake Griffin State Park 3089 U.S. 441/27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731 (352) 360-6760
	Lake Kissimmee State Park 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898 (863) 696-1112
	Lake Louisa State Park 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714 (352) 394-3969
	Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park 8300 W. State Road 46, Sanford, FL 32712 (407) 884-2008
	Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway 8282 S.E. Highway 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143
	North Peninsula State Park State Road A1A North, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 (386) 517-2086
	Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail 6239 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (352) 473-4701
	Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 329-3721
	Ravine Gardens State Park 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 329-3721
	Rock Springs Run State Reserve 30601 CR 433, Sorrento, FL 32776 (407) 884-2008
	Sebastian Inlet State Park 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 (321) 984-4852
	Silver Springs State Park 1425 N.E. 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7148
	St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park 1000 Buffer Preserve Drive, Fellsmere, FL 32948 (321) 953-5005
	Tomoka State Park 2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 676-4050
	Washington Oaks Gardens State Park 6400 N. Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 446-6780
	Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712 (407) 884-2008