On Veterans Day, November 11, all visitors will be able to enter Florida State Parks for free as a gesture of appreciation for U.S. Armed Forces service members. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the initiative as part of the state’s efforts to honor veterans and reflect on the nation’s history ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
“This Veterans Day and every day, we honor our nation’s veterans and sincerely thank them for their selflessness and service,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Spending time outdoors in our state parks allows us to take in the wonder of nature and reflect on the lands, values and, most importantly, the people they fought to protect.”
Several Florida State Parks have historical connections to military service. Avalon State Park in St. Lucie County was once a World War II training camp where Frogmen, who later became U.S. Navy SEALs, trained. General James A. Van Fleet State Trail in Polk County is named after a decorated veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Baker County commemorates the site where the 54th Massachusetts Regiment fought during the Battle of Olustee. Orman House Historic State Park in Franklin County features a Three Servicemen Statue, which is a bronze replica of part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Florida State Parks also provide ongoing benefits for service members and their families throughout the year. These include a 25% discount on annual entrance passes for active-duty personnel and honorably discharged veterans, as well as free lifetime military entrance passes for veterans with service-connected disabilities or surviving spouses and parents of those killed in combat.
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is excluded from this free admission offer, and regular fees for overnight accommodations or vendor services still apply.
More information about how Florida State Parks recognize veterans can be found at https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/Florida-State-Parks-Appreciate-Veterans.
