Final Draft 
State of Florida 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

Michael W. Sole 

Secretary 

Bob Ballard 

Deputy Secretary, Land & Recreation 

DIVISION OF RECREATION AND PARKS 

Mike Bullock 

Director and State Liaison Officer 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Division of Recreation and Parks 

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Building 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is an equal opportunity agency, offering all persons 

the benefits of participating in each of its programs and competing in all areas of employment regardless 

of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or other non-merit factors.
A Comprehensive Program For Meeting 

Florida’s Outdoor Recreation Needs 

State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection 

Division of Recreation and Parks 

Tallahassee, Florida 

OUTDOOR RECREATION IN FLORIDA — 

2008 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

i 

 

Table of Contents

 PAGE 

Chapter 1: Introduction and Background.............................................................................. 1-1 

Purpose and Scope of the Plan ........................................................................................1-1 

Outdoor Recreation - A Legitimate Role for Government................................................1-3 

Outdoor Recreation Defined..............................................................................................1-3 

Roles in Providing Outdoor Recreation ............................................................................1-4 

Need For a State Outdoor Recreation Program...............................................................1-5 

The Planning Process .......................................................................................................1-6 

 Public Participation ......................................................................................................1-6 

 Planning Coordination.................................................................................................1-6 

 State-Level Coordination.......................................................................................1-7 

 State-Federal Coordination...................................................................................1-7 

 State-Local Coordination.......................................................................................1-7 

 State-Private Coordination....................................................................................1-7 

Conclusion .........................................................................................................................1-8 

Chapter 2: Florida’s Outdoor Recreation Setting.................................................................. 2-1 

Florida's People and Economy .........................................................................................2-1 

Physical Situation...............................................................................................................2-2 

Climate ...............................................................................................................................2-2 

Geology..............................................................................................................................2-3 

Physiography .....................................................................................................................2-3 

Hydrology...........................................................................................................................2-5 

Vegetation and Wildlife......................................................................................................2-6 

History and Culture ............................................................................................................2-7 

Chapter 3: Outdoor Recreation Providers, Programs and Partnerships.............................. 3-1 

Outdoor Recreation Providers...........................................................................................3-1 

Outdoor Recreation Programs ..........................................................................................3-2 

Federal Programs........................................................................................................3-2 

 U.S. Department of the Interior .............................................................................3-2 

 National Park Service......................................................................................3-2 

 National Trail System................................................................................3-6 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.........................................................................3-8 

 U.S. Department Agriculture .................................................................................3-8 

 U.S. Forest Service .........................................................................................3-8 

 Florida National Scenic Trail.....................................................................3-9 

 U.S. Department of Defense...............................................................................3-10 

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers......................................................................3-10 

 U.S. Department of Transportation.....................................................................3-11 

 U.S. Department of Commerce ..........................................................................3-12 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration......................................3-12 

 National Estuarine Research Reserves .................................................3-12 

 National Marine Sanctuaries...................................................................3-12 

 National Coastal Zone Management Program ......................................3-12 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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 PAGE 

 State Programs..........................................................................................................3-13 

 Florida Department of Environmental Protection...............................................3-13 

 Division of Recreation and Parks..................................................................3-14 

 Office of Greenways and Trails.....................................................................3-18 

 Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas............................................3-21 

 Division of State Lands..................................................................................3-23 

 Division of Water Resource Management....................................................3-23 

 Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems..............................................3-24 

 Bureau of Mine Reclamation ..................................................................3-24 

 Division of Law Enforcement ........................................................................3-24 

 Florida Park Police ..................................................................................3-24 

 Office of Sustainable Initiatives.....................................................................3-24 

 Clean Marina Program............................................................................3-24 

 Water Management Districts...............................................................................3-25 

 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission .........................................3-27 

 Division of Habitat and Species Conservation .............................................3-28 

 Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management............................................3-29 

 Division of Law Enforcement ........................................................................3-29 

 Office of Recreation Services .......................................................................3-30 

 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ..............................3-33 

 Florida Division of Forestry ...........................................................................3-33 

 Florida Department of State................................................................................3-35 

 Office of Cultural and Historical Programs ...................................................3-35 

 Florida Department of Community Affairs ..........................................................3-35 

 Florida Communities Trust............................................................................3-36 

 Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program.....................................................3-36 

 Rural Land Stewardship Area Program........................................................3-37 

 Florida Department of Transportation.................................................................3-37 

 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program ..................................................................3-37 

 Florida Scenic Highway Program .................................................................3-38 

 State University System of Florida......................................................................3-38 

 Special Districts ...................................................................................................3-38 

 Local Government Providers.....................................................................................3-39 

 County Roles .......................................................................................................3-39 

 Municipal Roles ...................................................................................................3-40 

 Non-Government Roles ............................................................................................3-40 

 Commercial Providers.........................................................................................3-41 

 Private Organizations..........................................................................................3-41 

 Clubs....................................................................................................................3-41 

Chapter 4: Outdoor Recreation Supply and Regional Profiles............................................. 4-1 

 Statewide Overview of Supply ..........................................................................................4-2 

 Regional Summaries .........................................................................................................4-3

 West Florida Region ..........................................................................................................4-6 

 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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 PAGE

Apalachee Region ...........................................................................................................4-13

North Central Florida Region...........................................................................................4-21 

Northeast Florida Region.................................................................................................4-29 

Withlacoochee Region.....................................................................................................4-37 

East Central Florida Region ............................................................................................4-45 

Central Florida Region ....................................................................................................4-53

Tampa Bay Region..........................................................................................................4-60 

Southwest Florida Region ...............................................................................................4-67 

Treasure Coast Region ...................................................................................................4-75 

 South Florida Region.......................................................................................................4-82 

Chapter 5: Outdoor Recreation Demand and Need............................................................. 5-1 

 Outdoor Recreation Demand............................................................................................5-1 

 Outdoor Recreation Preferences ......................................................................................5-3 

 Measures to Encourage Participation...............................................................................5-5 

 Comparing Demand and Supply.......................................................................................5-6 

 Findings by Activity ............................................................................................................5-8 

 Water-Based Activities ................................................................................................5-8 

 Saltwater Beach Activities.....................................................................................5-8 

 Freshwater Beach Activities..................................................................................5-9 

 Saltwater Boat Fishing ........................................................................................5-10 

 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing ................................................................................5-11 

 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use...................................................................................5-12 

 Freshwater Boat Fishing .....................................................................................5-13 

 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing .............................................................................5-14 

 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use................................................................................5-15 

 Canoeing/Kayaking .............................................................................................5-16 

 Land-Based Activities................................................................................................5-17 

 Visiting Archaeological and Historic Sites ..........................................................5-17 

 Nature Study........................................................................................................5-18 

 Picnicking.............................................................................................................5-19 

 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails ..............................................................................5-20 

 Hiking ...................................................................................................................5-21 

 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails..........................................................................5-22 

 RV/Trailer Camping.............................................................................................5-23 

 Tent Camping ......................................................................................................5-24 

 Off-Highway Vehicle Riding ................................................................................5-25 

 Horseback Riding ................................................................................................5-26 

 Hunting.................................................................................................................5-27

 User-Oriented Activities.............................................................................................5-28 

Chapter 6: Outdoor Recreation Trends and Issues.............................................................. 6-1

 Funding for Outdoor Recreation........................................................................................6-1 

 Planning for Florida’s Future .............................................................................................6-2 

 Energy Costs......................................................................................................................6-3 

 Recreational Access to Florida’s Waters..........................................................................6-4 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

iv 

 

 PAGE

 Tourism ..............................................................................................................................6-5 

 Reconnecting Children and Youth to the Outdoors..........................................................6-6 

 Technology and Outdoor Recreation................................................................................6-7 

 Special Planning Considerations ......................................................................................6-8 

 Off-Highway Vehicle Trails..........................................................................................6-9 

 Equestrian Trails........................................................................................................6-10

 Hunting.......................................................................................................................6-12 

Chapter 7: Implementing the Florida Outdoor Recreation Plan ........................................... 7-1 

 A System of Lands.............................................................................................................7-1 

 Goals..................................................................................................................................7-1 

 Recommendations.............................................................................................................7-2 

 Planning .......................................................................................................................7-2 

 Interagency Coordination, Cooperation and Partnerships.........................................7-3 

 Acquiring and Managing Conservation Lands ...........................................................7-4 

 Funding ........................................................................................................................7-5 

 Environmental Education ............................................................................................7-6 

 Active and Healthy Living............................................................................................7-7 

 Tourism ........................................................................................................................7-8 

 Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for All People.......................................................7-8 

 Florida’s Waters.........................................................................................................7-10

 Greenways and Trails................................................................................................7-11 

 Relative Need Index .................................................................................................7-13 

 

APPENDICES 

A. Terms and Definitions....................................................................................................... A-1 

B. Unit Classification System................................................................................................ B-1 

C. Outdoor Recreation Agencies and Organizations........................................................... C-1 

D. Use Guidelines.................................................................................................................. D-1 

E. Open Project Selection Process ...................................................................................... E-1 

F. Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires.........................................F-1 

G. Public Workshop Information ...........................................................................................G-1 

H. Wetlands Assessment...................................................................................................... H-1

I. Trail Opportunity Maps .......................................................................................................I-1 

J. Statewide and Regional Participation Projections............................................................J-1 

K. Methodology for Developing the Relative Need Index ................................................... K-1 

L. List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................L-1 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

v 

LIST OF TABLES 

 

 TABLE PAGE

 2.1 Visitor Estimates for Florida 2000-2007 ...............................................................2-3 

 3.1 Florida’s State Parks ...........................................................................................3-17 

 3.2 Lands Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

 Commission...................................................................................................3-32 

 4.1 Statewide Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category 

 of Provider........................................................................................................4-4 

 4.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities, by Region...................................4-5 

 4.1.1 Current and Projected Population, West Florida Region.....................................4-7 

 4.1.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, West Florida Region......................................................................4-11 

 4.1.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, West Florida Region ....................................4-12 

 4.2.1 Current and Projected Population, Apalachee Region......................................4-15 

 4.2.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Apalachee Region.........................................................................4-18 

 4.2.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Apalachee Region........................................4-19 

 4.3.1 Current and Projected Population, North Central Florida Region .....................4-23 

 4.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, North Central Florida Region ........................................................4-26 

 4.3.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, North Central Florida Region.......................4-27 

 4.4.1 Current and Projected Population, Northeast Florida Region ...........................4-31 

 4.4.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Northeast Florida Region ..............................................................4-34 

4.4.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Northeast Florida Region.............................4-35 

4.5.1 Current and Projected Population, Withlacoochee Region ...............................4-39 

4.5.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Withlacoochee Region ..................................................................4-42 

4.5.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Withlacoochee Region.................................4-43 

4.6.1 Current and Projected Population, East Central Florida Region.......................4-47 

4.6.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, East Central Florida Region..........................................................4-50 

4.6.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, East Central Florida Region ........................4-51 

4.7.1 Current and Projected Population, Central Florida Region ...............................4-55 

4.7.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Central Florida Region ..................................................................4-58 

4.7.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Central Florida Region.................................4-59 

4.8.1 Current and Projected Population, Tampa Bay Region.....................................4-61 

4.8.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Tampa Bay Region........................................................................4-64 

4.8.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Tampa Bay Region......................................4-65 

4.9.1 Current and Projected Population, Southwest Florida Region..........................4-69 

4.9.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Southwest Florida Region.............................................................4-72 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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TABLE PAGE

4.9.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Southwest Florida Region ...........................4-73 

4.10.1 Current and Projected Population, Treasure Coast Region ..............................4-77 

4.10.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, Treasure Coast Region .................................................................4-80 

4.10.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, Treasure Coast Region................................4-81 

4.11.1 Current and Projected Population, South Florida Region..................................4-84 

4.11.2 Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Category of 

 Provider, South Florida Region.....................................................................4-87 

4.11.3 Major Outdoor Recreation Areas, South Florida Region...................................4-88 

5.1 Statewide Resident and Tourist Participation, 2007 ............................................5-2 

5.2 Frequency of Participation Among Residents and Tourists.................................5-4 

5.3 Measures that Would Encourage Greater Participation by Residents................5-5 

5.4 Measures that Would Encourage Greater Participation by Tourists ...................5-5 

5.5 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Saltwater Beach Activities.................5-8 

5.6 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Freshwater Beach Activities .............5-9 

5.7 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Saltwater Boat Fishing ....................5-10 

5.8 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing............5-11 

5.9 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Saltwater Boat Ramp Use...............5-12 

5.10 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Freshwater Boat Fishing.................5-13 

5.11 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing.........5-14 

5.12 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Freshwater Boat Ramp Use ...........5-15 

5.13 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Canoeing/Kayaking.........................5-16 

5.14 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Visiting Archeological 

 and Historic Sites...........................................................................................5-17 

5.15 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Nature Study....................................5-18 

5.16 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Picnicking.........................................5-19 

5.17 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails ..........5-20 

5.18 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Hiking...............................................5-21 

5.19 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails......5-22 

5.20 Demand and Need Summary by Region, RV/Trailer Camping.........................5-23 

5.21 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Tent Camping..................................5-24 

5.22 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Off-Highway Vehicle Riding............5-25 

5.23 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Horseback Riding............................5-26 

5.24 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Hunting.............................................5-27 

5.25 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Baseball or Softball .........................5-29 

5.26 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Basketball..........................5-29 

5.27 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Football............................................5-30 

5.28 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Golf...................................................5-30 

5.29 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Handball/Racquetball .......5-31 

5.30 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Shuffleboard......................5-31 

5.31 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Outdoor Swimming Pool Use .........5-32 

5.32 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Soccer or Rugby..............................5-32 

5.33 Demand and Need Summary by Region, Tennis ..............................................5-33 

7.1 2010 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking........................................................7-15 

 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

vii 

LIST OF FIGURES 

 

FIGURE PAGE

1.1 Regional Planning Councils..................................................................................1-2 

2.1 Florida Population, 1960 to 2030..........................................................................2-2 

2.2 Satellite View of Florida.........................................................................................2-4 

2.3 Physiographic Map of Florida ...............................................................................2-5 

3.1 Federal Recreation Lands.....................................................................................3-3 

3.2 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Land and Water 

 Conservation Fund Program 2000-2007........................................................3-5 

3.3 National Trail System ............................................................................................3-7 

3.4 Local Governments Receiving Financial Assistance through the 

 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program................................3-15 

3.5 Florida’s State Park System................................................................................3-16 

3.6 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Office of Greenways 

 and Trails .......................................................................................................3-19 

3.7 Lands and Trails Managed by the Office of Greenways and Trails ..................3-20 

3.8 Florida’s Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas..................................................3-22 

3.9 Florida’s Water Management Districts................................................................3-26 

3.10 Financial Assistance Projects Funded through the Florida Boating 

 Improvement Program 2000-2007 ...............................................................3-30 

3.11 Lands Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

 Commission...................................................................................................3-31 

3.12 Florida’s State Forests.........................................................................................3-34 

3.13 Local and Regional Parks Funded through the Florida Communities 

 Trust 2000-2007............................................................................................3-36 

4.1 Statewide Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider.......................4-2 

4.1.1 Public Conservation Lands, West Florida Region................................................4-6 

4.1.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 West Florida Region........................................................................................4-8 

4.2.1 Public Conservation Lands, Apalachee Region.................................................4-13 

4.2.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Apalachee Region.........................................................................................4-16 

4.3.1 Public Conservation Lands, North Central Florida.............................................4-21 

4.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 North Central Florida Region ........................................................................4-24 

4.4.1 Public Conservation Lands, Northeast Florida Region......................................4-29 

4.4.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Northeast Florida Region..............................................................................4-32 

4.5.1 Public Conservation Lands, Withlacoochee Region..........................................4-37 

4.5.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Withlacoochee Region..................................................................................4-40 

4.6.1 Public Conservation Lands, East Central Florida Region..................................4-45 

4.6.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 East Central Florida Region..........................................................................4-48 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

viii 

 FIGURE PAGE

4.7.1 Public Conservation Lands, Central Florida.......................................................4-53 

4.7.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Central Florida Region ..................................................................................4-56 

4.8.1 Public Conservation Lands, Tampa Bay Region ...............................................4-60 

4.8.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Tampa Bay Region........................................................................................4-62 

4.9.1 Public Conservation Lands, Southwest Florida..................................................4-67 

4.9.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Southwest Florida Region.............................................................................4-70 

4.10.1 Public Conservation Lands, Treasure Coast Region.........................................4-75 

4.10.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 Treasure Coast Region.................................................................................4-78 

4.11.1 Public Conservation Lands, South Florida Region ............................................4-82 

4.11.2 Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Category of Provider, 

 South Florida Region.....................................................................................4-85 

5.1 Method for Calculating Level of Service...............................................................5-6 

6.1 Florida’s Growth.....................................................................................................6-3 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

ix 

 

PHOTO CREDITS 

PHOTO PAGE

Primitive camp site ....................................................................................................Cover 

Big Bend Wildlife Management Area 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Man golfing................................................................................................................Cover 

Duval County 

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville 

Equestrian riders .......................................................................................................Cover 

R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County 

Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District 

Two young swimmers................................................................................................Cover 

Ichetucknee Springs State Park 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Fishing boat...............................................................................................................Cover 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Man wading with dog.................................................................................................Cover 

Photograph by Mike Mezrah 

Canoe on river...........................................................................................................Cover 

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Young children playing soccer ..................................................................................Cover 

Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County 

Courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation Department 

Man in historical uniform ...........................................................................................Cover 

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park, Duval County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Man and woman biking on trail beside the road........................................................Cover 

Pinellas Trail, Pinellas County 

Photograph by Wayne Smaridge - Dunedin Daily Photo 

User-oriented outdoor recreation—softball.................................................................Cover 

Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County 

Courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation Department 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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PHOTO PAGE

Busy beach photo ..................................................................................................... Cover 

Lovers Key State Park, Lee County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Resource-based outdoor recreation—kayaking..............................................................1-4 

Big Shoals State Park, Columbia County 

Photograph by John Moran 

User-oriented outdoor recreation—softball .....................................................................1-4 

Brian Piccolo Park, Broward County 

Courtesy of Broward County Park and Recreation Department 

Public workshop ............................................................................................................1-6

Chipley, Marion County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Bird watching with telescope .........................................................................................1-8 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Crowded beach..............................................................................................................2-1 

Lovers Key State Park, Lee County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Canal with vegetation on both sides ..............................................................................2-6 

Everglades National Park 

Courtesy of the National Park Service 

Several bird species sitting together among close branches ........................................2-7 

Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Collier County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Child viewing interpretive display ..................................................................................2-7 

Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Alachua County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Divers above coral and fish ...........................................................................................3-4 

Biscayne National Park 

Courtesy of the National Park Service 

Kayaking ........................................................................................................................3-6 

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail 

Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District 

Two hikers on a bridge crossing Kitching Creek............................................................3-9 

Photograph by Raphael Clemente 

Courtesy of the Florida Trail Association 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xi 

PHOTO PAGE

Arial photograph of water and land..............................................................................3-11 

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway, Brevard County 

Courtesy of the National Scenic Byway Program 

Aerial view of facility ....................................................................................................3-13

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, St. Johns County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Family on a beach blanket enjoying the sun................................................................3-14 

Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail...................................................3-18 

Ten Thousand Islands, Collier County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Aerial photograph of a portion of the preserve. ...........................................................3-21 

Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Collier County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Kayakers and canoers paddling along the Suwannee River .......................................3-25 

Suwannee River 

Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District 

Two kayakers paddling in the water ............................................................................3-27 

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail 

Photograph by Scott Locorini—Adirondack Exposure 

Group of manatees ......................................................................................................3-28 

Cormorant Canal in Yankeetown, Levy County 

Photograph by Eric Webber 

Two people launching their boat into the lake from the ramp......................................3-29 

Hardee Lakes Park, Hardee County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Single hiker ..................................................................................................................3-33 

Blackwater State Forest, Santa Rosa County 

Courtesy of Robert Convevy, Florida Trail Association 

Williams Park boat ramp..............................................................................................3-38 

Hillsborough County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xii 

PHOTO PAGE

Stand of pines and a clearing in the foreground ..........................................................3-41 

Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Leon County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Four cypress trees, scattered grasses and the reflections in the water.........................4-3 

The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve 

Photograph by Clint Thomsen — www.bonnevillemariner.com 

Spectators watching an air show. ..................................................................................4-7 

Eglin Air Force Base, Okaloosa County 

Photograph by Sgt. Mike Mears, U.S. Air Force 

Family of four playing in the water at the beach ............................................................4-8 

St. Andrews State Park, Bay County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Youth baseball game .....................................................................................................4-9 

Tyndall Air Force Base Youth Center, Bay County 

Photograph by Chrissy Cutitta, U.S. Air Force 

Three children fishing with one adult standing by........................................................4-10 

Lake Stone Campground, Escambia County 

Courtesy of Lake Stone Campground 

Two RVs parked between picnic tables.......................................................................4-10 

Emerald Beach RV Park, Okaloosa County 

Photograph by Howard Payne 

The old capitol building................................................................................................4-14 

Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee, Leon County 

Courtesy of the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services 

Bike race, April 2007....................................................................................................4-15 

Blountstown Greenway, Calhoun County 

Courtesy of Calhoun County 

Family hiking on a sandy path .....................................................................................4-17 

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Gulf County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Youth baseball game. ..................................................................................................4-20 

J. Lewis Hall, Sr. Park, Leon County 

Courtesy of Leon County 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xiii 

PHOTO PAGE

Man in canoe ...............................................................................................................4-22

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail 

Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District 

Shoreline fishing on the riverside.................................................................................4-23 

Steinhatchee River, Dixie County 

Photograph by John Moran 

Kickball game using oversized yellow rubber ball .......................................................4-25 

Alachua County Fairgrounds 

Photograph by Clay Gibbons, Alachua County 

Sky, trees, grass and water .........................................................................................4-30 

Pellicer Creek, St. Johns and Flagler counties 

Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District 

Boat motoring on Fort George River............................................................................4-31 

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Nassau County 

Courtesy of the National Park Service 

Nature study, adult showing children a delicate water bug..........................................4-32 

Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Golfer taking a stroke from the fairway ........................................................................4-33 

Duval County 

Courtesy of Visit Jacksonville 

People hiking across the landscaped bridge over I-75................................................4-38 

Cross Florida Greenway Land Bridge, Marion County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Four hunters.................................................................................................................4-38 

Private Hunting Land, Levy County 

Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation 

Canoes on a river.........................................................................................................4-39 

Ocala National Forest, Marion County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Picnickers by the river..................................................................................................4-41 

Chasshowitzka River Campground and Recreation Area, Citrus County 

Courtesy of Citrus County 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

xiv 

PHOTO PAGE

Visitors on a tour boat..................................................................................................4-44 

Silver Springs, Marion County 

Courtesy of Silver Springs 

People fishing from a dock ..........................................................................................4-46 

Lake Louisa State Park, Lake County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Hikers and their reflections on a creek ........................................................................4-47 

Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area, Osceola County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Kayakers among cypress trees ...................................................................................4-49 

Lake Norris, Lake County 

Courtesy of Lake County 

Night time football game ..............................................................................................4-52 

University of Central Florida, Orange County 

Courtesy of Sportexe® 

Children on a hay ride .................................................................................................4-54 

Highlands Hammock State Park, Highlands County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Trek Ten Trails, October,2007.....................................................................................4-55 

Fort Frazier Trail, Polk County 

Courtesy of the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau 

Two canoers paddling on the river...............................................................................4-56 

Peace River, Hardee County 

Photo by Johnny Molloy 

Bird and boat................................................................................................................4-57 

Polk County 

Courtesy of Grape Hammock Fish Camp 

Child kicking football....................................................................................................4-61 

Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Man and woman biking on trail beside the road ..........................................................4-63 

Pinellas Trail, Pinellas County 

Photograph by Wayne Smaridge -Dunedin Daily Photo 
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Children playing in water spouts among sculptures ....................................................4-66 

Cypress Forest Park, Pinellas County 

Courtesy of the Town of Oldsmar 

Child on his toes watching gulls on the beach.............................................................4-68 

Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Collier County 

Photograph Contest Winner, Rodney Wiley 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Group of kayakers........................................................................................................4-69 

Myakka Wild and Scenic River, Sarasota County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Two people fishing on the pier and a row boat docking...............................................4-71 

Imperial River Boat Ramp, Lee County 

Courtesy of Lee County 

Family building a sand castle.......................................................................................4-74 

Fort Myers Beach, Lee County 

Courtesy of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau 

Cypress domes in a marsh area..................................................................................4-76 

Blue Cypress Conservation Area, Indian River County 

Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District 

People fishing from a jetty ...........................................................................................4-77 

Sebastian Inlet State Park, Indian River County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Children playing in shallow swimming pool .................................................................4-79 

Calypso Bay, Palm Beach County 

Courtesy of Palm Beach County 

Marina and downtown Miami.......................................................................................4-83 

Miami-Dade County 

Courtesy of the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau 

Two divers under water, swimming with flippers and tanks.........................................4-84 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Monroe County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Sailboat........................................................................................................................4-86 

Fort Lauderdale, Broward County 

Courtesy of the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau 
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Adventure racing............................................................................................................5-1

Alafia River State Park, Hillsborough County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Cricket player.................................................................................................................5-7 

Central Broward Regional Park, Broward County 

Courtesy of Broward County 

Daytona Beach ..............................................................................................................6-2 

Volusia County 

Boat ramp ......................................................................................................................6-4 

Old Fort Boat Ramp, Wakulla County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Lone kayaker paddling on the river................................................................................6-6 

Suwannee River Wilderness Trail 

Photograph by John Moran 

Child with fishing pole, holding a fish.............................................................................6-7 

Lake Eaton, Marion County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Geographic Positioning System device and cache .......................................................6-8 

Equipment used for Geocaching 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

ATV rider........................................................................................................................6-9 

Croom Motorcycle Area, Withlacoochee State Forest 

Courtesy of David Wilmont 

Group of horseback riders in an open field..................................................................6-11 

R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County 

Courtesy of the Suwannee River Water Management District 

Six hunters displaying four turkeys..............................................................................6-12 

Bayard Wildlife Management Area, Clay County 

Courtesy of the Florida Wild Turkey Federation 

Swimmers tubing ...........................................................................................................7-1 

Clypso Bay, Palm Beach County 

Courtesy of Palm Beach County 

Three camping tents ......................................................................................................7-1 

Florida Caverns State Park, Jackson County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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Horseback rider .............................................................................................................7-1

R.O. Ranch, Lafayette County 

Courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District 

Young baseball player ...................................................................................................7-1 

Fossil Park, Pinellas County 

Photograph by Rick Lovejoy, Fossil Park Youth Baseball and Softball 

Canoe and kayak boat launch .......................................................................................7-1 

Woods Ferry, Suwannee County 

Courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District 

Group of children fishing................................................................................................7-1 

Lake Manatee State Park, Manatee County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Beachgoers with umbrella .............................................................................................7-1 

Perdido Key State Park, Escambia County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Planner displaying charts and maps..............................................................................7-3 

Suwannee River State Park, Suwannee County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Worker performing prescribed burn...............................................................................7-4 

Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Teaching a group at a youth camp ................................................................................7-6 

Ocala National Forest, Marion County 

Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Boy riding a skim board .................................................................................................7-7 

Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Man in wheelchair on the ramp at beach.......................................................................7-9 

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, Franklin County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Florida’s springs, two young swimmers.......................................................................7-11 

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Columbia County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008

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Two kayakers...............................................................................................................7-12

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail 

Photograph by Scott Locorini—Adirondack Exposure

Four bicyclist................................................................................................................7-13 

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway 

Photograph by John Moran 

Young boy riding down paved trail................................................................... Back Cover 

St. Marks Trail, Leon County 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection