Board Elects New Officers for Friends of Florida State Parks

TALLAHASSEE – The Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. (FFSP) today announced its new officers and board members for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. FFSP is the statewide citizen support organization (CSO) for the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service.

“The Friends of Florida State Parks is a non-profit support group dedicated to enhancing and promoting Florida’s state parks,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “I would like to welcome the new additions to the Board, who I am confident will play a vital role in preserving Florida’s natural and cultural resources.”

The unanimously elected FFSP members include:

• President - Elaine McLaughlin, Bokeelia, Florida
  • University of Florida, Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sports Management
• President-Elect - Virgie Thompson, Freeport, Florida
  • Retired
• Secretary - Tammy Gustafson, Orlando, Florida
  • Universal Orlando Resort
• Treasurer - Don Jung, Winter Park, Florida
  • Retired CPA
• Board Member - Harvey Campbell, Lake City, Florida
  • Columbia County Tourist Development Council
• Board Member - Jon Friedrichs, Jupiter, Florida
  • JLA Geosciences, Inc.
• Board Member - Sally Hess, Dunedin, Florida
  • Retired
• Board Member - Liza McFadden, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Volunteer USA Foundation

The FFSP is recognized as the leading advocate for state parks. The group’s vision in supporting the mission of the Florida Park Service is to ensure the existence of …the Real Florida^SM for future generations by preserving and protecting state parks, educating residents and visitors about their importance and creating community support. The organization provides financial support to the parks system which supplements state funding and ensures inclusion of and accessibility to the full enjoyment of the parks natural and cultural resources for all persons.

“The mission of the Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. is to preserve nature based recreation opportunities for future generations,” said President Elaine McLaughlin. “We are all truly proud to be serving as board members for such a commendable organization.”

For more information and a complete list of board members, or to join the FFSP, visit www.friendsoffloridastateparks.com. Those who join enjoy a variety of benefits, but most importantly are helping the state park system provide the quality service and programs it is known for.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks, many of which are open 365 days a year. Florida’s state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages. Caladesi Island State Park, just off the coast of Pinellas County, was honored with the coveted Best Beach in the Nation award in 2008. For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.