By Florida Parks Director Eric Draper
I’m reading “The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea” by Jack Davis. It’s a great book, but as I read more I realized something — I know much less about Florida history than I thought. My realization made me want to challenge myself to do a better job of learning about Florida and sharing the stories of people and places from the past.
My favorite way to learn about history is by seeing, doing and listening. There are terrific museums in state parks, but also hidden ruins and reenactments of bustling Union Army camps. There are magnificent storytellers who can take you back in time. There are grand forts, stories from everyday life on the farm and tales of perseverance and courage. There are relics from the golden age of roadside attractions. You can see the place that inspired one of our best storytellers and explore the secluded home of an eccentric religious sect. The Florida Folk Festival, one of the best state park events of the year, is happening this May. The Festival is a three-day celebration of crafts, stories and food passed down through the generations. Who says history can’t be delicious?
This message reaches you as we transition from African American History Month to Women’s History Month. I have enjoyed looking through the Florida Memory collection of photos, videos and stories about women’s history. Right now, there are so many great opportunities to connect with our past. Many libraries and universities are hosting events, and you can check out the state park events page for guided tours and reenactments near you. Join me and challenge yourself to learn and share something new about history.
Learn more about Florida State Parks
FWC, FPS Partners in Protecting Parks
FWC officer Terrynce Bing talks with campers during a routine patrol.
Florida Park Service rangers and park managers work closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers every day to make sure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in Florida State Parks.
“State parks are certainly one of our top enforcement priorities,” said Colonel Curtis Brown, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Our officers strive to foster close collaborative relationships with park personnel across the state. We want to have an open line of communication so we can assist with any issues that require law enforcement.”
An FWC officer was recently honored for his outstanding service to state park visitors and staff. Investigator Terrynce Bing was recognized as the Florida Park Service’s FWC Officer of the Year. FWC officers like Bing are responsible for protecting Florida’s natural resources, including fish, wildlife and the environment, while ensuring a safe atmosphere for recreation.
Bing has a personal connection to Florida State Parks. He began his career in public service as a park ranger 35 years ago. He went on to serve with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Park Police and now with the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.
“I consider state parks to be one of my primary enforcement zones,” Bing said. “Working to provide a safe environment for everyone to enjoy our great state parks is very fulfilling for me personally. I’m humbled by the honor that I received and look forward to continuing my work.”
FWC also provides patrol and law enforcement services to 13 million acres managed by DEP’s Division of State Lands and Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection along with the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
Learn more about how FWC DLE fulfills its mission to patrol, protect and preserve