Voices heard: Parks to remain open

By Andrew OBrien
| 5:00 a.m. February 11, 2011

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park drew nearly 60,000 visitors last year. PHOTO COURTESY CLAY HENDERSON

Palm Coast Observer
News

Bulow Creek State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park aren’t going to be closed, according to a statement by Gov. Rick Scott’s communications office.

Jenn Meal, communications spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott, stated in an e-mail Thursday to the Palm Coast Observer that the governor’s budget doesn’t recommend park closures.

“No parks will be closed as a result of Governor Scott’s budget recommendations,” Meal said in the e-mail.

Though the decision isn’t final, the legislature will determine Florida’s final budget during the upcoming legislative session, which begins March 8.

The 53 closings would have cut the budget by nearly 15%, saving the state about $6.5 million annually.

See Thursday's edition of the Palm Coast Observer for more coverage.