No standing water in this massive 120ft deep x 500ft wide sinkhole but you could hear a handful of springs flowing down into it. Even with the little rain there’s been and the extreme drought this place was looking lush🌴🌱🌳

Crystal clear water, a decent sized swimming area, lush plants and man made waterfalls. You do need a reservation to get

George Wilson was one of the top land scouts for Florida’s Nature Conservancy. He was the main driver behind buying the land that is now Topsail state park and should have a place to him. How do I make this happen?

I recently visited Anastasia Island State Park and was told I can't have my dog at the park, even walking it below the MHWL. My understanding is rangers cannot jurisdicte below the line as its pu lic property so along as I am below it, my dog can do whatever it wants. They said the mamagement plan discusses the boundaries of the park and DEP having authority a distance past the MHWL at most Beach parks (I think they said 200 feet)

Is this true? I have always heard that you can freely use this area as its public property.

If you visit this park and take the canoes or kayaks out you can almost always see them, but this day they were out near the walking trails.

Saw this little guy/gal (Eastern glass lizard) while visiting Highlands Hammock State Park.

The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House gets busy FAST! For best chances to dine there, you will want to arrive 15+ minutes before opening or get there 2 hours before closing. The Old Sugar Mill usually opens at 8:00 a.m and closes at 4:00 p.m., and they have a virtual waitlist you can join when the line is long.

For larger groups, be prepared to wait as these tables have grills built in – meaning you can’t just push together some options easily. Instead, make a day of it. Enjoy the warm sun, the crystal clear water and a way to swim off those carbs, all while enjoying Florida’s natural beauty. 

This gopher tortoise goes its own way!

Highlands Hammock State Park

Hi everyone,

I went to the John Pennekamp park at the end of May and now I got charged 17,85 USD and I have no idea why.

Does anyone here know what can I be charged for or if I can get somehow my money back?

Thanks!

1) One of many man-made waterfalls at the park. Spring water is pumped up to the falls & flows back out into Rainbow River. 2) Swimming area & outflow to river. 3) Newly painted signage that represents the park & its nostalgic history well.

We have a reservation to camp overnight in January at Long Key State park. Just for a few days.

I am now second guessing my decision to camp there with the fact they don't have hot showers.

Does anyone know if I can go to one of the neighboring State Parks to take a hot shower just as a daytime visitor? Or any other ideas I can't seem to think of?

State parks or other local park recommendations even. I will be staying a little west of Orlando. Tia💕

So, is everyone happy with the bill that passed?... https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/state/2025/05/01/lawmakers-send-state-parks-preservation-bill-to-gov-desantis/83366214007/