Florida State Parks – Fernandina Plaza

Though only 36 acres, Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park has a European history extending over three centuries, and human settlements reaching all the way back to 2000-1000 BC. I arrived on a windy weekend, the bright sun shining off the green grass of the plaza. Perfect for a picnic or wedding, I traced the edges…

Emerald Coasting – The Release of Norma Jean and Gerdy

It was a beautiful morning in Henderson Beach State Park. The sand was bright white, and the water shone many shades of emerald green. A crowd had formed two lines extending into the Gulf, ready for the release of two turtles rescued and cared for by the Gulfarium. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, a low…

Duke Nicholas School – Dune Walkovers

I shielded my eyes against the bright summer sun as I hopped out of the county vehicle. We are in the busy tourist season here on the Florida Panhandle, and I could hear the beach-goers before I saw them. I was on the shoreline to check out the recently completed “dune walkovers,” five new structures…