Florida Parks: A Guide to Camping and Nature: by Gerald Grow.

<http://www.longleaf.net/FlaParks/FlaParks.html>

Copyright © 2002

Updates and Corrections

Two road numbers in "Central" Map on p. 160 Some updates Canaveral National Seashore restrictions Websites suspended after 9/11 for national security (there may be others): National parks National wildlife refuges Santa Rosa Island called "the worst place in the nation for drowning: Tenoroc warning Florida Resources links

Map Correction

Due to a glitch caused by the graphics software, two road numbers near Orlando printed incorrectly on the Central Map on p. 160.

Updates

Big Cypress National Preserve -- Monument Lake Campgound, about five miles West of the visitor center now has showers, restrooms and picnic tables and numbered sites. There is now a fee. Long Key SP -- Most of the beautiful beach was lost and many trees blown down by a hurricane. Silver River SP -- phone: 352-236-7148 Suwannee River SP -- phone: 386-362-2746

Canaveral National Seashore

(9/13/02) Because this beach is near the Space Shuttle launch area, it has been put under some restrictions. These restrictions may change, so check with the park for the latest. As of April 27, 2002, Playalinda Beach is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Parking lots 1 - 3 are closed Do not stop, stand, or park on the roadsides Eddy Creek closed to boating Park may be closed during Shuttle launches For park information, call the Playalinda ranger station at 321-867-4077.

---

Riptides

In an Associated Press article April 3, 2002, David Shotwell Sr., spokesman for the United States Lifesaving Association, called Santa Rosa Island "the worst place in the nation for drowning."

Santa Rosa Island includes Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Most of the drownings are attributed to riptides--powerful currents caused when blocked-in water suddenly breaks out and heads to sea like a short, fast-moving river.

If you are caught in a riptide, it will be too late to read the directions then, so here is a synthesis of what experts have advised. I am not an expert, but this advice makes sense to me:

• Don't panic. Don't struggle. Stay cool and conserve your energy. This could become a pretty exciting story to tell the folks back home when you return.
• Remember that a riptide is a channel of water moving back to sea. Once in somewhat deeper water, it dissipates and will turn you loose.
• Try to swim across the current until you get out of it. This usually means swimming parallel to shore. You may have to ride the current for a while until it weakens and you can swim free. Do not exhaust yourself by trying to swim upstream against the current. Don't panic.
• If you can't swim out of the current, float along with it until the current dissipates, then swim back to shore or tread water and call for help.
• Don't panic. Stay cool. Stay afloat. Be patient. Don't wear yourself out.

The lake has been named in an Environmental Protection Agency report for having high levels of several chemicals that could be toxic.

The fish from the lake have not been tested. It would be a wise precaution not to eat them until they have been found to be safe. (Tenoroc did not meet the criteria for listing in Florida Parks, mainly because it is not a site for family camping.) (2/17/02)

Florida Resources

The official Visit Florida site (FLAUSA) Hunting and Fishing Information Florida State Parks Bike Trails (Fla. DEP's Greenways and Trails) Florida Greenways and Trails Great Florida Birding Trail North Brevard County (Titusville) info and recreation Southwest Florida -- Naples Area Florida Outdoors Florida Wildflowers Florida Scenic Highways Florida Black Heritage Trail