2018 Summer Photo Contest
“Share Your Story!” Photo Contest
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks and Aspira are pleased to announce the winners of the “Share Your Story!” Summer 2018 Photo Contest.
Grand-Prize Winner
Linda Wilinski's photo, “Sunrise Paddle,” was taken at Lake Louisa State Park and captures a moment at sunrise while kayaking at the park. Linda and her husband enjoy visiting Florida State parks to camp and kayak and capture the places they visit with her camera. As Annual Pass holders, some of their favorite places to visit are: Myakka River State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Silver Springs State Park and Highlands Hammock State Park.
Second-Prize Winner
Heather Chadwick's photo, “Owl Love at Myakka,” was taken at Myakka River State Park. Even after coming to the park for almost 30 years, Heather continues to find more tucked away treasures with each visit, including this pair of Barred Owls right on a branch at the side of the road. Heather has traveled the world with her camera since her parents first took her on a trip abroad at age 11.
Third-Prize Winner
Lana Velazquez's photo, “Surging in Sebastian Inlet Park,” was taken at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Having seen photos of the surfing at Sebastian Inlet before her visit, inspired Lana to visit the park. This photo was taken during her first opportunities to photograph surfers. Photography and spending time in nature have helped Lana overcome hardships and she looks forward to visiting more parks in the future.
“Linda, Heather and Lana did a terrific job of capturing the moments that make Florida State Parks special,” Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper said. “I saw so many great submissions for this summer’s contest, and I’m grateful for all the talented photographers who shared images of our state parks.”
Contest Entries
The Summer 2018 Photo Contest received 2,716 submissions and was a great opportunity for visitors to share their park memories. The contest ran from July 1 – September 30, 2018. Florida State Parks congratulates the winners and all who entered the contest.