History

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective January 16, 2025: The Visitor Center, pool and parking lot at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area are temporarily closed for a construction project. Beach access is available; please park at the cabin parking lot for access. 

Accommodation Request

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that our visitors with disabilities receive equal access to our parks. To request an accommodation to assist with your visit, contact the specific state park to request an accommodation.

The William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area was named in honor of former Rep. Billy Joe Rish, who served the Eighth District of the the Florida House of Representatives from 1970-1971 and the ninth district from 1972-1978.

Elected to the House in 1970, Rish was an advocate for the development of a safe, outdoor recreational area for visitors with disabilities.  

Go. Reubin Askew named the park the William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area in June 1978 by signing Chapter 78-458, Laws of Florida. 

The park was operated by the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities until Nov. 30, 2021. On Dec. 1, 2021, management of the park was passed to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks to join Florida's network of state parks. 

The 100-acre park features a mile of white sand beach on the Gulf of America, a quarter-mile of coastline on St. Joseph Bay, a swimming pool, and a visitor center. Two cabins provide overnight accommodations for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.