Photo Contest 2024 People's Choice
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People's Choice | Touching The Rainbow
Rainbow Springs State Park | Landscapes
Gary Allen
"Rainbow Springs State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the State of Florida and there are many. I hadn't been to the park in years, but that day was just right with bright skies, mild temperatures, low humidity and a slight breeze. I love Rainbow Springs State Park and I hope everyone that goes there loves it as much as I do."
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People's Choice | Pennekamp Reef Scene
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Waterscapes
Michael Schilling
"While snorkeling within the country's first undersea park, I discovered a school of glass minnows that had attracted several larger predators, making for a vibrant and intense reef scene as barracuda, bar jack, and yellowtail snapper darted in and out of the school. Scenes such as this are always a good reminder of just how many marine species depend on coral reefs and what a privilege it is to still observe them. Let's work together to ensure the next generations get to as well."
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People's Choice | Sunbathing Baby Gator
Wekiwa Springs State Park | Wildlife
Chelsea Simpson
"My husband and I are on a mission to visit every Florida state park and to camp at every single park that offers camping. This particular paddle at Wekiva Springs State Park was to try out the primitive kayak camping up river. Along the way we saw an otter, an abundance of turtles and a variety of birds. We hadn’t seen too many gators until we found momma and her babies with this sweet little one sunbathing on a lilly pad. The momma gator also had several babies lying on her back. It was a wonderful sighting, but we kept it brief and kept our distance."
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People's Choice | Honey's Unexpected Journey
Honeymoon Island State Park | Birds
Tiffany Gloeckner
"When Hurricane Idalia swept through, it brought with it an unexpected visitor — a flamingo far from its native home. Thought to have flown in from Cuba, this vibrant traveler found refuge at Honeymoon Island State Park. For weeks, "Honey" became a local legend, resting and feeding amidst the serene beauty of the park. A symbol of resilience and the power of nature's surprises, Honey captured the hearts of everyone who came to see the rare sight."
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People's Choice | Fragile Beauty
Bahia Honda State Park | Plants / Flowers
Harold Beasley
"Photography is a rewarding experience and much of my time is spent capturing the beauty of the Keys. Bahia Honda is especially blessed with an abundance of naturally occurring opportunities, especially along the Sandspur Beach area. The delicate flowers pictured were growing just along the roadside and brought color and fragility to the hardier surrounding vegetation. It was a moment not to pass up. Just another example of the enjoyment of making the most of Florida's fine State Parks."
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People's Choice | Golden Hour
Bald Point State Park | Small Wonders
Randy Traynor
"Fall in Florida has its own special "foliage" that happens to fly through our area in north Florida... The Monarch migration is always fun to watch as hundreds of thousands stop on their journey to South America. It was late in day and lighting was just right as was walking around with my camera on one of Bald Point State Park trails. I came across a small group of Monarchs that allowed me to get super close and capture this picture. "
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People's Choice | Fishing at Curry Hammock
Curry Hammock State Park | Park Adventures
Dana Hardy
"I grew up in the Tampa area but now live out of the state. I do miss being in Florida and believe the state parks in Florida are some of the best in the country. These parks are preserving everything that is great about the state and need to be protected."
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People's Choice | Perfect Harmony
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park | Parks Overnight
José Alemán-Gómez
"Finally I can tell my wife that someone other than me likes my pictures! Photography helps me relax and many times I do it when most people are sleeping. I named the picture "perfect harmony" since it clearly shows how earth interacts with heaven in a perfect way and that perfect harmony cannot be the result of randomness. St. George Island State Park is one of the top spots for astrophotography in Florida. Happy Trails!"