07/24/2025
Since 2009, Friends of Alafia (FOA), a State of Florida Department of Environmental (DEP) recognized community service organization, has diligently and tirelessly raised funds to financially support Alafia River State Park, and enlisted volunteer services to keep the Park’s services open to all attendees.
Unfortunately, DEP and FOA have reached an impasse on our contract pertaining to liability, compelling the Board of Directors of FOA to announce that it is ceasing all financial support, and services to DEP, and dissolving the nonprofit corporation effective immediately. We will use the months of July & August 2025 to officially cease all operations, physically, contractually and legally.
FOA has spent over $90,000 directly with the park over the last 3 months; ensuring ALL money raised from our supporters went directly to Alafia River State Park, not to the DEP General Funds Account in Tallahassee to be used at their discretion.
We have purchased a tractor with front end loader and mower, as well as a much needed stand on loader. These vital pieces of equipment along with $10,000 of raw materials (shell base, pavers, etc) will help the Alafia Trail Crew maintain all of the hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. We can proudly say, 100% of all funds raised by FOA stayed within the park.
The decision to dissolve was painful and not an easy one to make. We will always love our park, and will continue riding the trails, and enjoying all the magnificence Alafia River State Park has to offer.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors at Friends of Alafia, THANK YOU for your help and generosity throughout the years.
Robbie Massengill
President, Friends of Alafia CSO
[email protected]
