Florida Park Service Ranger Association

05/29/2026

Today a group of our Park Rangers gathered at pavilion #3 to wish a fond farewell to our Nature Center volunteer, Mary Ellen, who will soon be heading off to new adventures.

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Volunteer Lane Franz attended the Delicate Balance of Nature Lecture Series for years and finally decided to respond to the call for volunteers made at each lecture. She started out in January of 2017 as a nursery volunteer and later changed positions to being a docent at the Visitor Center and Aquarium. For a few years, she also was a docent at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and began assisting with the Lecture Series as well as continuing as a docent at the Visitor Center. With over 650 volunteer hours to date, in April she was awarded with the 500-hour panther pin and certificate. Lane is friendly, informative, and loves our parks and shares that with our guests.

05/25/2026

Today we say farewell to Park Manager, Jon Dillard as he leaves and heads off to their next adventure at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park! 🌴☀️

Since arriving last May, you have made an incredible impact on our park and our team. From purchasing new equipment, implementing operational procedures, tackling projects, and keeping the park running smoothly, to always jumping in wherever help was needed — you truly did it all.

Your leadership, hard work, and willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting difference here at Curry Hammock State Park and Long Key State Park. The parks are better because of your dedication, and the staff will miss your guidance and humor.

While we’re sad to see you go, we know great things are ahead for you. MacArthur is gaining an amazing Park Manager, and we’re pretty sure they’re not ready for how much you can accomplish in one day! 💪🌿

Thank you for everything you’ve done for our park family. We wish you nothing but success, happiness, and smooth sailing in this next chapter. Don’t forget about us down in the Keys! 🌊🐢

05/24/2026

Step inside the Museum and discover stories that shaped Florida’s past. Our wonderful Park Rangers are always happy to answer questions, share knowledge, and help bring history to life. Beautiful exhibits, rich history, and friendly faces await inside!

05/23/2026

Our park staff brought some serious creativity to the recent Junior Ranger Jamboree at Bahia Honda State Park. They gave a classic kids’ game a fun Florida twist — turning “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” into Pin the Tail on the Horseshoe Crab.

It was a great way to mix learning with a little laughter.

05/23/2026

🌲 If you’ve received assistance at the festival Information area or caught a ride on one of the visitor shuttles, chances are you were helped by a member of the Florida Park Service Ranger Association.

Since 1989, FPSRA has quietly supported Florida State Parks and the people who care for them—past and present. Through service projects, financial assistance, and a spirit of unity and service, FPSRA helps support the Florida State Parks family in meaningful ways.

Through the James Cook Relief Fund, financial assistance is provided to park staff facing serious hardships, medical emergencies, major losses, and unexpected life challenges. Since 1994, nearly $250,000 has been awarded to almost 300 individuals in times of need. Your donation makes a real difference.

Learn more or donate at 👉 www.fpsra.org
Follow FPSRA on Facebook 👉 facebook.com/FPSRA