NEWS RELEASES
Florida State Park Concessions Now Can Offer Alcohol
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through the Orlando Sentinel's website.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that, despite rules that forbid alcohol consumption in state parks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) now permits concessionaires in 32 of Florida’s 175 public parks to sell beer and wine. The rule change is part of an effort to generate more revenue for Florida’s park system. The DEP receives 15% of all food and beverage sales.
Florida parks with concession stands that offer beer and wine currently include Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach, Antastasia State Park in St. Augustine and Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin. Visitors can only consume alcohol within the concession area. “I think it’s a sign of the times,” Don Philpott, secretary of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and former executive director of the Florida State Parks Foundation, told the Sentinel. “I visit parks all over the country, and increasingly alcohol is being permitted.”
Find out more on the Florida State Parks webpage.