Thanks to the passion and presence of our members and community allies, the Suwannee-St. Johns Group’s Florida State Parks Love Fest was a resounding success. Held April 5–6 across five beloved local parks—Paynes Prairie, O’Leno, Suwannee River, Manatee Springs, and Gilchrist Blue Springs—the weekend brought together hundreds of advocates in celebration of Florida’s public lands.

Guided hikes, community picnics, and educational activities offered participants a chance to connect with these unique natural areas while voicing a shared message: our parks must be preserved, not paved over. The timing couldn’t have been better—just days after the events, the Florida House voted unanimously to ban the kind of commercial development that had been proposed in state parks under the “Great Outdoors Initiative.” This legislative victory is a direct result of collective action from across the state, including the energy generated by Love Fest weekend.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, led hikes, brought food, shared stories, and added their voices to this important cause. Special thanks to the rangers and staff at each of the five parks who welcomed us and supported these peaceful gatherings. Your presence made a difference—and helped ensure that Florida’s public lands will remain protected for future generations.

Let’s carry this momentum forward. Our parks are safest when people show up, speak out, and stay involved.