TALLAHASSEE, FL, February 28, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Senator Rob Bradley has been named the first recipient of the Park Champion of the Year Award by the Florida State Parks Foundation.

The award is presented to the person deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to help sustain, protect and preserve Florida's award-winning state parks. It was presented at a ceremony in Tallahassee attended by the Foundation's board and Eric Draper, Director of the Florida Park Service.

Senator Bradley, who represents the 5th District, "has long been a passionate advocate for Florida Parks and as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last year, was able to secure $100 million of funding for Florida Forever. He truly is a Park Champion," said Ben Pingree, Foundation President.

Florida State Parks Foundation supports the work of Florida's award-winning 175 state parks and the 14,500 volunteers who donate 1.2 million hours of their time annually. Florida's parks attract 32 million visitors every year and have a statewide economic impact of more than $3 billion.

Florida State Parks Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization supporting Florida's state parks, staff and volunteers. It provides support services and training, and manages a number of statewide environmental, educational and accessibility programs as well as acting as an advocacy group in Tallahassee.

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