Unwarranted Cost Increase at Florida Springs

[metaldector]

I have attached a letter from Larry Fooks to all Florida State Parks that directly effects all cave/cavern diving. The summation of the letter is that the Annual Park Pass does not cover diving. As such a $15.00 daily fee is in effect per park. This change was initiated by DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole who asks for your comments.

Let's be frank, the cave divers/cavern divers have an obligation to challenge this ruling. Not only does it financially harm each and every one of us, but it is far reaching into other states and countries and can conceivable curtail visitors to our Springs, thus loosing revenue at local businesses, dive shops, motels, restaurants, etc.

I'm asking all divers whether (OW, cavern or cave certified) to send emails to Mr. Michael W. Sole telling him in no short order that you are against this increase and want it rescinded now. I'm asking the BOD of the NSS-CDC, and the NACD to actively start action against DEP to institute a change back to the former policy of Annual Passes including diving in Springs. I'm asking all business, dive shops, etc. to also send emails to Mr. Michael W. Sole letting him know of the disapproval and dissatisfaction and affect his ruling may have on their businesses.

Meanwhile, turn in your State Park Annual passes and demand a refund.

Below are addresses, and contact information for the Florida official’s who can and should best effect the changes we seek.

850-245-2011 Secretary Mr. Michael W. Sole
or
Bonnie Hazleton
Director, Office of the Ombudsman and Public Services
3900 Commonwealth Blvd, MS 49
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-2118 (850) 245-2118
Email:Bonnie.Hazleton@dep.state.fl.us
Public Services Contacts by DEP District
Northwest District:
Shawn Hamilton (Shawn.Hamilton@dep.state.fl.us)
160 Governmental Center, Pensacola, Florida 32502
(850) 595-8300 (850) 595-8300 *1180
Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson (Western half), Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, & Washington
Northeast District:
Russell Simpson (Russell.Simpson@dep.state.fl.us)
7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200, Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 807-3304 (904) 807-3304
Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, & Union
Southwest District:
Anna Gibbs (Anna.Gibbs@dep.state.fl.us)
13051 N Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637
(813) 632-7600 (813) 632-7600 *475
Counties: Citrus, Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Marion County, (West of I-75)
Southeast District:
Cristina Llorens (Cristina.Llorens@dep.state.fl.us)
400 N Congress Avenue, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
(561) 681-6605 (561) 681-6605
Counties: Broward, Dade, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, & St. Lucie
Central District:
Lisa Kelley (Lisa.Kelley@dep.state.fl.us)
Address: 3319 Maguire Blvd, Suite 232, Orlando, Florida 32803-37677
(407) 893-3303 (407) 893-3303
Counties: Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Marion (East of I-75), Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia
South District:
Rhonda Haag (Rhonda.Haag@dep.state.fl.us)
Address: 2295 Victoria Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 332-6975 (239) 332-6975 *174
Counties: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee & Monroe
Mike Bullock, Director
Florida Park Service 850-245-2157