All Press Releases for October 17, 2018

Park Rangers Impacted by Hurricane Michael

Many Florida State Park staff impacted by Hurricane Michael



Hurricane Michael cut a path of destruction in the Florida panhandle, impacting many of the state's award-winning state parks and many of the staff who work in them.

    TALLAHASSEE, FL, October 17, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hurricane Michael cut a wide path of destruction in the Florida panhandle, impacting many of the state's award-winning state parks. Likewise, many of the staff who work in these parks suffered loss and damage as well. They are rangers, biologists, managers, administrators, and support staff who serve, along with hundreds of men and women statewide, as stewards of the parks. These stewards are the heart of the Florida Park Service, working at modest wages and dedicated to maintaining, interpreting, and preserving the natural resources for the enjoyment of all visitors.

Dozens of these hard-working, khaki-collar public servants have been impacted, with reports still coming in. Some have lost their homes or vehicles or possessions or all the above. The storm surge washed houses off their foundations and/or flooded through them, taking possessions with it and soaking everything left behind. Falling trees and strong winds tore through roofs and windows, leaving interiors vulnerable to heavy rains. In at least one case, a power surge sparked a fire that destroyed a home.

Today, these staff who are caretakers of the parks need to be taken care of as well. Please support their personal and financial recovery by donating to the James Cook Memorial Humanitarian Relief Fund which was established by the Florida Park Service Ranger Association in 1993 for exactly this purpose. The fund exists to assist park staff experiencing financial hardship. Since the fund's creation, the FPSRA has distributed more than $125,000 to over 150 park staff in need statewide. 100% of donated funds go to park staff in need.

Help a Park Ranger and donate online today! www.fpsra.org/Donate

Mail checks to Ms. Judi Maxwell, FPSRA Treasurer, 558 SW Maxwell Ct, Ft. White, FL 32038

The Florida Park Service Ranger Association is a DBA of the F.P.S.A.A. JAMES A. COOK MEMORIAL FUND, INC. (EIN 90-1076487) which is a Florida Not For Profit corporation and has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. The F.P.S.A.A. James A. Cook Memorial Fund, Inc. is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Consumer Services. Registration Number: CH15364. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling the toll-free, within the state, 1-800-HELP-FLA or going to Check-A-Charity. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

# # #

Contact Information

Tom Linley
Florida Park Service Ranger Association
Tallahassee, Florida
United States
Voice: 850-510-7818
E-Mail: Email Us Here
Website: Visit Our Website