A Record Songwriter's at Sunset
|
|
|
The February 7th Songwriters at Sunset Event set a new record for attendance. An Estimated crowd of 600 to [700 people turned out to hear the America Community Music Association members play their original tunes and many of the Florida Classics we all enjoy. The weather cooperated and we could not have had a better evening for the event.
The food and beverage volunteers could hardy keep up with the request for hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. They did an amazing job and kept the line moving so all our guest were happy with their service. The last report form the BBQ staff was that they almost had a complete sell out of all the food and beverages that evening. People were enjoying themselves so much that several hundred remained on the beach for sunset. The Tram Drivers also did a great job of getting everyone off the beach in a timely manner. They made sure everyone was off the beach and safely on their way home before they stopped driving.
Our next Songwriters at Sunset event will take place on Thursday March 7th so make plans to join us for a great evening of music and enjoy the beauty of Lovers Key State Park.
|
|
Tram Service Changes at the Park
After years of providing Tram Service to visitors of Lovers Key State Park by using Volunteers and Park Rangers, the State of Florida has decided to turn the operation over the park concessionaire. Lovers Key Adventures and Events will now take over the responsibility of operating the tram service. They will schedule the drivers and maintain the vehicle used to provide this service.
Lovers Key Adventures and Events will educate the new drivers on the history or the park and make sure they understand that they are the first contact person that visitors will meet. It will be part of their job to make that first contact as friendly and informative as possible.
The reason the Florida park Services requested this change was to reduce cost and have the Park Rangers and Volunteers more available to devote their time efforts directly to improving and maintaining the park. The Park Rangers will be working very closely with Lovers Key Adventures and Events to make sure there is a smooth transition of tram services.
|
|
Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal
This year was a beautiful day and a wonderful time was had by all 96 couples who renewed their vows on February 14th to celebrate their love for each other. We even had one couple dressed in a bride’s gown with the groom in a tuxedo! One couple saw the morning event, they said it looked like a great thing to do and went to the Ranger station to sign up for the next scheduled event. People had such a great time we already have people signing up on Eventbrite.com for next year, 2020. The cost is $100 per couple and will benefit the Welcome and Discovery Center.
Our up-coming event is our Luau. This year will it will be a pig roast with chicken, black beans and rice, salad and corn on the cob, appetizers and dessert. We have several games planned – Bocce, Corn Hole, the Limbo and Hula Hoop. There will be dancing with music provided by “Steely Pan”. Registration is $60 for Non-FOLKs Members and $55 for FOLKs members. This fundraiser will benefit the Welcome and Discovery Center, you may sign up on Eventbrite.com.
|
|
|
“The waves of the sea help me get back to me."
Loren Eiseley
|
|
|
$$$$
What did you want to be when you grew up? What did you want to do in retirement? How about a King in his counting house counting out his money?
That can be you! If you are interested in being a money counter, Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. has just the place for you. Wanted! A treasurer. Contact Jack DeLancy at 239 470 9556 or email jdelancy@aol.com.
|
|
Mark your Calendars!
Save the Dates!
2019 Season of FOLKS Special Events
Check our website and upcoming E-News for more details as these events draw near.
2019
April 11 Luau on the Beach (6-8 PM)
May 11 Annual Turtle Trot 5K
Songwriters at Sunset Free Live Acoustic Musical Concerts in the Gazebo – First Thursday of the Month
April 4, 2019 |
| |
|
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of February.
Programs are included in park admission fees of:
$4.00 for vehicles with one individual.
$8.00 for vehicles with two to eight individuals.
$2.00 per pedestrian or cyclist.
All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park and registration is required. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities.
For assistance or to register, contact the park office at (239) 463-4588.
All programs begin at 10:00 a.m.
March programs include:
12th March
Birding Beach Walk
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Explore the beach with a Park Naturalist, and learn how to identify the birds you see. You will also get tips on other places in the park where you might find some great birding. Feel free to bring your own binoculars or camera. We also have a limited number of binoculars available. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
14th March
Beach Walk and Estuary Tour
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Take a leisurely one-mile walk over the estuary and along the beach with a Park Naturalist to discover what kind of natural treasures wash up on the shores of Lovers Key State Park. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish and other creatures that can be found in our waters. Come prepared to get wet. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
15th March
Black Island Bike Tour
Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely biking adventure around our Black Island Trail. Learn a little park history and experience some of the wildlife that call this maritime hammock home. Feel free to bring your own bike, or rent one from the in-park concession. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
19th March
Manatee Talk
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Meet with a Park Naturalist for an interesting and informative talk about our local Manatees. Learn what these fascinating creatures are all about and how you can help protect them. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
20th March
Sensational Sharks
Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Naturalist for an interesting and fun talk about Sharks. Discover why sharks, which are often feared, are an incredible group of animals which are commonly misunderstood. Explore why they’re important to our ecosystem, and learn what you can do to help protect them. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
22nd March
Gopher Tortoise
Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Ranger on a leisurely walk along one of our island trails. Look for, and learn about the fascinating protected species, the gopher tortoise, a keystone species that live right here on Lovers Key. Find out why they’re important to the ecosystem, and the different threats they face. Due to limited space, reservations are required. Call 239-463-4588. Regular Entrance Fees Apply
|
|
Seeking a Volunteer Media Coordinator
The FOLKS Board is looking for a volunteer to assume duties as Media Coordinator. The position involves writing and distributing press releases, getting to know community leaders and press staff, website content management, and a host of challenging and fun opportunities. The FOLKS Media Coordinator is now even more important to the Park as the new building comes out of the ground and the Capital Campaign to outfit the building moves into high gear!
Come Join us!! Call Rich Donnelly, President: 239 495 7045.
|
|
| FOLKS would like to thank the following Business Sponsors for their support as we fund raise for the future Welcome and Discovery Center. Please consider visiting their businesses and supporting them as well. Business Partners help support the environmental education mission of the Park.
Add your business to the list!
Contact Rich Donnelly at: president@friendsofloverskey.org
|
|
|
|
|
The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed by the citizens of the community to support Lovers Key State Park and is registered as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your Membership and Donations are tax-deductible.
|
|
|
|
