WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK, FLA--The Florida Park Service celebrated a major milestone for its park ranger training academy Saturday, May 6, at Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka, when it marked the 50th session of the tradition. All new and recently-hired Florida State Park Rangers attended the Florida Park Service Ranger Academy - an intensive, two-week orientation and training, session to teach them the skills needed to continue the 63-year tradition of resource protection and public recreational services of the Florida Park Service.

The celebration featured a Ranger Museum and other displays spotlighting the history and personnel of the Florida park Service. Past graduates of the Ranger Academy and other Florida state park supporters attended the celebration. Currently, the DEP Division of Recreation and Parks has about 1000 employees to manage the state's massive state park system, which includes 149 units covering over 1/2-million acres.

Rangers were required to live-in during the Ranger Academy, including weekends. They learned the services and traditions necessary to be a Florida State Park Ranger, forming bonds with other Rangers that last throughout their careers with the Florida Park Service. Graduates of the program are found in every level of management of the Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks--Florida Park Service.

Typically, Ranger Academy classes include many persons early in their careers, but always some who are embarking on a second career as a Florida State Park Ranger after successful careers in the professions, business, etc.

Media representatives are welcome to arrange a visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park at (407) 884-2009.