- State park Web site recognized for excellence -
OLUSTEE – The Citizen Support Organization for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park was honored at the 2007 Florida Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference. The organization received the 2007 Media Excellence Award in the Web site category for their Battle of Olustee Web site at http://battleofolustee.org/.
"This award speaks to the dedicated and innovative work of our park supporters, who are significant contributors to the success of state parks,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “The Olustee Web site is an excellent compliment to the park’s educational and outreach efforts."
The Florida Recreation and Park Association’s Media Excellence Award is given annually to recognize a Web site which has heightened public awareness, unveiled information of a pivotal and lasting nature, and created new concepts and viewpoints regarding parks, recreation or conservation. Thomas Fasulo, a veteran Civil War Reenactor and historian, developed the website which provides information on Florida’s largest Civil War battle, the 1864 Battle of Olustee. In addition, the site promotes the park’s Citizen Support Organization and provides information to the reenactment community.
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates the site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Three U.S. Colored Troops regiments took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war's end just 14 months later. In 1912, when many living Civil War veterans still attended reunions, the battlefield became the state's first historic site. Olustee Battlefield has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts. A reenactment is held every February . Scenes for Civil War movies, including the 1989 movie Glory, have been filmed during the reenactments. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the picnic area or take a walk along a mile-long trail that has interpretive signs describing the events of the battle.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
To learn more about Olustee Battlefield, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Olustee-Battlefield or visit the Battle of Olustee Web site at http://battleofolustee.org/.