Down in southwest Florida, big names like Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Park are waiving entrance fees, shining a spotlight on the area’s incredible mix of stories and scenery.

This whole celebration is massive. As the country hits 250 years, the National Park Service wants people to walk the actual ground where history happened, think Revolutionary War battlefields, monuments, and so many other places you’ve only read about. It’s about bringing Americans closer to the past in a way that sticks.

In Southwest Florida, you’ve got some real gems:

Everglades National Park isn’t just a sea of grass. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with rare wildlife and those unforgettable wetlands.

Dry Tortugas National Park sits out in the Gulf, only reachable by boat or seaplane. You’ll find Fort Jefferson here, and some of the clearest water and coral reefs around.

Collier-Seminole State Park, just outside Naples, gives you a taste of Florida’s native landscape—mangroves, wildlife, and a slower pace.

Or drive just over two hours north and experience Weeki Wachee State Park, an historic Florida destination located in Spring Hill, best known for its world-famous underwater mermaid shows and the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States. The park features crystal-clear 74-degree spring water and is home to the Buccaneer Bay waterpark.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is wild, unpredictable, and often called the “Amazon of the Everglades.” It’s the kind of place adventurers daydream about.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is joining the party too, offering free entry to dozens of state parks, especially around big holiday weekends like Presidents’ Day. Usually, these free days cover standard admission, but not camping or guided tours. If you’re heading to a popular spot, plan ahead; parks fill up fast on these dates.

If you missed out on the free President’s Day offering, no worries. The NPS offers free access for several holidays throughout 2026 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Check it out at nps.gov.

The post The Sunshine State Goes Free: Florida Parks Welcome Visitors for the 250th Anniversary appeared first on Englewood Review.

The challenge: create an original essay or artwork around the theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America.” The deadline’s Monday, March 16. The lucky and talented winners will receive a Florida College Plan scholarship thanks to the amazing support from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas put it simply: “America’s 250th anniversary is right around the corner. With the America250FL contest, students get to dig into how Florida helped shape and strengthen our country. I’m proud of Florida’s leadership in education and can’t wait to see what students create.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who chairs the America250FL Commission, feels the excitement too. “The Spirit of ‘76 is alive and well in Florida,” he said. “I encourage every student to look into our state’s history and heritage by joining these contests.”

Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, sees this anniversary as more than just a milestone. “America’s 250th is a real chance to spark the next generation’s interest in our shared story and help them picture their own part in shaping what comes next. The America250FL contests invite students to celebrate Florida’s role in America and inspire them to keep that story going through service and civic involvement.”

Here’s how it works:

For elementary students (K-5), the art contest is open. Submit a two-dimensional, original piece based on the theme. Six winners will each get a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship, thanks to the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

For middle and high school students (grades 6-12), the essay contest is the ticket. Three middle school winners (grades 6-8) will each receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship. Five high school winners (grades 9-12) will each earn a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship, all provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

All contestants must live in Florida and have a Social Security number. Only one submission per student.

To enter, students can mail their contest forms to Volunteer Florida or submit them online at America250FloridaContest.com.

Volunteer Florida
America 250FL Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Entries must arrive by 5 p.m. (ET) on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The post Inspire, Create, Celebrate: Florida’s America250FL Art and Essay Contest for K-12 Students appeared first on Englewood Review.