Commissioner Simpson and President Passidomo Unveil Florida Wildlife Corridor Indicator, Marking Milestone for Conservation and Recreation Across the State

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park— Today Florida Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and unveiled a new statewide marker that will help Floridians and visitors recognize an entrance to the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This new mark, showcased at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, signifies a major step in helping residents and travelers alike understand, appreciate, and protect the state's 18-million acre connected landscape. The unveiling took place during the launch of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation's 2024 expedition, highlighting the southwestern edges of the Corridor and the urgent need to conserve this area for future generations.

"Every acre added to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor is an acre that can never be developed, as we work to preserve Florida’s pristine natural beauty and support our state’s agricultural legacy,” said Commissioner Simpson, who oversaw the drafting and passage of the Wildlife Corridor Act during this term as Senate President and has championed expansion of the Corridor as Commissioner of Agriculture. “The preservation of working agricultural lands is critical to maintaining a safe and resilient food supply for our people. It’s a real honor to be here today to celebrate this significant milestone with so many partners who have helped elevate the importance and public awareness of our Wildlife Corridor.”

"The Florida Wildlife Corridor holds a special place in my heart, and I am incredibly proud to join Commissioner Simpson and so many other valuable partners to help launch this new marker that will ensure all Floridians and visitors recognize this entrance to our iconic Wildlife Corridor,” said President Passidomo, who prioritized dedicated funding for the expansion of the Wildlife Corridor, including public access and connections to Florida’s trail system, during her term as Senate President. “Fifty years from now our children and grandchildren will say that the greatest thing our state government did in the 2020’s was the expansion of the Wildlife Corridor and the preservation of millions of acres of farmland and ranch land for conservation. It will be our Central Park.”

Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, emphasized the significance of the marker for conservation and recreation across Florida. "This marker is a milestone for the Corridor, giving hikers, bikers, paddlers, and drivers a tangible symbol of where they are within these protected lands. It’s not only for recreation but serves as a reminder to watch for wildlife who share these spaces. Leaders like Senate President Passidomo and Commissioner Simpson have been instrumental in supporting this long-awaited visibility that will strengthen connections for the Florida Wildlife Corridor."

The statewide marker, now proudly displayed at Fakahatchee Strand, will soon be rolling out at key Corridor entry points throughout Florida, helping raise awareness and inspiring deeper connections to the lands, waterways, and wildlife that make the state unique.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Marly Fuller, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
(727) 383-0397

Aaron Keller, Commissioner Simpson
(850) 617-7737

Katie Betta, President Passidomo
(850) 339-7087