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Date: October 15, 2009
Contact: Nina Kelson, 850-934-2606

     Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced that this week Gulf Power and park staff is finishing up the task of restoring power to the Fort Pickens Unit. Electricity and water has been restored throughout most of the Fort Pickens area with full completion expected within the next week. In the campground this means that 165 of the 210 sites are currently available with electric and water hook-ups for RV’s, bathrooms with showers are operational, and dump stations have been reopened. The remaining 40 sites should be reopened within the next week. “It’s been a long, hard road to get us to this point,” states Eubanks, “but we are thrilled to bring back those services that visitors have waited on for so long.” Gulf Power had planned to restore power after the road was reopened this past spring but had to suspend their efforts until the close of the turtle and bird nesting seasons in August. Campsites are available on a first-come-first served basis for $20 per night. Visitors with the Interagency Senior Pass or Access Pass enjoy a 50% discount on camping fees. The campground will go back on the reservation system sometime in the spring. “We anticipate having enough sites to accommodate everybody who wants to camp, so a reservation shouldn’t be necessary this autumn or winter,” says Eubanks, “but visitors may call ahead to make certain sites are available.” Visitors may call 850-934-2600 for this information. Eubanks noted though that the Fort Pickens Road is subject to flooding which, periodically over the course of the year, may lead to temporary road closures, particularly at times of astronomically high tides coupled with strong southerly winds or storm surge. Visitors are encouraged to visit the park website to learn more about planning a trip to Fort Pickens. Park staff has also recently restored restroom facilities at the jetties and the lights and water will soon be available at the fishing pier. Storm recovery projects will continue over the winter and spring. One project, Eubanks points out, will impact campground operations late this winter and spring. A new sewer system is being installed throughout the Fort Pickens area. This project, beginning this month, may cause periods of time when parts of the campground are shut down or restroom services are disrupted. Campground operations are not expected to be impacted by this project until at least February. For additional information about Gulf Islands National Seashore projects and programs contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis. -NPS-