Sun Coast
 The Sun Coast office oversees unique national park units that contain vast numbers of tropical marine and terrestrial treasures. These parks form the backbone of the Sun Coast's tourist economy, and play critical roles in storing and filtering water and providing breeding and nursery areas for a huge array of wildlife.
Redeveloping Flamingo in Everglades National ParkIn 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Wilma devastated the area known as Flamingo in Everglades National Park. All existing structures, including the visitor center, lodge, restaurant, and cabins were severely damaged or destroyed. Read more about NPCA's vision to rebuild this American treasure >>
- Big Cypress National Preserve adjoins the Everglades, making this important watershed a vital wetlands area that supports migratory birds, the endangered Florida panther, the rare Florida black bear, and many other species.
- Biscayne National Park contains a rich, shallow bay with a chain of coral keys and living coral reefs.
- Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of coral reefs and sand islands nearly 70 miles west of Key West, is home to the largest 19th-century brick fort in the Western Hemisphere and many submerged historic shipwrecks.
- Everglades National Park, known as the "river of grass," is the largest wetland ecosystem of North America.
- Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of the island of St. John. Its crystal waters teem with marine life surrounding the park's coral reefs.
See a list of national parks in the Sun Coast region >>
THREATS:
- Off-road vehicle use within the region's parks has caused serious damage to the fragile ecosystems they support.
- Pollution, particularly mercury, is extremely high in Everglades National Park.
- Funding remains a significant threat facing these parks.
- Development is greatly increasing in areas surrounding Sun Coast parks.
- Damage to coral reefs in the region is occurring at an alarming rate.
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