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Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez touts 'Freedom Summer' savings

Floridians have saved $1.7 million so far on reduced admission to state parks
Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez touts 'Freedom Summer' savings at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Aug. 1, 2023
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NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida's Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez was in South Florida on Tuesday, reminding Floridians about a financial break for the rest of their summer.

So far, the "Freedom Summer" program has saved Floridians more than $1 million, according to state officials.

Nuñez was touting the program during an appearance at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. It started on Memorial Day and goes on until Labor Day. The holiday includes reduced admission fees to 175 state parks, as well as tax relief on tolls.

'Freedom Summer' sign
A sign touting Florida's "Freedom Summer" is displayed during a news conference at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Aug. 1, 2023, in North Palm Beach, Fla.

More than 5.6 million people have benefited from tax-free admission at state parks, saving an estimated $1.7 million, according to state officials.

Nuñez said it's a way to get Floridians, especially children, outdoors to enjoy state parks and waterways.

"We know that Florida is the fishing capital of the world, boating capital of the world," she said. "Together, those industries represent more than $50 billion of economic impact to this state. It employs hundreds of thousands of Floridians. We have more than a million recreational vessels registered. And so, boating, fishing, all of those related industries, it's so important. They're part of our DNA here in Florida."

Another tax holiday happening right now in Florida: the state's back-to-school tax break, which continues through Sunday.