Secretary Detzner Announces Meetings to Discuss Implementation of State’s Historic Preservation Plan

Tallahassee, Florida –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced that a series of statewide public meetings will be held to discuss the implementation of the recently released Florida Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan, Preserving Florida’s Heritage: More Than Orange Marmalade, 2012-2016. These meetings will enable Florida’s preservation community and interested citizens to come together for discussion and consideration of the activities they have undertaken, or are planning to undertake, in order to fulfill the stated goals and objectives.

"I am pleased to present this new statewide preservation plan through 2016, created with the participation of citizens and interested parties throughout Florida," said Secretary Detzner. "The goals and objectives provide clear guidelines for Florida’s preservation organizations in their efforts to protect Florida’s rapidly dwindling historic and archaeological resources. This plan identifies and discusses the major economic, educational, environmental, political, and social issues and trends impacting the state’s historical resources, both now and in the future."

Regional meetings are scheduled for Orlando (August 14, at the Orlando City Hall, 4-6 p.m.), Sarasota (August 15, at the Green Building, 3-5 p.m.), Tallahassee (September 18, at Mission San Luis, 3-5 p.m.), and Panama City (September 25, at the A.D. Harris Learning Village, 3-5 p.m.). The meetings will be led by staff from the Division of Historical Resources.

The plan was developed with the input of hundreds of citizens who participated in public meetings and an online survey. A statewide comprehensive plan is required by the National Park Service for a state to participate in the federal historic preservation program. The 2012-2016 plan discusses Florida’s history and historical resources, and presents goals, objectives and strategies for all Floridians to employ to preserve the state’s heritage. A separate executive summary focuses on the plan’s goals and objectives.

The plan is available online at the Division of Historical Resources’ website at flheritage.com/preservation.The full-color plan and summary is available on request from the Division of Historical Resources at 800.847.7278 or [email protected].

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About the Division of Historical Resources
The Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as a liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, directs DHR to develop a statewide historic preservation plan. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.

About the Bureau of Historic Preservation
The Bureau of Historic Preservation conducts historic preservation and folklife programs aimed at identifying, evaluating, preserving and interpreting the historic and cultural resources of the state. The Bureau manages a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites and coordinates the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Main Street Program.  Under federal and state laws, the Bureau oversees the National Register of Historic Places program for Florida, maintains an inventory of the state's historical resources in the Florida Master Site File, assists applicants in federal tax benefit and local government ad valorem tax relief programs for historic buildings, and reviews the impact that development projects may have on significant historic resources. The Florida Folklife program identifies and promotes the state's traditional cultures, and coordinates folklife apprenticeship and award programs. For more information visit flheritage.com/preservation.