Secretary of State Ken Detzner Encourages Exploration of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail

Tallahassee –

Today, Secretary of State Ken Detzner and the Florida Department of State hosted local and industry partners and the general public at a dockside press conference in Pensacola marking the promotional launch to support tourism beyond the beaches of Florida with the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail.

Developed in 2012 by the Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research, in partnership with Panhandle waterfront communities, to stimulate tourism, and educate residents and visitors about Florida's maritime history, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail highlights 12 shipwrecks boasting artificial reefs and varieties of sea life for diving, snorkeling and fishing along Pensacola, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida. The unique passport program highlights discovered facts and historical data for each of the shipwrecks along the Trail.

Secretary of State Ken Detzner speaking to the media and public at the Pensacola Yacht Club.

"We are proud to announce a multi-faceted marketing campaign raising awareness and driving tourism through the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail," said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. "With BP grant funding, we are executing advertising, public relations and promotional programs to create interest beyond the beaches of our great state and encouraging exploration of our maritime heritage."

Following the dockside press conference, local partners and media participated in a dive to San Pablo, one of the twelve dive sites featured on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail. Throughout the week, journalists from key dive and travel magazines arrive in Pensacola to experience the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail and showcase the vast offerings of the Trail and its host cities in editorial articles.

Visitors to the sites can spread the word by tagging #DiscoverNWFL in social media posts and discover that Northwest Florida provides guests with much more than meets the eye.
For more information on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, visit FloridaPanhandleDiveTrail.com.

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About the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail

The Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail was developed by the Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research, in partnership with Panhandle waterfront communities, to stimulate tourism and educate residents and visitors about Florida's maritime history. Offering memorable recreation options for saltwater enthusiasts, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail highlights 12 shipwrecks boasting artificial reefs and varieties of sea life for diving, snorkeling and fishing along Pensacola, Destin, Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida. Preserving the deep maritime history of Florida and inviting adventure seekers to explore beyond the sandy white shores of the Gulf, the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail Passports are available from participating dive shops and dive charter operators. The Passport highlights discovered facts and historical data for each of the shipwrecks along the Trail, along with a log and official stickers to track each dive, encouraging water lovers to "take only pictures and leave only bubbles."

About the Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research

The Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research, within the department's Division of Historical Resources, is entrusted with the maintenance, preservation and protection of more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. The bureau is composed of the five sections: Collections and Conservation, Mission San Luis, Education and Research, Florida Public Lands Archaeology, and Underwater Archaeology. The five sections work together to ensure that Florida archaeological heritage will endure for future generations. For more information, visit flheritage.com/archaeology.