Lee Island Coast Florida -- Florida officially unveiled its newest and most romantic State Park -- Lovers Key the weekend of June 5-7. The official dedication ceremony was at 11 a.m. on Saturday the 6th, but the unique celebration of love and life included a variety of fun and romantic events which spanned the entire course of the weekend.

"Lovers Key State Recreation Area belongs to every Floridian and that's why we've invited all of Florida to be a part of the grand opening of the new Lovers Key," according to Fran Mainella, Director of the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks within the Department of Environmental Protection "FIoridians should be particularly interested and proud of the new facility because it came about through the state and county governments working together to combine existing public lands, financial assets and human resources to create a nicer, larger and better maintained park with more amenities -- and we're able to do it with less money and people. From preservation, environmental, recreational and fiscal standpoints, Lovers Key is a real win for everyone, especially the taxpayers"

Located in the Lee Island Coast area of Southwest Florida, the new 712-acre Lovers Key State Recreation Area located at the southern end of Estero Island, nestled between Ft. Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, The new Lovers Key is the result of a unique and innovative partnership between the State Division of Recreation and Parks and Lee County Government. The groups agreed to combine two aging and sparsely furnished parks -- Lovers Key State Park and Carl Johnson Park -- to create the new Lovers Key State Recreation Area. In addition to merging the lands, the $5.2 million of renovations and improvements have made Lovers Key into one of the most environmentally-progressive and visually spectacular parks on the entire Gulf of Mexico.

One of the most stunning parts of the new Lovers Key is a unique, turn-of-the-century beach front gazebo, which is where the dedication ceremony and many other special events will take place. The Lee Island Coast Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) is working with local and state officials to create and market the special event to local and all Floridians alike. The weekend will include a variety of events ranging from "Lovers Choice Workshops" designed to improve relationships to "Natural Florida Experiences"that will fascinate both novice and expert nature enthusiasts. The weekend will also feature a "Lovin It @ Lovers Key" festival, which will include music, food, naturally Florida arts and crafts, environmental and educational exhibitors, sun and fun couples competitions as well as a sunset soiree. Saturday evening and a special sunrise worship service on Sunday morning.

"While we are pleased to call Lovers Key the newest attraction on the Lee Island Coast, it is a treasure that really belongs to every Floridian," according to VCB Executive Director Elaine McLaughlin. "Which is why we're inviting all of Florida to be a part of the grand opening. Coming to Lovers Key June 5 - 7 is sure to remind you why you love Florida and each other."

The VCB is also worked with local hoteliers to arrange special package rates for the event. Those purchasing Lovers Key Getaway Packages received free admission to the park all weekend as well as entry to all of the seminars. Special boating excursions, canoeing/kayaking expeditions and dolphin encounters were available for a fee. Those interested in more information and/or reservations for the park should call the VCB at 1-888-231-6934.