DUNEDIN - Visitors come to Honeymoon Island State Park for sun, surf and sand. However, there is a new reason to visit one of the best state parks in Florida.
The new Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park was opened to the public May 10, with a grand opening ceremony.
Housed in a building used as a beach cottage for the feature film "The Punisher", The Rotary Centennial Nature Center has a number of exhibits and interactive displays in order to better acquaint guests with the barrier islands and their natural communities. The exhibits allow visitors a better understanding of Honeymoon's ecosystem and the importance of preserving the island's beautiful, natural habitat. One of the main exhibits at the Nature Center is a 17 foot tall replica tree and osprey nest. A prominent bird species in Florida, ospreys have more than two dozen active nests located on Honeymoon Island. Nature Center exhibits will also feature the long history of Honeymoon and its neighbor Caladesi Island, the preservation of St. Joseph Sound, island seasons, seasonal fires, seasonal colors, seasonal migrations, bird nesting and resting areas, turtle nesting, trees, fishing and a replica of a "Honeymoon Hut".
Poised at more than 14 feet above the ground, the Rotary Centennial Nature Center offers visitors spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Joseph's Sound, Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach and Sand Key from the center's outdoor deck.
The goal of the Rotary Centennial Nature Center is to expose visitors to natural beauty while educating them on the concept of environmental ethics. The Nature Center will include a variety of new ecology exhibits plus guided nature tours. For more information about the Rotary Centennial Nature Center visit www.honeymoonnaturecenter.org.
Honeymoon Island State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Nature Center is located near the entrance to Honeymoon Island State Park at the end of the Dunedin Causeway at the west end of SR 586. Daily admission is $5 per car. Group rates are available. The Nature Center and Honeymoon Island State Park serve as a gateway to Caladesi Island. Visitors can access Caladesi Island via the Caladesi Connection Ferry.
