Kyle Floyd
Kyle completed an Eagle Scout project to build a new entrance sign to the park.
Kyle Floyd, a Wakulla native, spent his formative years visiting San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park with his friends and family. When it came time to decide on his Eagle Scout Project, he chose to pay back one of the places that held so many special memories for him. In partnership with park management, Kyle decided to construct a new entrance sign for the park.
Before beginning construction, Kyle raised funds by selling coffee.
"The park is important to a lot of people in our community, so they were happy to support the project," said Kyle.
In March 2020, Kyle broke ground on the project. The first step was sinking rebar into the ground to form the internal structure for the frame. The project slowed during 2020 and 2021, but Kyle was persistent. He and a few other Scouts spent months slowly building up the frame of the sign using cinderblocks, concrete and limestone.
A Scout’s Eagle project involves planning, coordinating and executing a service project that shows their appreciation for their community, while utilizing the leadership skills they have cultivated.
“I wanted to make sure to include the younger Scouts on the project, because I wanted to show them how a team could work together to accomplish a common goal,” Kyle said.
Kyle had to coordinate the entire project, including fundraising, coordinating volunteers, organizing Scouts, scheduling workdays and obtaining all materials. Four months and many hot days later, a large-scale, beautiful stone frame was erected to hold an updated park sign.
“Being a leader for so many people was definitely the most challenging part of the project, but it was very rewarding to watch it all come together," Kyle said. "I learned a lot and I was happy to give back to a place where I have made so many memories.”
