45-533: Blue Spring State Park is a state park located west of Orange City, Florida , in the United States. The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing, SCUBA diving , kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming. The spring in the park (Volusia Blue Spring) is the largest on the St. Johns River . Due to its relatively warm temperature of 73 °F (23 °C),
90-526: A land lease from the U.S. government , while Mackinac National Park was handed down to become the first of the Michigan state parks . As with national parks, facilities at state parks are often leased to concessionaires to operate. Breaks Interstate Park is operated under an interstate compact by Virginia state parks , although it is also one of the Kentucky state parks , straddling both sides of
135-540: A Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System for the Florida manatee. Identifications by state park rangers and Save the Manatee Club researchers at Blue Spring have contributed a large number of sightings to this database. During manatee season (November–March), the live video streaming of the spring is made public. The increasing number of human visitors and also manatees has increased the environmental load on
180-553: A constitutional reform eliminating the federal district and establishing Mexico City as a fully autonomous entity on par with the states. However, unlike the other states of the Union, it would receive funds for education and health. When full autonomy was granted, Mexico City adopted its own constitution (it previously had only an organic law, the Statute of Autonomy) and its boroughs expanded their local government powers. Mexico City
225-529: A council composed of councilors in terms of population size. In most cases, the council is responsible for providing all utilities required for its population. This concept, which arises from the Mexican Revolution , is known as a "free municipality". As of March 2024, there are 2,476 municipalities in Mexico. The state with the highest number of municipalities is Oaxaca , with 570, and the state with
270-734: A declaration of independence for the new nation. Iturbide was elected president of the Regency, and that afternoon the members of the Regency and the Supreme Junta signed the Declaration. A minority of the Constituent Congress, looking for stability, elected Agustín de Iturbide as emperor. On July 21, 1822, Iturbide was crowned Emperor of Mexico. However, the Constitutional Empire quickly demonstrated
315-589: A few exceptions such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, and Wood-Tikchik State Park in Alaska, the largest state park in the United States . In addition to preserving natural landscapes and providing recreational opportunities, many state parks also serve as important educational resources . They often offer guided tours, interpretive programs, and exhibits that help visitors learn about
360-635: A logical mistake in consummation of Independence. The dissolution of the Empire was the first political realignment of independent Mexico. After the fall of the Empire, a triumvirate called the Supreme Executive Power was created. The provisional government created the Federal Republic , and it was in effect from April 1, 1823, to October 10, 1824. Unrest in the provinces was widespread. On May 21, 1823, The Founding Plan of
405-699: A restaurant) for lodging at some parks. These typically use "Resort" in the name, such as "_____ Resort State Park" in West Virginia state parks and "_____ State Resort Park" in neighboring Kentucky state parks , which has 17 such resort parks, the most of any state. Other states use the Resort name inconsistently (like DeGray Lake Resort State Park , the only one out of three resorts in Arkansas state parks ), or have only one such park ( South Carolina state parks ' Hickory Knob State Resort Park ), or do not use
450-464: A territory. On October 10, 1824, Guadalupe Victoria took office as the first President of Mexico . The political structure of the Republic was amended by a decree on October 3, 1835, when the centralist system was established. The constituent states of the Republic lost their freedom, autonomy, independence, and sovereignty by being totally subordinated to the central government. However,
495-632: Is divided into 16 boroughs , officially designated as demarcaciones territoriales or colloquially known as alcaldías in Spanish. Headed by a mayor, these boroughs kept the same territory and name as the former delegaciones . *Mexico's post agency, Correos de México , does not offer an official list. Various competing commercially devised lists exist. The list here reflects choices among them according to these sources . On September 27, 1821, after three centuries of Spanish rule, Mexico gained independence. The Treaty of Córdoba recognized part of
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#1732775809388540-465: Is pet friendly. The spring runs a few miles long and features a boardwalk that stretches 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River to the headspring. All water-related activities are prohibited during manatee season (mid November–March). Qualified SCUBA divers can descend into the spring cave in season. Picnicking is a popular pastime, with multiple pavilions available for groups and scattered picnic tables around
585-652: The Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration . Political divisions of Mexico#States The United Mexican States ( Spanish : Estados Unidos Mexicanos ) is a federal republic composed of 32 federal entities: 31 states and Mexico City , an autonomous entity. According to the Constitution of 1917 , the states of the federation are free and sovereign in all matters concerning their internal affairs. Each state has its own congress and constitution. The states of
630-693: The Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1824 was enacted. The constitution officially created the United Mexican States . The country was composed of 19 states and 4 federal territories. After the publication of the constitution, on November 18, the Federal District was created. On November 24, Tlaxcala , which had retained a special status since the colonial era, was incorporated as
675-538: The Plan of Casa Mata , to which later joined Vicente Guerrero and Nicolás Bravo . Iturbide was forced to reestablish the Congress and, in a vain attempt to save the order and keep the situation favorable to his supporters, he abdicated the crown of the empire on March 19, 1823. Congress nullified the designation of Iturbide and therefore the recognition of the abdication. It deemed the coronation of Iturbide to have been
720-824: The Viceroyalty of New Spain as an Independent Empire – "monarchist, constitutional and moderate". The new country named itself the Mexican Empire . The morning after the Army of the Three Guarantees entered Mexico City on September 28, 1821, Agustín de Iturbide ordered the Supreme Provisional Governmental Junta (September 1821 – February 1822) to meet to elect a president of the Imperial Regency and to issue
765-590: The Federal District would become a part of the Department of Mexico. The territories of Alta and Baja California would form the department of the Californias. Coahuila y Tejas would be divided into two departments. Colima would form part of Michoacán, and Aguascalientes would be declared a department. This period of political instability caused several conflicts between the central government and
810-644: The Federal Republic was enacted. Its sixth article stated, "The component parts of the Republic are free, sovereign and independent States in that which touches internal administration and government". Most of the Free States , which were invited to form the Federal Republic , joined the Union, except for the five Central American provinces , the former Captaincy General of Guatemala , which formed their own Federal Republic . On January 31, 1824,
855-539: The Mexican Federation are free, sovereign, autonomous and independent of each other. They are free to govern themselves according to their own laws; each state has a constitution that cannot contradict the federal constitution, which covers issues of national competence. The states cannot make alliances with other states or any independent nation without the consent of the whole federation, except those related to defense and security arrangements necessary to keep
900-461: The St. Johns River. Foodservice, stores, and a water-activity rental station are available for supplies State park State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the sub-national level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational potential. There are state parks under
945-897: The administration of the government of each U.S. state , some of the Mexican states , and in Brazil . The term is also used in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales . The equivalent term used in Canada, Argentina, South Africa, and Belgium, is provincial park . Similar systems of local government maintained parks exist in other countries, but the terminology varies. State parks are thus similar to national parks , but under state rather than federal administration. Similarly, local government entities below state level may maintain parks, e.g., regional parks or county parks . In general, state parks are smaller than national parks, with
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#1732775809388990-485: The beautiful spring and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities along the St. Johns River. The park was acquired by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1972 to kick-start its manatee protection program. Researchers have recorded the life history of individual manatees at Blue Spring since 1978, including births, deaths, and relationships. Manatees migrate to warmer spring water during
1035-433: The border states secure in the event of an invasion. The political organization of each state is based on a separation of powers in a congressional system: legislative power is vested in a unicameral congress (the federal congress has two chambers), executive power is independent of the legislature and vested in a governor elected by universal suffrage , and judicial power is vested in a Superior Court of Justice . Since
1080-473: The colder weather in Florida, and often return to the same spring every year. Manatees are identified by their scar patterns, which they acquire mainly from boat strikes, but also from fishing-line entanglements, cold lesions, and fungal infections . The research data collected, both in person and through live video streaming, comprises one of the world's longest-running and comprehensive manatee databases in existence. Several government agencies partner to maintain
1125-675: The country's state parks. The NASPD further counts over 43,000 miles (69,000 km) of trail, 217,367 campsites, and 8,277 cabins and lodges across U.S. state parks. The largest state park system in the United States is Alaska State Parks , with over 100 sites encompassing 3.3 million acres. Many states include designations beyond "state park" in their state parks systems. Other designations might be state recreation areas , state beaches, and state nature reserves . Some state park systems include long-distance trails and historic sites . To encourage tourism in rural areas, several states have simple lodges, inns, hotels, or motels (usually with
1170-459: The decree of the law October 3, 1835; the Republic would be divided into departments, these in districts and the districts in parties. The 2nd article posited that the division of the Republic into departments would be under a special law with constitutional character. On December 30, 1835, a transitory decree was added to the Seven Laws . The decree stated that the territory of Tlaxcala and
1215-459: The decree to create a Constitutive Act of the Mexican Federation was issued, which incorporated the basic structure of the Federal Republic. It was determined that the criteria for inviting states to the federation should be that they "...not be so few that through expansion and wealth in a few years they be able to aspire to constitute themselves as independent nations, breaking the federal bond, nor so many that through lack of manpower and resources
1260-478: The designation at all (such as the lodges of Georgia state parks ). The term "lodge" may also refer to a hiking lodge , essentially a large cabin for hikers rather than a large facility with private rooms and a restaurant. Other lodging may include yurts and tipis . Not all parks owned by a state are necessarily part of its state-park system, such as Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta. Some Texas state parks are
1305-401: The entire park. The park also features volleyball courts and a playground, as well as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The old Thursby plantation house is being maintained and has historical displays that visitors can explore. Various wildlife besides manatees can be seen also, including alligators, bears, raccoons, and various species of birds. Hontoon Island State Park is a short paddle down
1350-402: The entities of the country, and there were rebellions in several states: On September 11, 1842, the region of Soconusco joined Mexico as part of the department of Chiapas . The Federal Republic was restored by the interim president José Mariano Salas on August 22, 1846. The state of Guerrero was provisionally erected in 1849, on the condition that it be approved by the legislatures of
1395-477: The federation. Therefore, the president of Mexico , who represented the federation, designated its head of government , previously referred to as the regent ( regente ) or head of department ( jefe del departamento ). However, the Federal District received more autonomy in 1997, and its citizens were then able to elect their chief of government for the first time. In 2016, the Mexican Congress approved
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1440-510: The incompatibility of its two main parts: the Emperor and the Constituent Congress. The deputies were imprisoned just for expressing their opinions, and eventually Iturbide decided to dissolve the Congress and instead establish a National Board. The lack of a legitimate legislature, the illegitimacy of the Emperor, and the absence of real solutions to the nation's problems increased revolutionary activity. Antonio López de Santa Anna proclaimed
1485-493: The local flora , fauna , geology , and cultural history of the area. These programs are designed not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to promote conservation awareness and encourage responsible enjoyment of natural resources. There are 6,792 state park units in the United States, according to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). There are some 813 million annual visits to
1530-508: The lowest number is Baja California Sur , with only five. Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States. It had special status as a federal district until January 2016 and was originally called Distrito Federal . Mexico City was separated from the State of Mexico , of which it was the capital, on November 18, 1824, to become the capital of the federation. As such, it belonged not to any state in particular but to all of them and to
1575-550: The method of proportional representation . Federal Deputies, however, do not represent the states, but rather the citizens themselves. The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate together comprise the Congress of the Union . The states are internally divided into municipalities. Each municipality is autonomous in its ability to elect its own council. A council is headed by a mayor who is elected every three years. Each municipality has
1620-503: The property. The area seemed to be excellent for the cultivation of citrus fruit, and a small railway was built linking Orange City to the dock at Blue Spring. Ultimately, the Florida East Coast Railway was constructed not far from the present-day park. A killing freeze occurred in the 1890s , wiping out area citrus groves and driving the industry south. The Thursbys switched to the tourist trade, taking advantage of
1665-458: The spring attracts many Florida manatees during the winter. About 102 million US gallons (390,000 m) of water flow out of Blue Spring into the St. Johns River every day. The spring was visited by botanist John Bartram in 1766. The spring and surrounding land were acquired by the Weismore family in the mid-19th century and a large plantation-style home built upon a shell mound on
1710-461: The spring's ecosystem. Both humans and manatees are creating water pollution, and as a result, more filamentous algae grow in the spring area. Another environmental problem is the decrease in the natural water supply to the spring due to the groundwater pumping in the nearby cities. As a result, the output of Volusia Blue Spring has fallen over the last decades. Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites and six cabins that can be rented. The camping area
1755-474: The state line. Other multi-state parks are legally two separate parks with the same name and more informal cooperation between them. The title of oldest state park in the United States is claimed by Niagara Falls State Park in New York , established in 1885. Several public parks previously or currently maintained at the state level pre-date it. Indian Springs State Park has been operated continuously by
1800-454: The state of Georgia as a public park since 1825, although it did not gain the title "State Park" until 1931. In 1864 Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were ceded by the federal government to California until Yosemite National Park was proclaimed in 1890. In 1878 Wisconsin set aside a vast swath of its northern forests as "The State Park" but, needing money, sold most of it to lumber companies within 20 years. Mackinac National Park
1845-433: The states have legal autonomy, each has its own civil and penal codes and judicial body. In the Congress of the Union , the federative entities (the states) are each represented by three senators. Two are elected by universal suffrage on the principle of relative majority and one is assigned to the party that obtains the largest minority. In addition, the federation makes up a constituency in which 32 senators are elected by
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1890-526: The states of México , Puebla and Michoacán , whose territories would be affected. On February 5, 1857, the Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857 was enacted. In 1864, however, after the French intervention , the conservative Mexicans restored the constitutional monarchy , known as the Second Mexican Empire , led by the emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and supported by
1935-422: The system should come to be unworkable." Between 1823 and 1824, some of the Free States created their own constitutions, and others had already installed a Constituent Congress. Special cases were those of Yucatán , which on December 23, 1823, decided to join the federation but as a Federated Republic, and Chiapas , which decided by referendum to join the federation on September 14, 1824. On October 4, 1824,
1980-494: The territorial division itself was the same, as the text of Article 8 of the Law determined: The national territory is divided into departments , on the basis of population, location and other leading circumstances: its number, extension and subdivisions, would be detailed by constitutional law. The Seven Constitutional Laws ( Spanish : Siete Leyes Constitucionales ) were promulgated on December 30, 1836. The 1st article confirmed
2025-473: Was established in 1875 as the second U.S. national park before being converted to a state park in 1895. The first state park with the designation of "state park" was Itasca State Park in Minnesota , established in 1891. Many state park systems date to the 1930s, when around 800 state parks (and several national ones) across the country were developed with assistance from federal job-creation programs like
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