A resolution claiming June as Recreational Vehicle and Camping Month was recently signed by Governor Charlie Crist and the Cabinet of the State of Florida.  The proclamation is in conjunction with the national RV Centennial Celebration taking place in Elkhart, Indiana and was initiated by both the Florida RV Trade Association and the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

"It was great to be able to speak to the Florida Cabinet and thank them for the resolution," said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson.  "We thought the resolution was a great way to kick off our promotion of the 100 year anniversary of the industry."  FRVTA will have displays at the three interstate Welcome Centers the week of June 7th to correspond with the national celebration in Elkhart, IN. The Tin Can Tourists will have "antique" RVs on display and there will be free drinks and popcorn for all travelers.

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS, the recreation vehicle industry is celebrating 100 years of American enjoyment of recreation vehicles, and

WHEREAS, 1 in 12 American homes own a recreation vehicle, and

WHEREAS, recreational vehicles allow families to build stronger relationships and explore the great outdoors, and

WHEREAS, travel in an recreational vehicle offers freedom, comfort and flexibility to see all of the United States, from historic landmarks to national and state parks, and

WHEREAS, Florida ranks third in the number of recreational vehicles shipments and is home to the largest recreational vehicle show in the nation,  the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida has more than 900 licensed recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds, with more than 120,000 licensed recreational vehicle sites, and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida constantly ranks as the nation's best and most popular recreational vehicle and camping destination, and

WHEREAS, more than 5 million people camp in Florida each year, generating more than $5 billion for the state's economy, and

WHEREAS, 20 percent of all auto visitors to Florida either camp or travel in a recreational vehicle, and

WHEREAS, the 100th Anniversary of the introduction of the RV into the American marketplace will be celebrated June 7, 2010 at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby proclaim June, 2010 as

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND CAMPING MONTH

In the State of Florida and encourage Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our great State's array of sun, surf, soft breezes and fresh air where the temperate climate allows for year-round camping and endless outdoor activities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee this 11th day of May, 2010.

Hunter Hampton looks up at a blue sky as she sits with her three dogs on the steps outside her home.

This could be a scene from any neighborhood, except for one major difference: Hampton and her neighbors are constantly on the move, a steel caravan rolling across the country on wheels.

"The house remains the same, but the neighborhood changes," Hampton said. "That's the best part."

Hampton is a member of the Tin Can Tourists, a group of enthusiasts devoted to restoring and showing off vintage recreational vehicles.

On the road to Dade Battlefield National Park in Bushnell, a few of them recently met for a pre-caravan gathering in Cedar Key. Two dozen members have unhitched their campers and settled in for the short stay on this Wednesday afternoon at Sunset Isle RV Park on State Road 24.

Like most Tin Can Tourists, Hampton enjoys driving cross-country to admire and compare old motor coaches and trailers. Although she is currently living in a newer Airstream, Hampton purchased a 1949 Vagabond and said she hopes to restore it for future Tin Can Tourist events. But that doesn't keep her from coming out and enjoying the gatherings.

To read the entire story - CLICK HERE.

Photo and story credit: Tricia Coyne/The Gainesville Sun