![Fort Pickens [Special to the Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-6788dc23-58eb-7d99-e053-0100007f7804-f0915398.jpeg)
GULF BREEZE — Gulf Islands National Seashore officials are seeking applications to provide commercial services at the Fort Pickens Campground. The services currently requested include a self-dispensing ice machine and laundry machines. Applications by commercial operators will be accepted through April 1 with services starting before the summer season.
The Fort Pickens Campground Store, which provided many supplies and services to campers in the past, closed at the end of 2016. Efforts to find a new operator for the store were unsuccessful, primarily due to the aging, unappealing store building which was built by the State of Florida nearly 60 years ago when Fort Pickens was a state park. Commercial Use Authorizations provide the national seashore the opportunity to make services available while organizing funding for the buildings rehabilitation or replacement.
The self-dispensing ice machine service requested will be similar to those found roadside around the area. The machine will be placed at the campground store location, available for campers and beach-goers. The machine will be required to accept credit and debit cards and applicants are able to propose the capacity and prices.
The laundry machine service requested will provide at a minimum two washers, two dryers, and laundry supplies vending for the A and C loops of the campground, but may install machines at additional loops. The machines will be installed in the campground restroom buildings which were purpose-built for laundry machines accessible through a separate entrance. Machines which accept credit and debit cards are preferred but not required. Applicants are able to propose the machines and prices.
Authorizations will be awarded for one year of service. There is a $100 application fee. Interested applicants can find more information and download the application on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/guis/getinvolved/cua.htm.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Gulf Islands National Seashore seeks ice machine, laundry services