The weather is cooling a bit and, in theory, it’s a great time to visit South Florida’s national parks. The U.S. government shutdown is causing confusion, though, about whether the parks are open and what kind of experience visitors will encounter.

So here are the facts: The parks, including most hiking trails, roads and boardwalks, are open. Concessions, such as kayak rentals and ferry services, are operating and anxious for business.

But at most parks, fewer employees are working, phones are often not being answered, and websites are not being updated to let the public know if there are any sudden changes.

According to the National Park Service, donations are helping to keep the parks operational.

In an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, a National Park Service spokesperson sa

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