Victory: Florida State Parks Saved from Development Plans!
After facing public outrage and backlash, Governor DeSantis has announced that the controversial proposal to develop golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels at Florida state parks is being sent back to the drawing board. This decision comes after just eight days of intense public pressure and opposition from various community groups, businesses, and bipartisan state elected officials.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) had initially introduced the Great Outdoors Initiative, which aimed to commercialize nine state parks with various amenities. However, due to overwhelming interest and protests, all public meetings scheduled to discuss these plans were postponed.
The proposed changes to state parks, including adding golf courses, resorts, and pickleball courts, have sparked concern among environmental advocates and the League of Women Voters of Florida. They argue that these developments would harm the natural landscapes and ecosystems that make Florida’s state parks unique and valuable.
In response to these concerns, individuals are encouraged to voice their opposition by signing petitions, completing surveys, and contacting Governor DeSantis, Secretary of FDEP Shawn Hamilton, and their state representatives.
The fight to protect Florida’s state parks is far from over, but the recent decision to reconsider the development plans is a significant win for those who value and cherish these natural spaces. Stay tuned for further updates on the fate of the Great Outdoors Initiative and the future of Florida’s state parks.
