Protests Erupt Against Florida State Park Development Plan
Protests Erupt Against Florida Governor’s Plan to Develop State Parks
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Opponents of a controversial plan proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to develop Florida state parks into golf courses, hotels, and pickleball courts staged protests on Tuesday at various sites across the state. The plan, which was unveiled by the governor’s Department of Environmental Protection last week, has faced mounting pressure and backlash from environmentalists and park enthusiasts.
The proposal, known as the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” aims to introduce recreational facilities such as golf courses, pickleball courts, and even hotels to several state parks. However, the idea has been met with strong opposition, with critics arguing that it goes against the core principles of preserving natural spaces and wildlife habitats.
At a rally outside Honeymoon Island State Park, where pickleball courts are slated to be constructed near pristine beaches, Democratic state Rep. Lindsey Cross expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s just contrary to what our parks are about. It’s a place to slow down, to reconnect with nature.”
Approximately 150 people gathered at the Honeymoon Island event, carrying signs with slogans like “Save Don’t Pave” and “Parks Over Profit.” Similar protests took place at three other parks and at the state DEP headquarters in Tallahassee.
The opposition to the plan has transcended party lines, with both Republican and Democratic leaders raising questions about the potential impact of the development on the state’s natural resources. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and Cleo Institute, have also voiced their concerns about the proposal.
Florida is home to 175 state parks, covering over 800,000 acres in various regions of the state. Many of these parks are renowned for their pristine beaches and have resisted previous attempts at development.
Despite the growing backlash, the governor’s office has defended the plan as a way to attract more visitors to the parks. However, with mounting pressure and objections, some aspects of the proposal, such as a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, have been abandoned.
As the debate continues, residents like Michelle Birnbaum of Dunedin are advocating for the preservation of wild lands, emphasizing the economic and intrinsic value of green spaces. “Our parks are in the business of being parks,” she stated at the Honeymoon Island rally.
The fate of the “Great Outdoors Initiative” remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the future of Florida’s state parks.
