A proposal to allow limited development in at least nine Florida state parks has sparked outrage, with residents across the state protesting to protect the sanctity of the state's natural areas.
Under the Great Outdoors Initiative, parks in Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dania Beach, Thonotosassa, Hobe Sound, Dunedin, North Miami Beach and St. Augustine will be opened to limited development, including pickleball courts, golf courses and lodging.
“This initiative will strengthen the state's commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy, and the quality of life for Floridians by expanding public access, increasing outdoor activities, and providing new lodging options throughout Florida's state parks,” FDEP staff said in a news release when the plan was announced.
But protests spread across all walks of life, with thousands of people picketing outside parks and joining petitions to block the state's plans, which it said would increase access, recreation and accommodations across Florida.
“I would hate to see a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park,” Rep. Brian Mast said in a statement after news of the plan broke, urging his constituents to sign a petition and join the many groups opposed to the plan.
In response to the backlash, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection He said there had been a lot of confusion and warned residents to reserve judgment until they had attended the public hearing.
But the planned meeting was ultimately postponed by officials, leaving residents to wonder what FDEP will do next.
“Simple: I do not support any of this proposal for Anastasia State Park within St. Augustine city limits,” St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein posted on social media after hearing news of the plan.
FDEP did not disclose how it selected the nine parks among the 175 it manages that have potential for recreational or lodging development.
The department estimates state parks contribute about $3.6 billion to the economy, and that impact has grown significantly under Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration.
We National Park The proposal would not affect places like Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
If the agency goes ahead with development plans in any of the parks, it could face a lengthy legal battle from local governments and environmental groups.
According to the FDEP, Florida State Parks attract about 30 million visitors a year, more than Universal Orlando Resort but less than the much larger Disney World complex.
