Back to All About SoWal

Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposing major changes to various State Parks throughout Florida

Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal Guide
10,414 views4
FB_IMG_1724205699609.jpg

Florida Wildlife Federation post today.

BREAKING: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced an initiative yesterday proposing major changes to various State Parks throughout Florida.

Today, with only one week notice, FDEP announced public meetings throughout the state scheduled for 3pm on Tuesday, August 27th. The meetings will consist of a presentation and opportunity for public comment, but with only an hour allotted they do not appear to include a question-and-answer period.

The proposed changes are thought to include golf courses, pickleball courts, and resort-style hotels. These proposed changes are in direct conflict with state law guiding the Division of Recreation and Parks (FS 258.037).

Swipe through to see if your state park will be affected and when and where the public meeting will take place.

While we all want to enjoy our beautiful parks, adding large-scale developments to these treasured spaces can have a serious impact on the very natural resources that make them special.

Let’s protect what makes our natural spaces extraordinary. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help save our parks.

Can’t make it to the meeting? Click the link to make your voice heard: Action: State Parks Threat • Florida Wildlife Federation

FB_IMG_1724205673010.jpg

FB_IMG_1724205677864.jpg

FB_IMG_1724205691053.jpg

Replies

49
Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal GuideAuthor
#311
: The "Great Outdoors Initiative," which includes proposed development on nine protected Florida state parks has been withdrawn -- announced via August 28 press conference.

Follow @conservationflorida & stay tuned for updates.

We are continuing to do what we have always done: .

To get involved, check out conservationfla.org

FB_IMG_1724870368839.jpg
Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal GuideAuthor
#32

Amid statewide backlash, DeSantis calls on DEP to put Florida state park plans on hold​


Gov. Ron DeSantis is shelving – at least until next year – his administration’s plan to put golf course, pickleball courts and lodges in some state parks.

At an event in Polk County on Wednesday, he said he told Department of Environmental Protection officials to rework the proposal, released last week, after it generated intense bipartisan pushback.

"It was not approved by me, I never saw that. They're going back to the drawing board," DeSantis told reporters. "I'd rather not spend any money on this. If people don’t want improvements then don’t do it. That’ll be something that citizens will be able to do."

The governor's daily schedule for April 10 shows he met "with Founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney," a charitable group for veterans that previously looked into putting golf courses in Florida state parks.

"They’re not going to do anything this year," DeSantis added Wednesday, referring to DEP. "They're going to go back and basically listen to folks."

More...
Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal GuideAuthor
#33
EDITORIALS

DeSantis administration is learning what happens when you mess with Florida state parks

Opinion BY THE MIAMI HERALD EDITORIAL BOARD UPDATED AUGUST 28, 2024 2:02 PM

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s proposal to add pickleball courts and other recreational amenities to state parks such as the Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade has caused controversy. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis got a taste of bipartisanship in recent weeks in the form of fierce pushback against his administration’s proposal to build golf courses, pickleball courts and lodging at the state’s beloved parks.

Tree-hugging liberals and MAGA Republicans can agree that the mission of state parks is to be a refuge to enjoy and learn about Florida’s natural habitat, waterways and forests, not to be profit-focused or recreational spaces that interfere with the people’s ability to peacefully enjoy nature.

The public can also sense when there appears to be an effort to keep them in the dark.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection originally unveiled its proposal to add amenities to nine parks just one week before public meetings were scheduled on the matter. All nine individual meetings were scheduled across the state on the same day and time, taking away environmental groups’ ability to organize to give their input.

Faced with public outcry, the DEP postponed the meetings, but that didn’t quell the opposition; protests were held on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, DeSantis acquiesced and announced his administration was dropping the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” saying, “If people don’t want improvements, then we won’t do them,” the Herald reported.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article291548390.html#storylink=cpy
Jane avatar
JaneBeach Fanatic
#34
Tree-hugging liberals and MAGA Republicans can agree that the mission of state parks is to be a refuge to enjoy and learn about Florida’s natural habitat, waterways and forests, not to be profit-focused or recreational spaces that interfere with the people’s ability to peacefully enjoy nature.
That means no highways either!!!
UpNorth avatar
UpNorthBeach Lover
#35
Guess it’s just a matter of perspective. For all the conspiracy theorists and “they’re so evil” chanters, it took what a week and the government folks decide to can this? In other words they listened to people? Definitely wouldn’t have had such an outcome in much the rest of the US of A.
bob1Beach Fanatic
#36
Guess it’s just a matter of perspective. For all the conspiracy theorists and “they’re so evil” chanters, it took what a week and the government folks decide to can this? In other words they listened to people? Definitely wouldn’t have had such an outcome in much the rest of the US of A.
More like smacked down rather than "listening".
UpNorth avatar
UpNorthBeach Lover
#37
More like smacked down rather than "listening".
We can use whatever feel good adjectives suite us but after less than a couple weeks and largely a bunch of internet disgruntleds going wild, they took a step back and listened to people. This doesn’t happened very often anymore. It’s quite rare. So they deserve credit.

Most government related ideas start off well intentioned but execution wise are disastrous because all the good execution people are in private sector. Golf courses are horrible for the environment and 95% are horrible businesses. Putting a mega hotel in Topsail is like putting a church next to a brothel. Doesn’t matter how awesome it might be, it just doesn’t fit. But the idea of investing in state parks is a good one and making them more attractive and accessible to a wider range of people isn’t wrong either. So hopefully they think things through a little better and come back with something a little more viable.
Lake View Too avatar
Lake View TooSoWal Insider
#39
And don't forget he said he knew nothing about it. Possibly the most blatant lie he has told in a long time.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#40
If he uses the word narrative you have to take a shot and know there's a coverup.

Checking your forum account

Please wait while we verify your forum account.