Florida News Connection
August 23, 2024
By: Trimmel Gomes
Many Floridians online are expressing concerns
over the DeSantis administration's surprise proposal to add golf courses,
pickleball courts and lodges throughout the state's award-winning park system.
The initiative, which some argued could redefine Gov. Ron DeSantis'
conservation record, has ignited a firestorm of public backlash. The proposed
changes include building a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and
constructing park lodges with 350-room capacities at Anastasia and Topsail Hill
Preserve state parks.
Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, expressed concern over
the proposals' content and the expedited timeline for public input.
"Because it's happening so quickly," Wraithmell explained. "The
announcement came out on Tuesday, and public meetings available for comment are
as quick as next Tuesday during the workday when many Floridians won't be able
to attend."
With just six days to review the sweeping park plans, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection will hold simultaneous, in-person-only meetings across the state. All meetings are
set for Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A growing bipartisan group of elected officials, including Sen. Kathleen
Passidomo, R-Naples, president of the Senate, have called for the proposal not
to move forward, saying it is "not in line with the peaceful and quiet
enjoyment of nature." DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said Thursday,
"It's high time we made public lands more accessible to the public."
Critics argued the developments conflict with the traditional purpose of
Florida's state parks, which have long been celebrated for their natural beauty
and environmental significance. Wraithmell pointed out the potential ecological
effects, especially at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, home to endangered
species such as the Florida scrub jay.
"The idea that we would be trading habitat without which this iconic
Florida species can't survive, and instead we'd be getting yet another golf
course that's left a lot of Floridians kind of scratching their heads over the
wisdom of this proposal," Wraithmell asserted.
Several members of Florida's Cabinet, including Agriculture Commissioner Wilton
Simpson and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, have also voiced opposition
to the proposals.
Content for this Post is provided by Florida News
Connection, a Bureau of Public News Service.
Public News Service is a member of the The Trust Project.
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