A proposed initiative that would allow limited development in at least nine Florida state parks has sparked an outcry, 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 would be opened to limited development, including pickleball courts, golf courses and lodging facilities.
“The initiative is designed to expand public access, increase outdoor recreation opportunities and provide new overnight accommodations in Florida’s state parks – underscoring the state’s commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians,” FDEP staff said in a press release announcing the plan.
But the outcry spread across all walks of life, with thousands demonstrating outside parks and joining petitions to thwart the state’s plan, which supporters said would improve accessibility, recreation and accommodation options in the Sunshine State.
“Over my dead body, there will be a golf course in Jonathan Dickinson State Park,” U.S. Rep. Brian Mast said in a statement after news of the initiative went viral, urging his constituents to sign petitions and join one of the many groups that have formed in opposition.
Following this backlash, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said there was great confusion and warned residents to wait to make a judgment until a public hearing.
However, the planned meetings were ultimately postponed by the agency, and residents are now wondering what the FDEP might do next.
“It’s simple. I will not support any part of this proposal for Anastasia State Park, which is within the city limits of St. Augustine,” St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline posted on social media when she heard news of the plan.
The FDEP has not publicly disclosed the criteria it used to select the nine of the 175 parks it oversees for potential development of recreational facilities and accommodations.
The agency estimates that state parks contribute about $3.6 billion to the economy and that their influence has increased significantly under the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis.
US national parks such as Everglades National Park, the Dry Tortugas and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument would not be affected by the proposal.
If the agency moves forward with development plans for one of its parks, it could face lengthy legal battles with local authorities and environmental groups.
According to FDEP, Florida’s state parks attract about 30 million visitors annually – more than Universal Orlando Resort, but less than the much larger Disney World resorts.
