UPDATE: After days of backlash and after FDEP tried to defend these terrible proposals to pave over our state parks, Governor DeSantis now says it’s time to “go back to the drawing board” with these terrible proposals. Not only should all of these proposals be rejected but we need an investigation of how these awful plans got as far as they did! Please keep the pressure up. We’ll continue to share ways to get involved.
Dear Friend,
In case you missed the news, about one week ago Florida’s environmental agency unveiled major development proposals for nine state parks, a sweeping initiative that would further threaten sensitive, already imperiled habitat.
You can read more via reporting by the Tampa Bay Times here.
These project proposals would lead to significant habitat loss in Florida’s state parks. They include a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which would require removing the Hobe Mountain observation tower and park staff housing. The DeSantis administration also plans to build 350-room lodges at Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve, add up to four pickleball courts at seven state parks, a disc golf course at five parks, and new cabins at three parks.
The backlash to these terrible ideas has been swift and effective. In fact, the proposal to build a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park has been WITHDRAWN, and this was all due to community members protecting and objecting against the idea. Read more here.
But the fight isn’t over yet. Several state parks are still at risk of this disastrous development and though public meetings have been postponed it’s essential for us to stay connected and fight back.
Click here to stay to update with the Florida Springs Council.Â
Stay tuned for more updates.
Onward,Â
