Plans for a suite of new facilities in state parks were revealed in news reports on Wednesday, to the surprise of even some officials.
The DeSantis administration-backed plans were met with resistance not only from environmental groups concerned with park wildlife, but also Republican groups.
Great Outdoors
The plans, dubbed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” include a number of developments in national park areas, including cabins, golf courses, and pickleball courts.
9 state parks, including Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and Oleta River State Park would have recreational sports facilities added by The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Caught By Surprise
Several officials were caught unawares by the plans, and only found out when through reports by the Tampa Bay Times.
The state Attorney General, Ashley Moody, and Agricultural Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, both told news outlets that they had only found out about the plans via news media.
The Best of Florida
Executive director of Audubon Florida, Julie Wraithmell, stressed the importance of national parks. Audubon describes itself as the “voice of conservation in Florida for over 115 years.”
Wraithmell said that national parks “have an outsized importance — not just to wildlife but also as places where Floridians and visitors can continue to see what Florida was like. It’s the best of Florida.”
Take Care
Simpson, the agricultural commissioner, advised prudence as he opposed the proposed developments.
He suggested that we “have to be really careful when we talk about building infrastructure on state parks. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.”
Commercialization of Nature
Matt Gaetz, Republican US Representative, emphasized the importance of protecting Florida’s natural parks from outside influences.
He wrote, on Facebook: “We do NOT need to commercialize our state parks … we should keep them natural, thriving and beautiful.”
DeSantis Response
Florida State Governor Ron DeSantis released a statement via his spokesperson, citing Teddy Roosevelt, who “believed that public parks were for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
He highlighted his own administration’s accomplishments in protecting the natural beauty of Florida but said that “it’s high time we made public lands more accessible to the public.”
Call For Revolt
Republican Senator Jay Trumbull said, on social media, called for other politicians to oppose the plans, and that the parks “should not be in the business of competing with private enterprise to provide lodging or other commercial amenities.”
He said: “Our state parks are a treasure, and they should remain focused on their primary mission: offering a refuge for those who seek to experience Florida’s natural beauty in its purest form.”
DEP Fact Check
The DEP took to X to dispel some of what they claimed were myths surrounding the proposed project.
They said that there was high demand for overnight stays in the parks, and, regarding the sports facilities: “Pickleball continues to be the fastest growing sport in the US, so why not add it to one of our most visited parks?”
Public Input
One of the criticisms of the project has been its lack of public consumption, and the rushed timescale for seeking consultation.
A public hearing will be held on the project as soon as Tuesday, August 27, 3PM, which gives residents and other stakeholders barely a week to mull over plans before they can have their say.
