DeSantis vs. Environmental Conservationists
Wentworth Golf Course by Alan Hunt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The leaked FLDEP’s "Great Outdoors Initiative" sparks outcry.
On August 20, 2024, a story hit national headlines regarding Ron DeSantis and a Florida proposal to build things like lodging, golf and disc golf courses, as well as pickleball courts on state park grounds. This plan would include nine state parks around Florida, but environmental agencies are worried about the protected land and the urbanization that would occur.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said the initiative is meant to support Florida’s ‘outdoor recreation economy’ and add new lodging options.
“Some environmental groups say they fear sensitive habitats on state park land could be threatened by creating more recreational areas,” Max Chesnes from the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Not even a week later, on Sunday, August 25, more than 100 Florida residents held a protest at Anastasia State Park voicing their opposition against the plan for the parks, according to News4Jax . Those who passed the protesters were said to have honked to show their support for the cause.
State of Florida, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
DeSantis held a conference on Wednesday, August 28 to address the proposed plan.
"If people don't want improvements, then don't do it," DeSantis stated in an article from the Palm Beach Post. He then referred to it as “obviously a phony narrative.”
Florida residents heavily rejected the proposition, revealing how they feel about their state parks and preservation.
“They will continue to oppose development at the parks,” according to ABCNews.