Florida’s state parks are facing a contentious proposal that could significantly alter outdoor recreation. The DeSantis administration has announced plans to introduce golf courses, pickleball courts, and large-scale hotels in state parks. This development plan has sparked widespread debate among environmentalists, politicians, and the public across political lines according to an article by The Associated Press.
Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has long advocated for the construction of golf courses in state parks, particularly focusing on Jonathan Dickinson State Park. His efforts have consistently met with strong resistance from environmental advocates and the public, leading to the abandonment of previous proposals.
Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, expressed concern about the potential environmental impact. She stated, “They are the last strongholds for a lot of wildlife in rapidly urbanizing communities in Florida. They have an outsized importance — not just to wildlife but also as places where Floridians and visitors can continue to see what Florida was like.”
The Florida Wildlife Federation has noted that these parks are often the last refuges for endangered species like the Florida scrub-jay, whose habitat is already under threat from urbanization.
Political opposition to the plan has emerged from unexpected quarters. Outgoing Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo voiced her concerns on Twitter, stating, “Our vision did not contemplate the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my view are not in-line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature.” The opposition extends beyond Passidomo, with bipartisan resistance including U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and other state lawmakers.
The DeSantis administration, through press secretary Jeremy Redfern, has defended the proposal, arguing that it aims to make public lands more accessible. However, this justification has done little to quell the growing opposition.
Eric Draper, a former head of the Florida Park Service, highlights the unique value of places like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, where visitors can experience miles of undeveloped coastline – a rarity in Florida’s heavily developed Gulf Coast. The proposed developments at Topsail Hill include plans for pickleball courts, a disc golf course, and a 350-room hotel.
The current plan for Jonathan Dickinson State Park includes the construction of a golf complex that would require the removal of existing boardwalks and observation towers, as well as the relocation of park staff residences and visitor cabins. Public engagement in opposition to the proposal has been significant, with a change.org petition specifically targeting the Jonathan Dickinson State Park development garnering over 60,000 signatures.
As public meetings approach to discuss these proposals, environmental groups are encouraging Floridians to make their voices heard.
Featured image by Florida State Parks via Facebook