A new legislative proposal has emerged in response to controversial plans to alter recreational uses in Florida’s state parks, signaling a significant shift in policy direction.
In the wake of contentious plans by Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to introduce golf courses, resort lodges, and other recreational facilities to Florida’s state parks, a Stuart lawmaker has taken decisive action. On December 4, State Senator Gayle Harrell introduced a bill aimed at preventing these proposed changes, which have sparked widespread debate and opposition.
Senator Harrell’s bill, designated as SB 80, intends to eliminate the inclusion of golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and ball fields from the list of permissible recreational activities within state parks. Dubbed the ‘State Park Preservation Act,’ this proposal also seeks to restrict the occupancy of camping cabins to just six individuals, aiming to preserve the natural resources of these parks.
The initiative came after the Department of Environmental Protection released the ‘Great Outdoors Initiative,’ which proposed several new developments in nine state parks, including three new golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park located within Harrell’s Senate district. This initiative met with bipartisan criticism, and Governor DeSantis has since paused the plan, referring to it as ‘half-baked’ and asserting that it misrepresented the proposed developments.
The ‘State Park Preservation Act’ emphasizes managing state parks in a way that maximizes public benefit while protecting natural resources. The proposal allows for traditional outdoor activities like fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming but aims to ban sports requiring elaborate facilities like golf and tennis, suggesting these do not align with the conservation goals of state parks.
Previous plans by the Department of Environmental Protection also included proposals for large lodges and additional sports facilities in various state parks across Florida. These included plans for lodges with up to 350 rooms in Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, among others.
Senator Harrell’s legislation would put a halt to construction that threatens park resources and prohibits the development of such large-scale facilities, ensuring parks remain dedicated to low-impact recreational use. The bill is slated for discussion in the 2025 legislative session, commencing on March 4. If passed, it could mark a pivotal change in the management of Florida’s cherished state parks.
This legislative proposal reflects a growing consensus on preserving state parks for traditional recreation and conservation, ensuring these natural areas are protected from overdevelopment and remain accessible for generations to come.
Source: Floridarealtors
