TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A move by Florida lawmakers to protect state parks from development like golf courses and tennis courts cleared its first hurdle Tuesday.
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee in the Florida Senate voted unanimously 9-0 to move forward with Senate Bill 80, also known as the "State Park Preservation Act."
State Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, filed SB 80 in December to stop the construction of golf courses, pickleball courts, tennis courts and ball fields at state parks.
The bill would still have to receive approval from two other Senate committees — Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and Fiscal Policy — before it would be up for a vote on the Senate floor.
The hearing for the next committee meeting has not been scheduled.
Florida's regular legislation session begins March 4.
If lawmakers pass the measure, it will take effect July 1.
What would the bill protect at Florida state parks?
SB 80 would ensure parks prioritize "conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses" including fishing, camping, bicycling, hiking, nature study, swimming, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, diving, birding, sailing, jogging and similar activities.
Harrell's legislation comes after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Great Outdoors Initiative sparked bi-partisan pushback and protests from residents for days in late August.
The controversial plan was ultimately scrapped by the FDEP a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis said: "a lot of that stuff was just half-baked and was not ready for prime time."
Sparking much of the protest on the Treasure Coast in August was a plan to build golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County where Harrell lives and represents.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of this issue and protests below:
State
This bill seeks 'state park preservation' after protests this year
State
FDEP withdraws all remaining proposed amendments to state parks
Protecting Paradise
FACT CHECK: DeSantis calls state park 'abandoned military facility'
Golf
Report: Woods, Nicklaus involved in plan to build state park golf courses
State
Florida DEP official: Leaking of state parks plan 'felt like sabotage'
Region Martin County
'TOTAL SECRECY' What fired DEP whistleblower told WPTV about state parks plan
Protecting Paradise
Did drop in state park revenue lead to creation of Great Outdoors Initiative?
State
DeSantis: 'We're not going to take away any green space'
Let's Hear It
WE HEARD FROM YOU: What you said at WPTV's issue-driven event about state parks
Let's Hear It
'I love the park': Kids put a voice to state parks issue
Region Martin County
Withdraw of the J.D. Park plans potentially saved the status of local rare bird
Region Martin County
Could Jonathan Dickinson State Park qualify for national park status?
Palm Beach County
'Let it be what it is': Tequesta Brewing rallies against state park proposals
Region Martin County
Locals say 'neigh' in equestrian protest to Jonathan Dickinson State Park revamp
Region Martin County
'NOT GOING TO STOP': Locals rally against DEP's proposals for J.D. State Park
Region Martin County
Meeting for Jonathan Dickinson State Park plan rescheduled, new venue sought
Region Martin County
Giving mountain bikers a voice on state park golf course proposal
Jensen Beach
This coffee bar is uniquely tied to Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Region Martin County
'SLAP IN THE FACE': Mast, Harrell, Overdorf call out proposed golf courses
Region Martin County
How many people are allowed to attend DEP's Jonathan Dickinson Park meeting?
Region Martin County
'WOULD BE AMAZING': What golfers told WPTV about state park proposal
Region Martin County
WE HEARD FROM YOU: Nature lovers push back on golf courses at park
Region Martin County
