TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State parks would be protected from pickleball courts, golf courses and hotel development under a bill passed unanimously by the Florida House on Thursday in response to last summer's statewide outcry over plans for these kinds of projects.
WPTV covered the protests extensively after members of the public decried plans to develop areas of Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval, and his office hasn't said if he'll sign it. The Republican governor distanced himself from the proposal following the backlash, saying he never saw or approved plans to allow resorts and sports facilities on state park land. DeSantis leads and appoints the heads of all state agencies.
The issue created a dilemma for Republican lawmakers who have traditionally defended the governor's administration, and increased scrutiny of DeSantis' record on environmental conservation.
Protections for state parks are reflected "loud and clear" in the bill, said state Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart.
State
This bill seeks 'state park preservation' after protests this year
"We've put real plans in place to make sure that, for generations to come, our state parks will be preserved," said Snyder.
He noted the parks are enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists alike.
The bill doesn't ban all types of development. But any projects must be "conservation-based recreational uses" that support things like hiking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, studying nature and other similar activities, according to a House staff analysis.
Snyder said the bill's language was strengthened by an amendment proposed in the Senate, which also added a name change for a state park in Tallahassee.
The public first got wind that DeSantis' environmental agency was looking for recreational development plans in state parks when the Great Outdoors Initiative was leaked last August. Hundreds of people protested at parks and the state's environmental protection headquarters, waving signs like "Parks Over Profit" and "Save Don’t Pave."
Before the month was over, the governor said the Department of Environmental Protection’s plans were “going back to the drawing board.”
The environment secretary at the time, Shawn Hamilton, eventually stepped down after facing intensified scrutiny and bipartisan criticism of the initiative. In November, DeSantis appointed a new head of the agency, Alexis Lambert.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of this issue and protests below:
State
House passes bill to limit golf courses, pickleball courts at state parks
Region Martin County
State park 'Love Fest' events aim to end development threats
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
