MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Protests against development in our state parks last summer sparked a movement in Tallahassee this year.
Senate Bill 80, which would prohibit golf courses, hotels and other amenities from being built in state parks, is one step closer to approval.
WATCH BELOW: Bill to stop development at Florida state parks advances
On Tuesday, the Senate committee on Fiscal Policy voted to move the bill forward. State Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, filed the "State Park Preservation Act" in December.
The bill, championed in the House of Representatives by state Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, cleared the full House unanimously last week.
This legislation was spurred by last summer's protests throughout the state after it was learned there were plans to build amenities in several state parks, including three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.
However, environmental groups aren't convinced this measure would prevent building in state parks.
"Sen. Harrell's bill still needs some work," Eve Samples, the executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said. "It needs some loopholes to be closed, so that it matches the House bill."
Samples said environmental groups still have concerns over some of the Senate bill's language.
"So let's just make it crystal clear that intrusive, harmful development is not allowed in state parks," Samples said.
An amendment proposed by state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was defeated Tuesday because of concerns it could create a loophole for park development.
First-time visitors to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, like Brenner Gagne, said Tuesday that it's common sense to protect the parks.
"You can play golf anywhere in Florida," Gagne said. "That's one of the beauties of Florida, to be sure, but this is another beauty of Florida, so don't take it away."
The next step for SB 80 is a full Senate vote, where environmentalists are hoping that the two bills are reconciled and it's the House language that is ultimately passed.
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
