A group of state parks around the Sunshine State are at risk of major overhauls and development following the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's 'Great Outdoors Initiative' announced on Aug. 19.
The DeSantis administration proposal is poised to develop and create more lodging at nine parks in the Florida State Parks system "to bolster and reinforce the state's outdoor recreation economy." The DEP proposal included a list of numerous changes at parks on Florida's Atlantic side, enhancements to state parks in Florida's panhandle, and recreational expansions at two state parks in the Tampa Bay region.
“The initiative will work to expand public access, increase outdoor activities, and provide new lodging options across Florida's state parks — reinforcing the state’s dedication to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians,” the department said in the news release.
Attempts by the Herald-Tribune to reach a DEP spokesperson for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful.
The DEP proposal released earlier this week initially gave minimal details as to what changes could be expected to take place at some of the state's most well-known parks but listed proposed development at Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County, Hillsborough River State Park in Hillsborough County, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, Camp Helen State Park in Bay County and Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.
However, as word about the development proposals spread this week among the public, land conservationists, and environmental justice advocates, the DEP responded on Thursday to the growing backlash from Florida residents on its X (formerly Twitter) account with a thread of additional details about the Great Outdoors Initiative Thursday morning.
The DEP post confirmed rumored amenities at the nine state parks — including the construction of pickleball courts and a disc golf course at Hillsborough River State Park, a popular park about an hour and 15-minute drive north of Sarasota in Thonotassa.
At Hillsborough River State Park, a park employee confirmed the proposed DEP plans with the Herald-Tribune Thursday on a brief phone call but stated "there's not a whole lot that we can say right now" in regards to the proposal.
Pickleball court construction is also planned at a second Tampa Bay area state park (one of Florida's most visited), Honeymoon Island State Park. The proposed plan shows four pickleball courts that will occupy approximately 7,200 square feet of land adjacent to the beach access at the state park just north of Clearwater. The recommended pickleball site would be at the park's South Beach Access near existing amenities and accessible parking, the proposal shows.
So far, none of the state parks in the Sarasota-Bradenton region have been listed in the DEP proposal.
Simultaneous public hearings for DEP state park proposals
The DEP has scheduled eight public hearings for the development proposals. The management plan review is open to the public and each meeting will allow for public input and discussion about the nine proposed developments.
Statewide wildlife and environmental organizations have been sounding the alarm this week about the threat of development in sensitive outdoor spaces.
Tallahasee-based nonprofit Florida Wildlife Federation released a public statement condemning the proposal for gentrifying Florida's natural resources and land.
"These proposed changes are in direct conflict with state law guiding the Division of Recreation and Parks.... The proposed changes within Florida’s state parks do not align with the intent of the state statute or with the wishes of the thousands of Floridians and visitors who enjoy state parks for their unscathed natural landscapes," the organization's statement reads .
Public hearings for eight state parks will take place across Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 3-4 p.m. at designated recreation and parks offices. Residents and advocates may voice their opinions, learn more about the proposed changes, and speak to FDEP officials during the public hearings by registering during the public comment portion of the hearing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida state parks could be developed under proposed DeSantis administration plan
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