State Park Development Plan Derailed As Key Supporter Withdraws

Tallahassee, FL - A plan to introduce business developments like golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels within Florida state parks has encountered resistance leading to a key supporter withdrawing their backing.

The Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, which had proposed the construction of a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Southeast Florida, pulled out over the weekend, following mounting opposition from various political and public groups.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed that the project would no longer be under agency review.

The DEP had initially scheduled public hearings to discuss the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which aimed to develop various state parks across Florida.

However, the agency has canceled these hearings, which were set for Tuesday, and postponed them until after Labor Day.

The delay came in response to criticism over the insufficient time allocated for public discussion.

The involvement of the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation in the project added another layer of complexity.

The Foundation initially defended its proposal, stating that the golf course would honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, and that proceeds would benefit military scholarships.

However, the Foundation announced that Jonathan Dickinson State Park was not the right location for such a development and decided to withdraw.

Environmental groups have pledged to continue opposing any developments that compromise the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Florida’s state parks.