Tampa Bay Times reporting on state parks and St. Pete bonuses sparks impact

Florida has more golf courses than any state in America — in excess of 1,200.

That’s apparently not enough for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

His administration sought to transform state parkland — coveted for its natural beauty and pristine habitats — into more manicured lawns, pickleball courts, disc golf courses and lodges (the rustic term for a hotel plopped onto a park).

When Tampa Bay Times environment reporter Max Chesnes got the tip about this, it seemed almost unbelievable.