Florida Department of Environmental Protection officially withdraws state park proposals

Video above from previous coverage

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection officially withdrew its controversial proposals surrounding state parks.

A DEP spokesperson confirmed to News Channel 8 that the remaining proposed amendments were withdrawn at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis after significant blowback from the public.

“We will shift to discussions with our local park managers and will revisit any park improvements, if needed, next year,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

On Aug. 19, the DEP announced the “ Great Outdoors Initiative, ” which included plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts, and 350-room hotels at state parks from Miami to the Panhandle.

The proposed plan was met with widespread backlash and condemnation from politicians and the public alike, with days of protests from Floridians across the state.

During a Wednesday news conference in Winter Haven, DeSantis said the plans are going “back to the drawing board,” saying the plans were “leaked to a left-wing group to create a narrative” despite the fact that the plans were publicly released by the DEP .

Not everyone was against the potential changes.

“If those things inspire people to get out of their house and get off devices and connect with people outdoors, I’m all for the change and amenities,” said Matthew McClellan, who is in support of the proposals.

This story includes reporting from Garrett Phillips .

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