Hillsborough commission considers action to stop future changes to state park

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County leaders are considering action against any future plans to build pickleball courts and golf courses in state parks.

Backlash sparked by changes proposed at nine Florida state parks has quieted.

“What we have in our landscape is irreplaceable and once it’s gone, we’re never going to get it back,” Tampa native Gia Medina said.

Families outraged over plans for outdoor amenities like pickleball courts and additional lodging are no longer worried. Governor Ron DeSantis scrapped the idea at the end of August.

“They’re not doing anything this year, they’re going to go back and basically listen to folks,” DeSantis said. “A lot of that stuff was half-baked, and it was not ready for primetime, and it was intentionally leaked out to create a narrative.”

Reports from the Palm Beach Post say an employee with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been fired for leaking the proposal . According to the newspaper, James Gaddis felt it was the only ethical move as he claims the plans weren’t going to be released until the day of the public meetings.

On Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners vote on whether to send a letter to the state requesting Hillsborough River State Park is excluded from the “building of new, competitive recreation or lodging amenities” in the future.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.