Upset residents urge Hillsborough County leaders to take stand against state park development

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hillsborough County residents voiced concern Wednesday after Hillsborough County commissioners decided to hold off going on the record against changes at a local state park.

Some commissioners wanted to send a letter to the state letting them know they don’t support development at Hillsborough River State Park. However, commissioners decided to wait since the proposal is on hold.

The proposal, dubbed the Great Outdoors Initiative, included plans to add outdoor activities at nine state parks throughout Florida like pickleball courts, disc golf, golf courses and additional lodging and campsites.

Backlash from the community was swift, and last week, the governor officially scrapped the idea.

“I had some significant concerns with the proposal that came out of Tallahassee,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who had planned to voice those concerns at the commission meeting Wednesday.

Hagan wanted to send a letter to the state letting them know county leaders did not support changes at a Hillsborough River State Park. However, due to the state putting the plan on hold, commissioners decided to wait as well.

“I brought this to the board with the intention of sending a letter voicing our opposition today, however, once the state heard so many complaints from around the state with this proposal, they withdrew the action. I don’t want to do anything until there’s an actual plan or we know what could potentially be considered,” said Commissioner Hagan. “We’ll definitely be watching and will do the exact same thing if necessary.”

Some residents were disappointed with the move and spoke out at the meeting during public comment.

“I call on our elected leaders to tell them we are not interested in any of it in Hillsborough County,” John Grieves said. “While I understand the public outcry and these plans have been shelved, I don’t trust that.”

“I have very serious concern that Hillsborough County officials have not come out and given official statement opposing the Great Outdoors Initiative, as other counties have done,” said Gretchen Hoke, executive director of Rain Frog Ranch, a nonprofit that advocates for agricultural lands and wildlife habitats.

Hoke urged county leaders to still to take a stand on the issue and support preservation over development.

“Have ya’ll visited Hillsborough State Park recently?” Hoke said during public comment. “The condition of the park is unfortunate. Most of the trails [are] closed, and the pool has been shut down for years. I understand progress, but we have to have preservation as well.”

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