'NOT GOING TO STOP': Locals rally against DEP's proposals for J.D. State Park

WPTV was at Jonathan Dickinson State Park this morning, listening to your concerns about the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed changes.

Amidst the growing pushback for the controversial plan by the DEP to build golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, hundreds gathered the park Saturday morning to protest.

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With signs in full display, many Martin County residents rallied to stop the development.

"I’m a golfer, but I love this state park too,” Dave Oakley said. “The reason we moved down to Martin County was because it had less development. It wasn’t like Boca, or Delray, or West Palm Beach.”

Other Martin County residents like Julia Perry agree.

“This park is why I moved here,” Perry said. “It’s the only place in this whole area where we could go just to get away from the hustle and bustle and the concrete jungle that’s all over Martin County now.”

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Besides the development, many locals like teacher Teresa Thornton are upset this will leave a major impact on the wildlife that call the park home.

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“I don’t understand why you would destroy such beauty,” Thornton said. “We’ve been taking the kids here out here to learn about the scrub and all of the different habitats that are in the park.”

She shares the message that this is why many live in the area.

“We want to just protect it for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of everything that lives in it and on it and around it,” said Thornton.

Others told WPTV Reporter Briana Nespral that they want to protect their paradise and they aren’t stopping until something is done.

“I’m not going to stop,” said Ryan Moeller. “I’m going to be here every day that I’m not on shift.”

See below our recent coverage on this issue:

Region Martin County

'It's our Lorax moment': Experts warn golf courses would impact wildlife

Tyler Hatfield

Region Martin County

Meeting for Jonathan Dickinson State Park plan rescheduled, new venue sought

Scott Sutton

WPTV Investigates

Who's going to pay for golf courses proposed for state park?

Kate Hussey