The controversy over the proposed construction of lodges, golf courses, and pickleball courts at Florida state parks last summer will continue into the state’s 2025 legislative session. State Sen. Gayle Harrell has filed the State Parks Preservation Act (SB 80) for next year, which would prioritize conservation-based recreational activities over activities like golf, tennis, and pickleball that require infrastructure.
Senator Harrell’s district includes Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which was at risk of having three golf courses built as part of the “Great Outdoors Initiative” announced last August. This initiative also proposed removing a boardwalk and an observational tower at the park. Harrell’s bill would require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop 10-year management plans for each of the state’s 175 parks, prioritizing activities like fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking.
The bill filing marks a change from previous sessions where Republican lawmakers deferred to the executive branch led by Governor Ron DeSantis. The Great Outdoors Initiative faced backlash from the public and elected officials, ultimately being abandoned by DeSantis. The initiative included plans for lodges, disc golf courses, pickleball courts, golf courses, and tennis courts in various state parks.
The public had limited notice and opportunity for input on the initiative, leading to outcry from citizens and elected officials alike. Senators Rubio and Scott called the proposal “ridiculous,” while Senator Trumbull expressed concerns about unnecessary development in state parks. DeSantis ultimately decided to rethink the proposal in response to the opposition.
Harrell’s bill aims to provide guidelines for DEP officials if they wish to revisit the initiative, requiring detailed management plans for each park that include descriptions of the land, an inventory of natural resources, and measurable objectives for habitat restoration and maintenance. Any proposed changes must also go through a public hearing process with a 30-day notice.
The bill reflects a shift towards prioritizing conservation-based recreational activities and protecting Florida’s state parks from unnecessary development. By requiring long-term management plans and public input on any proposed changes, the legislation aims to ensure the preservation of the state’s natural resources and cultural features. This ongoing debate underscores the importance of balancing conservation efforts with recreational opportunities in Florida’s diverse state park system.
