Governor Ron DeSantis distanced himself from a controversial plan to build golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which sparked anger and protests. He dismissed the plan as a “half-baked” attempt to create a false narrative by the political left. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection had scheduled meetings to discuss the plan with the public but postponed them amid the backlash.
The proposal to add golf courses and other amenities to state parks, including private lodges and pickleball courts, drew criticism from DeSantis and other Republican lawmakers. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson condemned the plan, along with U.S. Congressmen and Senators from Florida. The idea of developing pristine state park areas for commercial purposes was met with widespread opposition.
The foundation behind the golf course proposal, called the Tuskegee Foundation, announced that it was pulling the plug on the plan following leaked documents and public outrage. While the foundation claimed the project would honor the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American military pilots, the backlash from the local community and environmentalists led to the plan’s withdrawal.
Despite the controversy, Governor DeSantis praised the foundation’s intentions to support veterans, first responders, and their families. The foundation’s plan to donate proceeds from the golf courses to the nonprofit charity Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships for fallen or disabled military service members and first responders, was met with opposition.
Past attempts to add golf courses to Jonathan Dickinson State Park in 2011 were withdrawn after public outcry. The recent plan, which would require 600 acres of the park and include 36 holes designed by world-class golf course designers, faced similar backlash and was ultimately abandoned.
Republican Senator Gayle Harrell, who was approached last year to sponsor legislation for golf courses at the park, rejected the proposal, stating that state parks are meant to protect natural habitats and environments. Other state parks in Florida are also being considered for additional amenities, including pickleball courts, lodges, and disc golf facilities.
Residents, activists, and lawmakers continue to advocate for the protection of Florida’s state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson, as natural treasures for future generations. Calls for legislation to define appropriate uses for state parks and opposition to commercial development within these protected areas are growing. Protesters and advocates are focused on preserving the natural beauty and environment of state parks for all to enjoy.
