From the Panhandle to Miami, golf courses and other outdoor activities are being proposed to be built on Florida’s state parks.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the launch of its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This would increase millions from the state to expand Florida’s state parks with more campsites, cabins and outdoor recreation such as pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.
The DEP says it would support Florida’s “outdoor recreation economy” and reinforce the state’s dedication to conservation projects.
But this move has raised concerns from environmentalists, conservationists, and Republicans who oppose the plans to allow golf courses in state parks.
To name a few, Republicans, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla, state Senator Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and Florida State Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, say their offices were swamped with local constituents asking questions about the Governor’s proposal.
The Governor’s office says from 2022-2023, Florida’s 175 state parks attracted nearly 30 million visitors, contributing to an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion and supporting more than 50,000 jobs. “And this also includes over $52 billion in economic output and supporting more than 460,000 jobs in 2022 alone—a 20% increase in economic output and an 11% rise in employment compared to the previous year,” said the DEP.
Over the next several weeks, public hearings are expected to hear concerns about the proposal.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Stuart
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Fort Lauderdale
Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa
Oleta River State Park in Miami
Honeymoon Island State Park in Clearwater
Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine
Camp Helen State Park in Panama City
Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks in Santa Rosa Beach
