South Florida protest over controversial plan to add sports amenities, hotels to state parks
MIAMI - More than 100 people turned out in a park in North Miami Beach to urge the Florida Department of Environmental Protection not to go through with its "Great Outdoors Initiative" proposal that would add golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts and other developments to nine state parks.
The protest at Oleta River State Park was one of several that will be held in parks across the state.
"We were completely surprised. We had no idea this was coming, I hadn't heard of it," said Catalina Lemaitre, who helped organize the protest. "I get emotional thinking about it because our state parks are our precious wild spaces."
Sam Vanleer is a member of the Urban Paradise Guild. They transformed the area in the park where the state plan calls for adding disc golf, cabins and some pickleball courts.
"The problem is that what they are doing, they are moving into an area that is roughly 50% wetland and a lot of the dry areas are fully restored native habitats. We were there on the 23rd, just looking through it, it's been years, and now it's a baby forest," said Sam Vanleer with the Urban Paradise Guild.
The DEP announced the proposal last week as a way to expand public access to state parks.
"The initiative will work to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida's state parks - reinforcing the state's dedication to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians," the department said in a news release.
Changes are planned for Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County, Hillsborough River State Park in Hillsborough County, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, Camp Helen State Park in Bay County and Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.
State Senator Shervin Jones said he is concerned about this proposal.
"Our parks are sanctuaries for wildlife, vital ecosystems, and places where families can connect with nature - not locations for commercial development. I stand with my fellow Floridians in rejecting this plan. We must ensure that Florida remains a place where our natural resources are conserved, not commercialized. I strongly urge Governor DeSantis and his team to listen to the people and reconsider this misguided proposal," he said in a statement.
Audubon Florida Executive Director Julie Wraithmell said Florida's state parks are award-winning because of their natural beauty and protection of the "real Florida."
"Golf courses at treasures like Jonathan Dickinson and pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island would be travesties," Wraithmell said in an online post.
The Florida Springs Council described the proposal as "commodifying & developing our public lands."
The state has pushed back at the criticism, saying there is confusion and public input is welcome.
The public response to the proposal was so overwhelming the DEP canceled plans to hold nine public meetings this week to find bigger venues for those who plan to attend.
The DEP has set up a website for public feedback and said the meetings will likely be held next week.