Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced his initiatives to restore the Everglades and improve water quality, while his administration’s plans to build golf courses, lodging and pickleball courts in some state parks are facing heavy criticism.
“We have done more in our time in terms of restoring the Everglades and improving water quality – what we are doing with the Indian River Lagoon, no one has ever done. This is historic,” the governor said during a press conference Thursday announcing a $5.8 million grant for the Space Coast Regional Airport.
Environmental groups aren’t the only ones raising alarm about the plan – a Republican lawmaker and members of Florida’s Cabinet, made up of independently elected state officials who help governors manage state lands, have also spoken out against the plan, which would disrupt the landscape at eight parks across the state.
Senator Jay Trumbull, chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Committee from the Panhandle, expressed his “strong opposition” on X on Thursday and wrote that the state should not try to compete with private companies.
“Our state parks are a treasure and they should remain focused on their primary mission: providing a sanctuary for those who want to experience Florida’s natural beauty in its purest form,” he wrote. “I urge my fellow legislators and citizens to join me in protecting these parks from unnecessary development and ensuring our natural heritage is preserved for all.”
Three of the nine state parks affected by the expansion – Camp Helen, Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach – are in his district.
Two of his cabinet members, Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, expressed concerns about building infrastructure in state parks, according to Florida Politics.
“Public lands should be enjoyed and protected. We have to be really careful when we talk about building infrastructure in state parks,” Simpson told Florida Politics. He also published the op-ed on X. The news organization also quoted Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who warned against heading down a “slippery slope.”
“Current state parks have a set name, design and following for their theme or features,” Patronis said.
The offices of the governor, House Speaker Renner, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Speaker-designate Danny Perez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
