TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Florida’s proposal to build golf courses, pickleball courts and 350-room hotels in state parks is facing considerable opposition.
Proponents fear that such developments could harm native wildlife, including the Florida scrub jay, an already endangered species.
These state parks are considered the last bastions of natural Florida and are vital to both wildlife and the public’s enjoyment of the state’s natural beauty, says Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida.
While Governor Ron DeSantis normally enjoys strong support among the state’s Republican legislators, the plan faces opposition from members of his own party. Outgoing Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo criticized the proposal, saying it contradicts the purpose of state parks as peaceful and natural retreats.
Our vision (for state parks) did not include the establishment of golf courses and hotels, which in my opinion are incompatible with the peaceful and tranquil enjoyment of nature,” Passidomo wrote on X. “As far as I currently know, the proposal should not be pursued in its current form.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s plan to build new sports facilities, hotels and glamping sites in nine state parks has sparked strong reactions from environmentalists, members of DeSantis’ cabinet, a Republican congressman and local residents.
Despite these objections, a DeSantis spokesman defended the proposal. “Teddy Roosevelt believed that public parks were for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, and we agree with him,” said press secretary Jeremy Redfern. “But it’s high time we made public lands more accessible to the public.”
Planned developments include pickleball courts, a disc golf course and a large hotel in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Another plan calls for the construction of a golf complex at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which would require significant reconstruction, such as relocating park staff facilities and existing visitor cabins.
Public outcry against these developments is nothing new. In 2015, a similar proposal by then-Governor Rick Scott to use state parks for cattle grazing and timber harvesting was quickly dropped after public protests. Efforts by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to build golf courses in state parks also met with public opposition and were dropped.
Wraithmell hopes that public feedback at upcoming meetings will lead to a reconsideration of these plans.
“There is definitely a desire for more people to enjoy state parks,” she said. “The solution is not to cram as many people into one park as possible… The solution is to create more state parks.”
