Florida’s State Parks at Risk: A new proposal in Florida seeks to block development projects, such as golf courses, pickleball courts, and lodges, in state parks. The bill, filed by Rep. John Snyder, is designed to protect Florida’s natural areas from large construction projects, following concerns over a controversial state plan last year.
State Park Protection Act
House Bill 209, proposed by Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart), aims to preserve Florida’s state parks by preventing large-scale developments.
The bill, introduced Thursday, mirrors a similar proposal filed in the Senate last month. It’s being called the “State Park Protection Act,” and will be considered during Florida’s legislative session starting March 4th.
Public Backlash Leads to New Proposal
The proposal comes after a public backlash last year. The Department of Environmental Protection’s “Great Outdoors Initiative” included plans to build large projects in several state parks.
These plans would have added pickleball courts, golf courses, and even a 350-room lodge at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. After strong opposition from lawmakers and citizens, including Governor Ron DeSantis, the state paused the project.
New Restrictions on State Parks
The bill would make it illegal to build large structures like golf courses and lodges in state parks. However, it does allow the construction of cabins for up to six guests, as long as the cabins are placed in a way that avoids harming the park’s natural resources. These changes aim to balance park preservation with small-scale improvements.
Looking Forward
The State Park Protection Act will likely become a key topic during the upcoming legislative session. If passed, it will protect the integrity of Florida’s parks from large commercial projects. It will also maintain the natural beauty and wildlife habitats in these areas, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.
News in Brief: Florida’s State Parks at Risk
Rep. John Snyder’s proposed bill, the State Park Protection Act, seeks to protect Florida’s state parks from large-scale development, such as pickleball courts and lodges. The bill follows public outcry over last year’s “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which would have added such projects to several parks. The bill will be discussed in March’s legislative session.
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