Florida Parks Bill Could End Debate Over Pickleball: A new Florida bill aims to prevent sports facilities in state parks. The proposal follows public outcry over a plan to add pickleball courts, disc golf, and a large lodge. The bill would limit park development to conservation-based activities, keeping parks focused on nature.
Public Outcry Halts Initiative
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched its 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative to expand public access and activities in state parks. Plans included new sports facilities, a 350-room lodge at Topsail Hill Preserve, and golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. However, after strong opposition from officials and residents, Gov. Ron DeSantis halted the project.
State Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, introduced SB 80, the State Park Preservation Act, to prevent similar plans in the future. “We are preserving our state parks for what they were originally intended for,” Harrell told lawmakers. The bill defines conservation-based recreation and excludes sports like golf, pickleball, and tennis.
Bipartisan Support for Restrictions
SB 80 has backing from Republican state senators Jennifer Bradley and Don Gaetz, along with Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith. A matching House bill, H 209, was introduced by Republicans John Snyder and Peggy Gossett-Seidman. Supporters argue that state parks should focus on protecting nature rather than adding recreational sports.
News in Brief: Florida Parks Bill Could End Debate Over Pickleball
Florida lawmakers introduced a bill to block sports additions in state parks. SB 80 and H 209 aim to limit park development to conservation-based activities. The move follows public backlash over plans for pickleball courts, golf courses, and a lodge. The bill has bipartisan support and could reshape future park projects.
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