Honeymoon Island and 9 Parks Eye Pickleball: A new proposal called the “Great Outdoors Initiative” has ignited widespread discussion in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. This proposal aims to expand public access to some of Florida state parks, including Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Park, by adding amenities such as camping lodges, golf courses, and pickleball courts.
Despite the significant implications of these proposed changes, efforts to obtain more information from the state have been met with silence. Major publications like the Tampa Bay Times and Creative Loafing have reached out to the state for details but received no response. Meanwhile, the state’s parks division quietly scheduled eight public meetings across Florida for Tuesday, August 27, to discuss changes proposed for nine state parks.
Leaked documents, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, reveal potentially dramatic changes, such as the replacement of scrub habitat at Jonathan Dickinson State Park with two 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole course, and a clubhouse. While the authenticity of these documents has not been officially confirmed, they have fueled public concern.
Tampa residents, particularly those active on Reddit, have expressed their worries about the proposed changes. Many feel that the short notice given for the public meetings may limit their ability to voice their opinions effectively. Eric Draper, who served as the director of Florida State Parks from 2017 to 2021, echoed these concerns, stating,
“By scheduling these hearings with very little notice, it makes it appear that the department is not that interested in what the public has to say.” – (Eric Draper)
View this post on Instagram
Florida State Parks Public Meeting Information
For those unable to attend the meetings in person, letters can be sent to express opinions. Each meeting will provide attendees with three minutes to speak. Below are the details for the scheduled meetings:
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: The District, 11141 US HWY 19 N. Suite 204, Clearwater, FL 33764
- Hillsborough River State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL, Community Room D
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)
- Location: Watercolor Inn & Resort, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, The Lakehouse
- Camp Helen State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)
- Location: Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
- Anastasia State Park
- Date & Time:Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: First Coast Technical College, The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: Downtown Event Center, 416 NE First Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Lecture Hall, Building C, 2nd Floor
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave, River Room, Stuart, FL 34994
- Oleta River State Park
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
- Location: Florida International University (FIU), Biscayne Bay Campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 N.E. 151 Street, North Miami, FL 33181
With over 1,400 public golf courses and 1,160 pickleball courts already available in Florida, the necessity of disrupting natural environments for more amenities has become a point of controversy. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on social media and at the scheduled meetings.
News in Brief: Honeymoon Island and 9 Parks Eye Pickleball
The “Great Outdoors Initiative” proposes expanding Florida’s state parks with new amenities like camping lodges, golf courses, and pickleball courts, sparking controversy. Leaked documents suggest dramatic changes, such as replacing scrub habitat at Jonathan Dickinson State Park with golf courses, but their authenticity is unconfirmed.
Public meetings are scheduled for August 27, 2024, across nine parks, but the short notice has raised concerns about limited public input. Despite Florida already having over 1,400 golf courses and 1,160 pickleball courts, the proposal’s impact on natural environments is contested. Public comments can be made at the meetings or via letters.
ALSO READ: Adult Pickleball Tournament in Las Cruces Begins from September 14
