Pickleball Court Plans Exposed in Florida’s State Parks: James Gaddis, a former cartographer for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has been dismissed after revealing plans to build extensive developments, including pickleball courts in Florida’s state parks. Gaddis, who identifies as an “ethical whistleblower,” was vocal about his concerns regarding these proposals, which he believes threaten the integrity of Florida’s natural habitats.
Leaking the Plans
Gaddis, who was tasked with drawing up conceptual maps for the DEP, uncovered a plan that involved introducing pickleball courts, golf courses, and 350-room hotels in nine state parks from Miami to the Panhandle.
“I was drawing the golf course polygons and putting a point down where the hotel was going to go in Anastasia State Park. I was already disgusted but it just kept getting worse and worse.” – (Gaddis)
His discomfort grew as he realized the scale of the proposed developments.
Public Outcry and Official Response
Gaddis’s decision to leak the information ignited significant public backlash, with protests emerging against the development plans. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the initiative, calling it “half-baked” and “not ready for prime time.” The DEP has since withdrawn the proposals.
However, Gaddis faced immediate consequences; he was placed on administrative leave on August 30 and received a termination letter the following day for allegedly violating department policies.
Community Support for Gaddis
Despite losing his job, Gaddis has garnered support from the public, particularly those opposed to the state park developments. His GoFundMe campaign has raised over $100,000, highlighting his role as a whistleblower and reflecting widespread approval from those who value the preservation of Florida’s natural spaces.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Plans Exposed in Florida’s State Parks
James Gaddis, former cartographer for Florida’s DEP, was fired after leaking plans for developments in state parks, which included pickleball courts. His disclosure led to public protests and Governor DeSantis condemning the plans as “half-baked.”
Gaddis was dismissed for policy violations but has received strong public support, with his GoFundMe campaign raising over $100,000.
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