DeSantis Wants to Build Golf Courses in Florida State Parks, Residents Are Furious

Democrats and Republicans don’t always see eye to eye, particularly in an ideologically embattled state like Florida. However, one extraordinary proposition by the state government appears to be bringing everyone together. 

Controversial Plan for State Parks

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection announced a controversial major development proposal on Wednesday, affecting nine beloved parks across the Sunshine State. 

Golf Courses and Luxury Lodges 

The development project, proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration, includes plans to build golf courses, pickleball and disc golf courts, and 350-room lodges on parkland across the state. 

Three Courses for One Park

One of the development proposals that has drawn the most attention is a plan to build three golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. This would require the removal of the Hobe Mountain Observation Tower which is located on top of a protected scrub habitat.  

Big Golfing Fan

DeSantis, who is known to be an avid golf player, also oversees the Department of Environmental Protection, leading some to wonder if his personal preferences had a part to play in the proposal.

Bipartisan Outrage

Now, the Tampa Bay Times has reported an unprecedented show of partisan unification – as public officials across the board came out in force against the proposals on Thursday.

Denounced Across the Board

The Florida State Legislature, Cabinet, and Congress have publicly denounced the administration’s plans, drawing attention to the risks it could impose on sensitive wildlife habitats and the unnecessary commercialization of natural spaces that countless Floridians love. 

Statements Come Out

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, who has previously extended protections to state parks and conservation land, released a statement objecting to the plan.

“The Proposal Should Not Move Forward”

“Our vision did not contemplate the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my view are not in line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature,” her statement reads. “From what I know at this time, the proposal should not move forward in its current form.”

Prompting “Serious Concerns”

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson also released a statement admitting his “serious concerns” and noting that “just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.”

Wildlife Advocates Speak Out

State wildlife advocates and environmentalists have also broadly condemned the plans, which they say could lead to habitat loss, damage to protected land, and pose threats to already endangered species like the Florida scrub jay.

Audubon Florida

Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, told the Associated Press that Florida state parks are “the last strongholds for a lot of wildlife in rapidly urbanizing communities in Florida.”

The Last Strongholds for State Wildlife

“They have an outsized importance, not just to wildlife but also as places where Floridians and visitors can continue to see what Florida was like,” she said. “It’s the best of Florida.”

Affected State Parks

State parks affected by the current development plans include Anastasia State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Hillsborough River State Park, Oleta River State Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dr. Von. D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, and Camp Helen State Park. 

A Rare Display of Floridian Unity

The widespread negative reaction to the announcement is a rare outcome for DeSantis’ administration, which has enjoyed blanket support from Republican state lawmakers since 2019. 

No Backpedaling

While Republican officials may have expected the environmental department to backpedal after this united display of bipartisan pressure, their response was quite the opposite.

Doubling Down

The department has publically defended its plans, releasing additional statements and social media posts attempting to shed a more positive light on the developments. In particular, the agency defended the Jonathan Dickinson golf course proposal by assuring that its construction would “minimize habitat impacts.”  

Questioning the Proposal Process

The agency and administration have also come under scrutiny for skirting the legal process for these proposals by avoiding early public participation, which the agency has strenuously denied. 

Accused of “Secret” Planning

Both former state park director Eric Draper and former state chief of park planning Albert Gregory have accused the administration of “hop-scotching” the “normal park planning process” and carrying out plans “in secret.”

Echoes of 2021

It may have reminded Floridians of a previous decision by DeSantis in 2021 when he appointed a new secretary for the environmental department without seeking the Cabinet’s approval, which was also described as a violation of state law. 

Protests Being Formed

The state will be holding public meetings across Florida to discuss the plans, particularly in areas affected by the proposal. Public protests are already being planned to rally at the meetings. And at this rate, some state officials and lawmakers might even join them. 

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