by Jackie Llanos
On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis touted his initiatives to restore the Everglades and improve water quality, while his administration’s plans to build golf courses, lodging and pickleball courts in some state parks drew heavy criticism.
“We have done more in our time in terms of restoring the Everglades and improving water quality – what we are doing with the Indian River Lagoon, no one has ever done. This is historic,” the governor said during a press conference Thursday announcing a $5.8 million grant for the Space Coast Regional Airport.
Environmental groups aren’t the only ones raising alarm about the plan — Senate President Katleen Passidomo, a Republican representative from the Panhandle and members of the Florida Cabinet have spoken out against the plan, which would disrupt the landscape at nine parks across the state. The Cabinet is made up of independently elected statewide officials who help governors manage state lands.
In a statement to Florida Phoenix, Passidomo said the state has worked to improve outdoor activities such as biking and hiking, not to improve hotels and golf courses.
“Our vision did not include golf courses and hotels, which I believe are incompatible with the peaceful and tranquil enjoyment of nature,” she said. “I am open to other ideas, but based on what I currently know, the proposal should not be pursued in its current form.”
The DeSantis administration is portraying the proposed changes as an effort to make the parks more accessible. Jeremy Redfern, the governor’s press secretary, wrote in a statement that the plans are not final.
“The agency’s initial recommendations are based on public input and suggestions – from pickleball to golf to additional bike trails and camping access; suggestions vary and may not all be approved. Finally, the recommendations will be evaluated and no final decisions will be made until the public comment and review process is complete,” he wrote.
Senator Jay Trumbull, chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Committee from the Panhandle, expressed his “strong opposition” on X on Thursday and wrote that the state should not try to compete with private companies.
“Our state parks are a treasure and they should remain focused on their primary mission: providing a sanctuary for those who want to experience Florida’s natural beauty in its purest form,” he wrote. “I urge my fellow legislators and citizens to join me in protecting these parks from unnecessary development and ensuring our natural heritage is preserved for all to enjoy.”
Three of the nine state parks affected by the expansion – Camp Helen, Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach – are in his district.
Disagreement in the cabinet
Two of his cabinet members, Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, expressed concerns about building infrastructure in state parks, according to Florida Politics.
“Public lands should be enjoyed and protected. We have to be really careful when we talk about building infrastructure in state parks,” Simpson told Florida Politics. He also published the op-ed on X. The news organization also quoted Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who warned against heading down a “slippery slope.”
“Current state parks have a set name, design and following for their theme or features,” Patronis said.
House Speaker Paul Renner and Speaker-designate Danny Perez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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