By Joe Murphy, National Wildlife Federation
Some things divide us as Floridians. We live in times that seem to engender great division or controversy.
Florida is a huge state comprised of diverse groups and perspectives. Finding a common ideal or purpose is an elusive goal. And then, an idea so bad comes along that it unites Floridians from across the state and from across the political divide.
When Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed over the summer to allow intensive development in some of Florida’s most beloved state parks, they gave Florida the gift of unity.
Everyone hated the idea. A firestorm of opposition arose from all corners of the state. Golf courses and 350-room resorts – in state parks? A united Florida shouted “no” in a loud, clear voice.
To be fair, there was a lot to oppose. Not only were there the incredibly bad ideas in terms of the proposals themselves (pickleball courts in state parks … really?), but there was the secretive way the proposals were developed.
If not for a whistleblower and an engaged media, these plans would have almost been a foregone conclusion before the public even knew about them. But the public did hear about them, and few things have been opposed so quickly and so completely. Truly bad ideas hatched in backrooms tend to do that.
Soon, thousands of people rallied outside of state parks across Florida. Hundreds of thousands of people emailed, called and wrote letters to the governor and to DEP. Elected officials from both parties and from the Legislature up to Congress came out against the plan. Floridians rallied to protect our state parks. And we won!
Well, we won a temporary victory. The governor and DEP backed off and shelved the idea. Floridians who opposed this bad idea and rallied for the parks felt wonderful! Maybe the good guys finally won in Florida for a change.
I have lived in Florida all my life. One lesson learned is that bad ideas never truly die. They retreat to the shadows and wait for another political cycle or for folks to be distracted. Then, repackaged and repurposed, they emerge anew ready for one more shot.
Which is why Floridians should be thankful that state Sen. Gayle Harrell, R–Stuart, has filed the State Park Preservation Act for the 2025 Florida Legislative Session. Thank you, Sen. Harrell!
Sen. Harrell’s bill would prohibit sporting amenities like golf courses, pickleball courts, tennis courts and ball fields in state parks. Accordingly, it would promote and prioritize conservation-based activities – things like fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, camping and canoeing. You know, what people actually want to do in state parks.
Sen. Harrell’s legislation would still allow the addition of small-scale improvements including cabins but limits their size to only accommodate small groups. Most importantly, it prohibits the building of structures which may cause significant harm to the resources of the state park. Say, like 350-room resorts as were proposed by the governor and DEP.
Sen. Harrell rightly realizes that in Florida, we love – deeply and passionately love – our state parks. She should be commended for proposing smart solutions to ensure they are protected and managed for wildlife and for people who seek to explore and enjoy nature. Hopefully the rest of the Florida Legislature will follow her lead and pass this legislation.
Few conservation issues have created such strong opposition and unity in years of late. Perhaps this issue did because it was so clear cut and simple. The right and wrong were glaringly obvious. I think that there is another explanation though.
Floridians know our state is rapidly changing. We see it every day. State parks represent some of the best of the Florida that is disappearing. They are places we can take our families to appreciate nature and to relax and find solace. The idea of losing that and seeing another treasured Florida experience degraded cut deeply.
We have a chance with Sen. Harrell’s legislation to better protect Florida State Parks. Let’s take it.
Joe Murphy is a wildlife policy specialist for the National Wildlife Federation. Banner image: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, where a 350-room lodge, pickleball courts and a disc golf course were proposed before Gov. Ron DeSantis shelved the plan amid controversy. (iStock image)
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