DeSantis Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over His Plan To Develop State Parks With Major Hotels, Golf Courses

August 27, 2024 Republicans, Wildlife

The Associated Press reports:

Facing widespread opposition across the political spectrum, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to develop state parks with business ventures — such as golf courses, pickleball courts and large hotels — has hit a snag after a key supporter pulled the plug.

The Department of Environmental Protection confirmed in an email that one group is no longer pursuing golf courses at pristine Jonathan Dickinson State Park in southeast Florida. The agency statement came after the backer, a nonprofit called Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, withdrew its proposal over the weekend.

Hundreds of people showed up at weekend protests near the nine parks, many of them carrying signs decorated with wildlife art produced by Tampa-based artist Veronica Steiner. She said in an interview that protection of Florida’s parks transcends political and philosophical differences.

The Daily Beast reports:

Even those inside DeSantis’ cabinet, like the Republican Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson, have spoken out against the idea of adding a golf course to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, in the state’s coastal southeast, as well as other commercial additions to other Florida state parks.

A Tampa Bay Times report revealed on Monday that DeSantis’ plans to build golf courses on state land goes beyond just state parks. He and his administration also brokered a deal for a land swap that will see a state forrest north of Tampa be handed to a Canadian luxury golf course developer.

Even Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are screaming.



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