On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Times broke the news of the “Great Outdoors Initiative” from Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This included plans to construct lodging, glamping sites, pickleball courts, and/or golf courses in at least nine different state parks, infuriating a lot of legislators on both sides of the aisle including State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-FL), U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and conservationists around the Sunshine State.
In response, Rep. Castor released a statement regarding the news, calling out Gov. DeSantis in the process for his “radical plan” to alter Florida’s natural appearance.
“Florida natural spaces are unique and special, and I adamantly oppose Governor DeSantis’ radical plan to literally pave paradise and put up a pickleball court,” Rep. Castor said. “He aims to sell out our most beloved parks to the highest bidder under the guise of outdoor recreation. Florida’s unique natural lands and habitats—our state’s identity and way of life—should not be bulldozed to cut developers a cheap deal.”
The Florida congresswoman added that Gov. DeSantis puts profits “over the planet” and this proposal is evidence of it.
“DeSantis’ plan will harm our state’s ability to draw over 30 million visitors as many come to enjoy our natural places. This move marks the latest effort by the Governor to prioritize profits over the planet, following his administration’s repeated anti-environment, anti-climate actions,” Castor said.
“I urge Floridians to weigh in with the Governor and their legislators and attend the hearing on August 27. We cannot allow DeSantis to railroad this proposal through!" said Castor.
Furthermore, Rep. Mast added that a golf course would be built at Jonathan Dickinson State Park “Over my dead body,” and called the proposal a “slap in the face” and a “middle finger to the community.”
In response to the almost-universal backlash, DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern shared:
"The agency’s initial recommendations are based on public input and proposals — from pickleball to golf to additional bike trails and camping access; the proposals vary and may not all be approved. Finally, recommendations will be evaluated, and no final decisions will be made until the public comment and review process has been completed."
It appears the public will at very least have a say.
