Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has called upon Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) to end the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposal with plans to construct lodging, glamping sites, pickleball courts, and/or golf courses in at least nine different state parks. This has infuriated 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), conservationists around the Sunshine State, and now Rep. Gaetz.
The Florida congressman released a statement on Friday stating his opposition to the proposal.
I am opposed to Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection plan to make state parks into golf courses!
Everyone needs to make sure your voices are heard at the upcoming State Park public meetings in the area: https://t.co/s8DndgmBM8
If you can’t make a meeting, email:… pic.twitter.com/UgxvdU0gzW
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) August 23, 2024
“I am opposed to Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection plan to make state parks into golf courses!” said Gaetz. “Everyone needs to make sure your voices are heard at the upcoming State Park public meetings in the area.”
On Saturday, Gaetz doubled down on this opposition, citing Florida Republicans at the state level sharing their displeasure with the plan.
https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1827363586722726223?s=12&t=AWQcmrJDYBJLTL59yjqNZA
“1. DEP rolls out terrible idea to commercialize state parks 2. Wilton Simpson & Jimmy Patronis show leadership & demand public hearings, citing their opposition. 3. Public hearings are cancelled. Gov. Ron DeSantis - I know you love our Florida environment. We campaigned together on saving the environment in 2018. I saw your sincerity firsthand, up close. Please use your excellent leadership skills to kill this anti Florida Man initiative. Keep our parks natural,” said Rep. Gaetz.
On Friday, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson (R) added that the State of Florida needs to be “really careful” on this issue.
"Public lands should be enjoyed and protected, but we have to be really careful when we talk about building infrastructure on state parks,” Simpson, who has clashed with the Governor in the past, said in a statement. “Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should do it.”
He followed up Friday morning, posting links to various DEP meetings and urging Floridians to stop the plan in its tracks: "This isn’t a done deal folks. Show up and make your voices heard."
DeSantis' press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, on the other hand, said, "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."
Matt Gaetz represents Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
