When the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the launch of the 2024-2025 Great Outdoors initiative last year, agents have expanded public access, added outdoor activities and provided new accommodations throughout the state park. We explained the plan.
The public meeting agenda on the initiative revealed more specific plans for at least eight parks across the state. Stuart’s Park, along with additional accommodation and other suggestions. After intense protests from both Democrats and Republican city and state officials, Gov. Ron DeSantis quickly pulled and reworked the initiative.
A bipartisan bill proposed by state Senator R-Stuart for this legislative meeting would prevent it from happening at all.
Under SB 80, the State Park Conservation Act, DEP is subject to strict restrictions on park development and outdoor activities that the sector can promote. Golf, tennis, pickleball, or other sports that require a ball field are specially named as not a protection-based recreational activity.
“We’re preserving state parks for what they originally intended,” Harrell told fellow lawmakers, and the bill “clearly defines the use of public outdoor recreation based on conservation. “It’s.”
Republican state Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R Fleming Island, Don Gates, R-Pensacola and Democratic state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith all signed, and the same Bill H 209 was signed by Stuart Republican Representative John Snyder. John Snyder, Republican representative of John Snyder, was submitted to the House of Representatives of Highland Beach, Peggy Gossett Saidman.
What will the new bill do?
What is Florida SB 80, a state park conservation law?
The State Parks Conservation Act was designed to protect Florida State Parks by requiring DEPs to prioritize conservation and protection. Under the act,
Conservation managers should submit regular 10-year plans to prioritize the conservation of the state’s plants and animal species to ensure public access. Non-guaranteed plans must “provide the state with the greatest benefits.” The plan includes detailed descriptions of the park’s land, inventory of forest and natural resources such as water features and important cultural and historical features, as well as habitat restoration and maintenance, hydrological conservation, and at risk. Measurable objectives for strengthening species’ habitats, sustainable forest management must also be included. All updated conservation and conservation land management plans will require at least two public hearings. Masu. Accommodation options at PublicNew State Parks are limited to camping cabins with a residence of up to six people and should be located to avoid the use of public outdoor recreation to avoid environmental impacts on Park State Park. Natural habitats limit the limitations on the possible grants, leases and permits granted by the DEP, along with restrictions on new vendor concessions.
What outdoor activities are allowed under SB 80?
The bill includes “conservation-based public recreation” that includes “fishing, camping, cycling, hiking, nature research, swimming, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, diving, birdwatching, voyage, jogging and similar conservation-based public recreation.” It defines outdoor recreational uses. I’ll use it. ”
What outdoor activities are not allowed under SB 80?
The bill specifically states that “conservation-based public outdoor recreational use” does not include:
Golf Course Course Ennis Court Spickle Ball Court Court Ball Fields Sports Needs Sport Facility
How many state parks are there in Florida?
Florida has 175 state parks, trails and historic sites covering more than 815,000 acres. The Florida Park Service is one of the largest in the country, and in 2024 the park attracted more than 30 million visitors, according to the Florida State Parks Foundation.
In 2019, the National Recreation and Parks Association awarded Florida the National Gold Medal of the Park System, making it the first state to win four times by Sunshine State.
What was the Great Outdoors Initiative in Florida?
In August 2024, Florida DEP announced its initiative to “expand public access, expand outdoor activities and provide new accommodation options across Florida state parks. Florida’s conservation, outdoor recreational economy and strengthen your commitment to high quality life.”
Although the initial details were small, “In addition to increasing the number of campsites, cabins and lodges at Park Properties, the initiative will increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available in Florida state parks. paddling.”
Details of the agenda for the public meeting scheduled for the next day revealed more specific plans.
After details were released, the public strongly opposed it. Especially the planned golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Democrat leaders and environmental groups joined by Republican leaders such as Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and state Senator Kathleen Pasidomo to oppose the initiative. Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican representing the Treasure Coast, said the plan would move forward “beyond my body.”
A mysterious foundation called Tuskegee Dunes, a Florida lobbyist, including a former DEP secretary, has acknowledged that it is behind the golf course plans and announced it is being drawn out.
Nine days after the initiative was announced, Desantis then distanced himself, denounced the failure of “A Left Wing Group” and accused the public agenda of “leaking” and announced it was pending I did.
“It wasn’t approved by me. I’ve never seen it. They’re back to the drawings,” DeSantis told reporters at a press conference. “I don’t spend money on this. If people don’t want improvement, don’t do that. That’s what the citizens can do.”
However, the governor’s daily schedule for April 10, 2024 was founder and CEO of Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a charity for veterans who he previously considered putting a golf course in Florida State Park. It showed that we met.
Contributed by James Call, USA Today Network-Florida
