Don’t Let Greedy Developers Pave Over Our Precious Parks

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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

Florida’s beloved state parks are on the brink of destruction. Stop the development and save these irreplaceable natural sanctuaries for future generations.

Don’t Let Greedy Developers Pave Over Our Precious Parks

Florida’s state parks are under immediate threat. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative plans to introduce large-scale developments into nine of the state’s most cherished parks, including Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine and Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound. These developments include golf courses, luxury lodges, and pickleball courts, which will irreparably harm the delicate ecosystems that these parks were created to protect1.

These parks are not just recreational spaces; they are vital sanctuaries for wildlife and natural beauty. Six of the nine targeted parks serve as crucial habitats for endangered species, including nesting sea turtles2. The construction of these developments will disrupt these habitats, threatening the survival of vulnerable species and degrading the natural landscapes that make Florida’s state parks unique.

Public Outcry and Lack of Transparency

Floridians have spoken out against these plans, yet the DEP has proceeded with minimal public input. Public meetings were scheduled hastily, with little notice, in venues that could not accommodate the widespread public interest. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns that the DEP is prioritizing commercial interests over its duty to protect Florida’s natural resources3.

State Representative Griff Griffitts has acknowledged the overwhelming public discontent, suggesting that the DEP might reconsider its plans due to the outpouring of opposition4. But this is not enough. We must ensure that our voices are heard and that the DEP honors its responsibility to preserve and protect state parks for future generations.

The Need for Conservancy and Public Participation

The DEP’s mission is clear: to safeguard Florida’s natural resources and ensure that state parks remain protected. However, the Great Outdoors Initiative’s focus on commercial development directly contradicts this mission. By prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental stewardship, the DEP risks sacrificing the very essence of what makes Florida’s state parks special.

Transparency and public participation are essential in any decision that impacts our shared natural resources. The DEP must engage with Floridians in a meaningful way, listening to the concerns of residents, environmental experts, and community leaders before moving forward with any development plans5.

Act Now to Protect Florida’s Natural Heritage

Time is running out to protect our state parks from this unnecessary and harmful development. We cannot allow these treasured natural spaces to be exploited for commercial gain. The DEP must halt these plans and reconsider their approach, prioritizing conservation and public input over commercialization.

Sign the petition below and join thousands of Floridians in demanding that the DEP protects our state parks from exploitation. Together, we can ensure a future where Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife are preserved for generations to come.

More on this issue:

  1. Florida Wildlife Federation (26 August 2024), "Florida State Parks Threatened by Development."
  2. Susan Randolph, Sea Turtle Preservation Society (23 August 2024), "How You Can Help Protect Nine Florida Parks from Proposed Development."
  3. J.T. Lynch, WJHG (26 April 2024), "Florida Department of Environmental Protection yet to release new public hearing details for state parks proposal."
  4. Tony Murray, The Invading Sea (23 August 2024), "Florida DEP – Don’t Exploit Parks."

The Petition

Dear Florida Department of Environmental Protection,

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reconsider the planned development projects outlined in the 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative. The proposed developments, which include the construction of golf courses, luxury lodges, and pickleball courts in nine of our cherished state parks, have sparked overwhelming environmental concerns from residents across the state.

Florida's state parks are sanctuaries of natural beauty, providing critical habitats for wildlife and offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect with untouched natural landscapes. The introduction of commercial developments within these protected areas threatens to irreparably harm the ecosystems that these parks were established to preserve. The environmental impact of these developments, particularly on vulnerable species and fragile ecosystems, cannot be understated.

Additionally, the process by which these plans have been introduced has been marred by a troubling lack of transparency and public participation. Public meetings were scheduled with minimal notice and inadequate venues, preventing many concerned citizens from having their voices heard. The DEP's mission to protect and preserve our state's natural resources must include robust public engagement and transparency, ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in decisions of such significant consequence.

We call on the DEP to halt the planned developments and engage in a transparent, inclusive process that prioritizes conservation over commercialization. By reconsidering these plans and fostering meaningful public participation, the DEP can uphold its commitment to preserving Florida's natural heritage for future generations.

These actions will ensure a better future for all Floridians, where our state parks remain protected as places of natural beauty, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Let us work together to safeguard these treasures, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Sincerely,

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg