Let’s keep our state parks wild – forever

Florida state parks are treasures of natural beauty, and protected habitat for many of our native plant and animal species. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state Department of Environmental Protection have put all new plans for development in state parks on hold until the new year. But that is not what the people of Florida asked for. The collective bi-partisan voice that rose to oppose golf courses and lodges in state parks explicitly told the Governor to STOP development in these parks. 

In the dozens of protests and op-eds that followed the announcement to create additional facilities in nine Florida state parks, the resounding opinion was to keep these areas wild, development free. Not to go “back to the drawing board” to make new plans. That’s why we need to be clear and tell Gov. DeSantis that the citizens of Florida don’t want large developments in our state parks – ever. Instead, we want his commitment to protect this natural habitat and keep our state parks wild permanently.

Call for a formal investigation

A letter from five members of Congress who represent Florida, is calling for a formal investigation into the recent state park plans that are a part of the Great Outdoors Initiative. The letter demands answers on what state procedures were violated and what private parties stood to benefit from the plans. Public hearings were hurriedly scheduled once the plans were leaked, without reasonable accommodations to allow the hundreds of citizens who signed up to share their comments. 

Developing secret plans to destroy some of the only publicly accessible wild spaces left in our state, is not in the best interest of our residents, visitors or wildlife. We are calling on Gov. DeSantis to take this opportunity to show us that he can still hear the voices of Floridians loud and clear. Join us in telling him to keep our state parks wild – permanently.