DeSantis’ plan to develop state parks hits setback as golf course financier pulls out

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Given widespread opposition across the political spectrum, Governor Ron DeSantis ‘plan to develop state parks with business activities — such as golf courses, pickleball courts and large hotels — has hit a dead end after a key proponent pulled the plug.

The Department of Environmental Protection confirmed in an email that one group is no longer pursuing golf courses in the pristine Jonathan Dickinson State Park in southeastern Florida. The agency’s statement came after the backer, a nonprofit called the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, withdrew its proposal over the weekend.

“This project will be removed from the agency’s review,” DEP spokesperson Alexandra Kuchta said in the email.

It was not yet clear on Monday what impact the Dickinson decision might have on DEP’s overall situation. “Great Outdoor Initiative,” Officials say the project will include a variety of projects in nine state parks so people can enjoy popular spots.

“It’s high time we make public lands more accessible to the public,” DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said in a post on the social media platform X.

Still, the outcry was so intense when the plan became public last week that DEP canceled the hearings scheduled for Tuesday — an hour at each location, in the mid-afternoon when many people are at work. They opted instead to move the hearings until after Labor Day. Officials did not immediately respond to questions Monday about new hearing details, including whether they would go ahead at all.

Opposition came from all corners. Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio joined GOP Rep. Brian Mast in a letter arguing that the compressed time frame was far too soon to fully release the plans. Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor said in a social media post that the ideas were “outrageous” and rooted in policies that “put profits before our planet.”

Hundreds of people showed up for weekend protests at the nine parks, many carrying signs decorated with wildlife art by Tampa-based artist Veronica Steiner. She said in an interview that protecting Florida’s parks transcends political and philosophical differences.

“I don’t think this is a red or blue issue,” Steiner said. “I think anyone who lives in Florida and grew up in Florida should care about the land, and that should put politics aside. Everyone should try to protect their natural resources, period.”

It’s not the first time a Republican administration has floated the idea of ​​raising revenue from state parks by providing golf courses, lodging and other attractions where public lands are used for private interests. But previous ideas have been quickly dropped, including one Scott promoted while he was governor, after public opposition.

Another question added to DeSantis’ proposals is the involvement of the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, which said in an earlier statement that the golf courses at Dickinson Park “are the story” of the Tuskegee Air Force personnel, a pioneering black unit in World War II. Proceeds would go to another organization called Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to the military and first responders.

Tuskegee Dunes’ initial statement said the golf course project would avoid environmentally sensitive areas of Dickinson Park, known as the home of the endangered scrub jay and other endangered species. But then the opposition grew louder.

“We have received clear feedback that Jonathan Dickinson State Park is not the right location,” their recent statement reads. “We will not be moving forward with construction in the beloved Jonathan Dickinson State Park.”

Environmental groups say they will continue to oppose the development of the parks.

“Florida has no shortage of places to swing a golf club, savor a continental breakfast or try your luck at pickleball,” Audubon Florida said in a statement on its website, “but the opportunities to spot the deep blue feathers of a Florida scrub jay, witness the miracle of neotropical bird migration or experience Florida in all its natural beauty are becoming increasingly rare.”

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Payne reported from Tallahassee, Florida.

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Kate Payne is a staff member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-reported issues.