Future visits to some of Florida’s state parks could include getting in 18 holes of golf or playing pickleball.
The state Department of Environmental Protection this week announced what it has dubbed a “Great Outdoors Initiative” aimed at expanding public access to state parks. The announcement included such things as adding campsites and cabins and increasing “the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at Florida’s state parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.”
“The initiative will work to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida’s state parks — reinforcing the state’s dedication to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy and a high quality of life for Floridians,” the department said in a news release.
The department didn’t immediately respond to questions about the plan. But a series of meetings are scheduled Aug. 27 to review management plans for Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County, Hillsborough River State Park in Hillsborough County, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, Camp Helen State Park in Bay County and Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.
Audubon Florida Executive Director Julie Wraithmell said Florida’s state parks are award-winning because of their natural beauty and protecting “real Florida.”
“Golf courses at treasures like Jonathan Dickinson and pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island would be travesties,” Wraithmell said in an online post.
Audubon said in an email that Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, for example, would see development such as a “park lodge with up to 350 rooms in the maritime hammock,” a disc golf course in the maritime hammock, and pickleball courts.
The Florida Springs Council described the proposal as “commodifying & developing our public lands.”
Golf has been considered in the past at parks such as Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
In 2011, a bill would have allowed legendary golfer and golf-course designer Jack Nicklaus to build courses in state parks.
The measure arose out of talks between Nicklaus and then-Gov. Rick Scott about promoting tourism. The idea was to create a Florida version of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, which offers golf courses at 11 sites.
Then-Rep. Patrick Rooney, a West Palm Beach Republican who sponsored the bill, said at the time his intention was economic development, but he withdrew the measure as “Floridians spoke very clearly” about the proposal.
Rooney’s proposal called for hiring Nicklaus to create a Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail “in an environmentally sensitive manner.” The proposal also suggested accompanying hotels.
In its news release Tuesday, the Department of Environmental Protection said state parks attracted nearly 30 million visitors during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
According to the Florida Sports Foundation, the state has more than 1,100 golf courses, with out-of-state visitors playing one-third of the nearly 48 million annual rounds. Visit Florida, the state’s tourism-marketing agency, put the number of public golf courses in the state at over 1,400.
The website Pickleheads lists 1,160 pickleball locations in Florida, the most of any state for the growing sport. Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando have the most courts.
The state also is buying land to create the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which is planned to include nearly 18 million acres of habitat from the Everglades to the Panhandle. It already includes more than 6,000 acres of recreational trails.
–Jim Turner, News Service of Florida
Robin says
Good grief! There are plenty of resorts for those who want to play golf or pickleball.
Keep the developers out of the state parks.
Disgusted says
Why don’t they just put a race track along the wildlife corridors, while they’re at it? This idea sucked the first time and it still sucks. Another greedy money making idea from “developers”.
Andy Montgomery says
Florida voters elect those who denigrate the creation. Maybe, we should study the candidates and vote based on the most honest and most qualified. Those who share our values. People who cannot be bought may be rare but they do exist.
😎
John Graham says
What the H–l does golf, pickelball and resorts have to do with Environmental Protection? I’m a golfer, and would play pickelball if I physically could. But in parks originally dedicated to enjoying nature and wildlife protection? What is wrong with these people?
I guess it all goes back to the fact that the FL EPA, is a backwater extension of the Ag Dept, now controlled by DeSantis and his big money donors. As in all politics, especially in FL, follow the money and the graft.
But not to worry, FL is buying land for an extension of the wildlife corridor, because the taxpayers voted to do this. – through which DeSantis & cronies want to build another road to spur “development”. So the taxpayers (God luv ’em) will pay for land so developers can eventually put in more high rises, condos, and golf resorts & pickleball courts. I’m sure the wildlife in FL appreciates their concern.
Edith Campins says
Think about it. 350 cabins…and parking for 350 cabins…and of course you will need maintenance buildings and an office building and parking for them. And you will need parking for the “disc golf” and a maintenance facility for it. And pickle ball courts and parking for them, All of this in addition to the existing amphitheater and the parking for it. And the parking for anyone actually wanting to use the park. There won’t be much “park” left to protect.
Marlee says
Join us at a public meeting next week to speak out in opposition of this proposal.
📆 Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍First Coast Technical College – The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C – 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Can’t make it to the meeting? Send comments to: AnastasiaSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov
CELIA PUGLIESE says
Once more shows these developers controlling Talahassee to the demise of Florida natural pristine beauty! Greed kills our wildlife, pristine environment and contaminates our natural coastal; waters. I agree with Robin we have enough golf courses and resorts leave our wildlife in their natural sanctuaries before making it dissappear! Keep electing the same Talalassee special interest and that is what we get!
Mike says
$$$$$$$ money talks. Big money talks even louder. Just ask Morgan and Morgan.
just sayin says
https://www.choosegreco.com/about/
Think maybe there might be a connection to Renner’s buddy who was just elected here? How many of you voted for this?
JimboXYZ says
North Miami has at least one park that has MTB trails (like Mala Compra), it also has fishing docks, kayaking & cabins for rent there. Somebody will find a way to make money & maintain some human vacations at any parks. The one in Miami is Oleta State Park.
Fourteen quaint little cabins with covered porches and picnic tables provide a great place to relax with the convenience of being near shopping, restaurants and entertainment in Miami. Most cabins are equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and air conditioning. Cabin 1 is ADA accessible.
Linens are not provided. While cabins have no kitchens or bathrooms, a restroom with hot showers is located nearby. For the guest’s relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Pets are not permitted in cabins.
Cabin reservations require a two-night minimum stay.
Cabin rental: $55 per night plus tax plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/OletaRiver
Deez Nutz says
If we all stand up to little man Duhsantis, this plan will not have a snowballs chance in Florida to pass! They call it “The Great Outdoors Initiative”, a better name for it would be The Great Outdoors Annihilation! Keep your greedy money hungry hands out of our beautiful State Parks! Impeach Duhsantis now!
Laurel says
Andy Montgomery: Yes, I keep reading that, over and over, but it is not working that way this time around. Not in this county. Since I am an Independent, my local choices for voting in this last, local election were for:
Board of County Commissioners, District 1,
School Board, District 3, and
School Board District 5.
That’s it. That is because the Republicans made sure that the choices were severely limited to many voters by writing in Republican candidates who were not really running. It may have been legal, but it sure smells of cheating to me. I am tired of it. If the candidates are so wonderful, why cheat and why lie?
I’ll tell you right now, that as a lifelong Independent (NPA), there are a lot of really good Republicans out there, but it will be really, really hard for me to vote for Republicans again. They are damaging themselves.
Laurel says
John Graham: Yes, you are correct. Why do you figure the politicians really want so desperately to put a sewer system into the Hammock? So they can develop it. Watch and see if Capt’s eventually sues the county again for not moving fast enough.
Laurel says
Then they can name the 350 room hotel The Coastal Preserve Resort!
Laurel says
Nothing surprises me any more with these Republican politicians and their developer buddies. They, and their concrete and greed, need to stay the freak out of our parks. They may envision their Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway running into a Margaritaville Resort right in the middle of our natural beautiful parks.
Hey Jack Nicolas, is anyone home besides your ego?
This is a big, fat NO! People write to your Senators, your Congressmen/women, your Governor and anyone you can possibly imagine who can read. Let your friends know about this.
Watch Jon Oliver Last Week Tonight episode on Hawaii https://www.youtube.com/user/LastWeekTonight and see what money and greed is doing to Hawaii, and how it is effecting the locals who have lived there for generations. Then you’ll know what is in store for Florida, that has already begun.
These politicians need to go.
Jim says
Maybe we should hear the plan out before passing judgement. The headline screams about “350 room hotels” but the article only mentions two potential park locations. Maybe there are more and, if so, it should be looked at carefully. But for right now, two possible locations does not scream “crisis” to me. And maybe there shouldn’t be those two either. But I’d like to see the plan before condemning it.
As for adding some cabins, I can think of worse ideas. If it makes the park more attractive to visitors and it’s done in an environmentally friendly manner, I don’t think that is such a bad idea. Again, let’s see the plan.
As for golf courses, it you’re adding a golf course, you’re tearing up a lot of real estate for even a 9-hole course. I like to play golf but I don’t know that Florida is facing a shortage of places to play. I’m willing to forgo more courses in deference to maintaining as much undeveloped real estate as possible. However, I don’t think the people in charge of these projects care for the environment as much as they do another opportunity to bring in revenue!
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
Actually Vote Blue and stop this non-sense in Florida. November 5th is right around the corner, know your candidates.
Mia says
what is wrong with our “leaders”? come on already.
This state is beautiful and has much to off without another single hotel or golf course going up.
please
leave something to the wildlife. They won’t be happy until every inch is covered in concrete
Joe D says
Weren’t the Parks (both State AND National) designed as essentially nature preserves to relax with wildlife in its natural state?
Relaxing lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, RUSTIC camp sites with water and electricity hook up a fire ring and a picnic table are fine. If you want grand hotels, you can drive to Orlando /Kissimmee and get all the entertainment you could possibly want. These Parks were meant to be simple places to enjoy nature and potentially DECOMPRESS! Not to shave a few points off your golf game….and State Park PICKLE BALL…give me a break!
Developers and their profiteering won’t stop until there isn’t any truly GREEN space available from Miami to Tampa!
Ray W. says
Thank you, JimboXYZ.
About 30 years ago, my family and I, complete with three of the children’s friends, vacationed at Cloudland Canyon, a state park in north Georgia just across the Tennessee border from Chattanooga. Six small cabins near a trailhead. Limited impact on the environment, though each had a grill and fire pit. Daily linen service. Near an excellent aquarian, a quality science museum, Ruby Falls, Rock City, panning for gems, and a drivable distance from Six Flags, it was quite the enjoyable experience. Hiking before breakfast and after dinner. A great week.
Jane Gentile Youd says
Golf nor pickleball have anything to do with N A T U R E! In fact golf courses use precious water and many of us have no interest in unnatural man made money making additions. Parks are for us to enjoy what GOD put on this earth as well as homes for all the animals whose home is these parks .
I hope the Sierra Club and Audubon Society take a strong stand.
Look at the mess made at Bings Landing- all for the BarBQ and only 1 single handicapped parking spot to show how much our parks mean to those of who paid for them and can hardy enjoy them for what they original purpose was…
Disgusting is a compliment to these corrupt politicians whose only goal is $$ and helping their developer friends destroy OUR Florida.
Tired of it says
Do they have 350 cabins?
Edith Campins says
I believe Oleta has a total of 12 cabins. The proposal for 350 is nothing more than a gambit so they can negotiate for less…say 100.
Callmeishmael says
Jimbo, the proposal calls for 10 additional cabins as well as four pickleball courts and a disc golf course at Oleta State Park. Seems Oleta would be the least molested among all these proposals. Others are just mind boggling. Like, did they come up with this stuff after hours over a bottle of brown liquor?
The precedent developments such as these would set is unacceptable, as it would be only the beginning.
Keep this stuff out of our state parks!
Last of the Real Florida says
State Parks for Sale! Courtesy of Governor DeSantis and the Free State of Florida.
Wanted – Developers, Investors, Concessionaires – A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity!
Submit a proposal to build a resort at one of our beautiful natural parks conserved with public money and acquired and maintained with the sweat equity of ordinary citizens and civic groups. (And you can likely enlist these citizens and groups to continue to provide litter pick up and trail clearing services for your guests at no cost to your company!)
If your proposal is selected, you will only have to pay a small concession charge. Surrounding amenities are free to the selected resort developer, including security services, parks maintenance, law enforcement, wildfire prevention services, emergency response and a host of other services provided at no charge or obligation. This includes providing land for parking at no charge to you, the developer, for y0ur future customers.
The Free Sate of Florida will construct sewage services, bathrooms and other facilities to accommodate your guests at your future lodging facility. Other subsidized requests will be considered and include job fairs for your future employees that will work in the lower paid job classifications. Immigrant recruits will be located (or relocated) for landscaping services if desired.
Proposers must have experience in clearing native forests and ecosystems. Dredge and fill experience desired. Proposers also must demonstrate, at a minimum, a consistent 6 year track record of substantial political and/or campaign contributions or other material support, which may include in kind services such as the use of corporate jets, for or on behalf of Governor Ron DeSantis and any of his designated agents. This is a once in a lifetime clearance sale of public lands! Hurry before all of the parks are spoken for!
People objecting to the Governor’s Plan should submit their objections to: AnastasiaSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov
And good luck with that!
Laurel says
See Rock City! I still have garnets and large, mica rocks from that area. A favorite thing!
Laurel says
100? I would say none. As JimboXYZ pointed out, hotels are not needed. Anyone can go on the Florida State Parks website and see which parks have cabins. The newer ones have dishwashers and linens, but are still limited to nine or ten. Instead of being surrounded by tourists, you can be surrounded by nature and its beauty.
The idea of hotels, golf courses and pickleball is atrocious! Just more greed seeping in. These politicians need to go.
Laurel says
Jim: Revenue for whom? Have your local taxes been reduced since this recent growth? Floridians are always told growth is both inevitable and good for us. A little two bedroom, one bath house in Flagler Beach, not on the water, is now $6k a year. That’s $500 a month, just for taxes. Think Margarittaville will help? Just who will this revenue go to?
There is nothing “environmentally friendly” about a hotel, its parking lots, its pools and decks, delivery trucks, and the “relocated” gopher tortoises, the severely reduced area for seabird nests, when people can simply visit the natural parks and leave nothing but footprints.
No thanks! Developers, and out of state investors, have done enough damage.
Laurel says
Last of the Real Florida: OMG! That is the best thing I have read in ages! You have hit the nail directly, smack dab, on the head, thank you. It’s a keeper!
Flagler County should have never stopped fighting Captain’s BBQ, it’s the exact same thing! Supposedly, the county settled because of cost. Well, the cost will not end; we got so screwed on that *deal.* Just as you wrote it here.