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."