Florida agency postpones meetings on state park plans, citing ‘overwhelming interest’

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ environmental agency announced Friday afternoon that it will postpone a series of near-simultaneous public hearings on proposed development at nine parks, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, after to face the “great attraction.”

The agency said new meeting dates will be announced soon, but they expect to hold them the week of Sept. 2, according to a social media post. Regional officials said they would look for new places to accommodate the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who came elsewhere to voice their concerns.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection plans to hold meetings around the state Tuesday afternoon for public input on its plans to add a golf course, 350-room condos, pickleball courts, golf courses and more in state parks from Miami to Tampa. in the Panhandle. The plans have faced rapid and overwhelming bipartisan backlash in the days since they were unveiled Wednesday, as elected leaders on opposite sides of the political divide have joined in opposition.

The short notice and timing of each meeting drew strong reactions from former park officials and environmental groups who argued the agency was trying to reduce ts’ the process of gathering public opinion. Eric Draper, who served as director of Florida parks between 2017 and 2021, told the Tampa Bay Times that the agency appeared to have moved away from law enforcement. Albert Gregory, former director of parks planning, said the state is “hoping to take some important steps.”

The postponement also comes after US Republican Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have joined local officials in criticizing DeSantis and the fast-tracking of state plans to develop golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The park is home to the largest number of protected scrub-jay habitats in Southeast Florida.

In a scathing letter on Friday, officials called the proposed one-hour hearing “absolute nonsense,” adding that “not a single member” of the state committee responsible for voting on the plan has will be present at the meeting to hear the public’s concerns. Officials suggested holding national meetings after Thanksgiving, when many temporary residents will be in Florida for the winter, to give the process “loyalty”.

In its announcement Friday afternoon, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection also launched a web page dedicated to public comment on each of the state’s nine regional parks. The survey asks for comments on each of the country’s proposals, and when you select one, the agency provides a brief explanation of its views.

When you click on Jonathan Dickinson State Park, for example, the following message appears:

“Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County) has an existing area of ​​improved land that runs along the Florida East Coast Railway (which runs through the park), to the eastern border of park along US 1. It has been suggested that the area would make a good site for a golf course.”

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Environmental advocacy groups were quick to celebrate the postponement.

In a social media post shortly after the announcement, Audubon Florida offered a message of thanks to its members: “They heard you.”

1000 Friends of Florida was also quick to email subscribers:

“We are grateful to the thousands of Floridians who responded forcefully and pushed FDEP to slow down this swift action,” they wrote. “We encourage you to continue to stay engaged and raise your voice against these negative proposals for our beloved national parks.”

US Representative Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, told residents to keep warm. “Good job, Floridians,” he wrote on social media. “Stay alert.”

However, more than an hour after announcing the postponement, the DeSantis administration took to social media again to highlight the merits of Jonathan Dickinson’s plan — a sign that it is not abandoning the plan. yes. The post included photos of golf courses in other parts of the state and the country.

“Golf will be more accessible to Floridians at this state park and ensure that everyone can enjoy this popular game,” reads the department’s poster.