DUNEDIN, Florida. – Dozens of protesters lined the entrance to Honeymoon Island State Park this weekend, opposing a proposed state development plan that calls for the construction of lodges, pickleball courts and other amenities in at least nine parks across Florida.
““They’re proposing to build pickleball courts here on Honeymoon Island, which no one has asked for,” explained one of the group’s organizers, Michelle Birnbaum. “We come here because it’s incredibly beautiful and peaceful.”
The huge barrier island park is also home to numerous plant and animal species.
READ: Resistance to Florida State Parks development plans is growing
“We have areas where you can hike to see eagle nests, owls and ospreys. No one who visits this beautiful park, which is perhaps one of the most visited parks in the entire state, comes here and asks where the pickleball courts are,” Birnbaum emphasized.
Enthusiastic park visitors like Birnbaum and Erik Cantie are leading the local effort to raise awareness. They formed a group called Protect Honeymoon Island State Park, which has more than 2,000 members just days after its formation.
“Even the pickleball players think it’s not a good idea,” Cantie told FOX 13. “We found that out on our Facebook group page. Everyone was saying, ‘Watch out for the pickleball players, they’re coming to get you.’ But that’s just not true. Everyone’s saying, ‘You know, I don’t want to play pickleball on the beach.’
Dunedin city officials agree.
They released a statement shortly after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection released plans titled “The Great Outdoor Initiative.”
It read:
“Honeymoon Island, Florida’s most visited state park with more than one million visitors each year, is known for its pristine beaches and natural habitat. Given the number of visitors each year, it’s clear that the park should stay as it is.”
The protesters added that they would welcome funds being made available to make the park an even more pristine place for these visitors.
“Let’s start with better access for the disabled or fix the bathrooms,” Cantie said.
Angela Grannan, who has worked as both an environmental consultant and a real estate agent for more than two decades, says other locations should be considered instead of nature reserves.
““I understand the need to protect and preserve natural areas; and I also understand the desire for progress and development. The two just don’t really go together,” Grannan explained. “Maybe you can find those areas that are less used and closer to urban centers and so accessible to others, rather than natural areas.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has postponed meetings originally scheduled for this week on the proposed changes “due to overwhelming interest” in the initiative.
The meetings are expected to take place during the week of September 2, but exact dates have not yet been announced.
They have also set up a website where Florida residents can provide their feedback. More information can be found here.
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