Group withdraws proposal to build golf courses in state park

They called, emailed and protested Proposal to build three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.

Now it seems your voices are being heard by decision makers in Tallahassee.

A group called the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, which planned to build golf courses in the park, has withdrawn its proposal.

WPTV received a statement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday evening that said:

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection appreciates the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation’s well-intentioned proposal for a public golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

While they are withdrawing their proposal, the foundation worked with the state to advance a project that would have created a public, world-class golf course for all while supporting veterans, first responders and their families.”

Their plan to honor the Tuskegee Airmen was noble. We appreciate their decision to pursue projects outside of the park and will continue to support the foundation’s mission. This project will be removed from agency review.”

Alexandra Kuchta
FDEP

Since these plans were first announced last week as part of the state’s so-called “Great Outdoors Initiative,” thousands of residents and lawmakers at all levels have expressed concern about the proposal.

“DOES THAT MEAN SOMEONE ELSE CAN STEP IN?”

There is currently cautious optimism in the environmental community.

WPTV spoke with Jessica Namath, whose Facebook page “Protect Jonathan Dickinson State Park” grew to 45,000 members in less than a week.

She said the FDEP’s statement still left her with many unanswered questions.

WATCH BELOW: Jessica Namath shares her thoughts on the plan’s withdrawal

“More questions … than answers”: Jessica Namath comments on group’s decision to withdraw golf course plan at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

“They may have backed out, I don’t blame them, but does that mean someone else can step in and pick up where they left off?” Namatha said. “What about the other parks? That happened once before in 2011. We’re dealing with it now. I don’t need my children or grandchildren to fight this in the future. They’ve seen how many children have campaigned for this.”

There are still many unanswered questions about this proposal.

It is unclear who is behind the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation.

The organization apparently launched a website on Sunday announcing its withdrawal.

WPTV will continue to keep you updated on new developments.

Read more of WPTV’s coverage of the proposal and protests below: