The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has postponed a series of public meetings on a controversial proposal to bring new developments to state parks, including lodges, pickleball courts and golf courses. Those meetings were originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, but have been postponed. New dates are expected the week of September 2, according to a DEP announcement on X.
The agency cited the need to find larger venues to better accommodate the influx of visitors as the reason for the delay.
The proposal, known as the Great Outdoors Initiative, has drawn significant opposition from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as environmental groups. The plan would affect nine state parks across Florida and introduce various amenities such as large lodges with up to 350 rooms, pickleball courts, disc golf courses and traditional golf courses. Plans include building pickleball courts and a disc golf course at Hillsborough River State Park.
The proposal includes new golf courses, hotels and more in state parks
Specific details of the proposal include:
- A 350-room hotel, pickleball courts and disc golf at Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County.
- Cabins or glamping facilities at Camp Helen State Park near Panama City Beach.
- Pickleball courts at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Hollywood.
- The demolition of the iconic observation tower at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, where the state also plans to build three golf courses.
- A disc golf course, four pickleball courts, cabins and glamping at Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County.
- A 350-room lodge, four pickleball courts, and a disc golf course at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, along with cabins, four pickleball courts, and a disc golf course at Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County.
The DEP’s endorsement of these alleged amenities has heightened public debate, with many expressing concern about environmental impacts and the changing character of state parks. The new meeting dates provide an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on the proposed developments.
