The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has postponed a series of public meetings regarding a contentious proposal to introduce new developments in state parks, including lodges, pickleball courts, and golf courses. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, these meetings have been pushed back, with new dates expected during the week of September 2, according to an announcement made by the DEP on X.
The agency cited the need to find larger venues to better accommodate public attendance as the reason for the delay. The news was first reported by The Tampa Bay Times. That article quickly swept through the community and stirred concern and protests from area residents who don’t want see their beloved natural spaces developed.
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The proposal, known as the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” has sparked significant opposition from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as environmental groups. The plan would affect nine state parks across Florida, introducing various amenities such as large lodges with up to 350 rooms, pickleball courts, disc golf courses, and traditional golf courses. The plans include the construction of pickleball courts and a disc golf course at Hillsborough River State Park.
The proposal includes news gol courses, hotels, and more at state parks
The proposal outlines several developments across Florida’s state parks, including a 350-room hotel with pickleball courts and disc golf at Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County, and new cabins or glamping facilities at Camp Helen State Park near Panama City Beach. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Hollywood is slated to receive pickleball courts, while Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County will see the removal of its iconic observation tower to make way for three new golf courses. Additionally, Oleta River State Park in Miami-Dade County is set to feature a disc golf course, four pickleball courts, cabins, and glamping, while Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park in Walton County will both add a 350-room lodge, cabins, and facilities for disc golf and pickleball.
The DEP’s confirmation of these rumored amenities has intensified public debate, with many expressing concern about the environmental impact and the changing character of the state parks. The new meeting dates will provide an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on the proposed developments.
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