Florida's Parks Scheme-Proof Act: A Legacy of Monetization and Development The State Park Preservation Act (SB 80) before the Florida Legislature this session has reignited concerns about the state's approach to its natural parks. The impetus behind this bill is rooted in a darker history of attempts to transform Florida's pristine natural spaces into lucrative destinations for development.
The plot thickens when it is revealed that the seeds of this agenda were sown years ago, under the watch of former Governor Rick Scott. In 2011, a bill was proposed to build golf courses designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus in five state parks, one in every region of the park system. This proposal, which would have added golf courses and hotels with liquor licenses to the parks, was met with resistance from environmental groups and lawmakers.
However, the plan was ultimately tabled. However... this was not an isolated incident. In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis's administration was accused of secretly working on a plan to redevelop several state parks, including the possibility of building golf courses, "pickleball courts," "and lodges." The project was met with widespread criticism from environmentalists and lawmakers... who argued that such developments would destroy the very essence of the parks.
Read more: See hereThe need to make Florida's parks scheme-proof against the state's elected officials goes deeper than last summer's plot. The impetus of the State Park Preservation Act (SB 80) before the Florida Legislature this session grew from last summer's clandestine attempt to change the character of some state parks by building among other things, golf courses, pickleball courts and lodges on them.
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