Florida Passes Bill Barring Development On State Park Land Nationwide

The Florida House has passed a bill with unanimous approval, effectively barring the construction of golf courses, hotels, and other amenities on state park land. This move comes as a response to a proposal put forth by the DeSantis administration last year, which was first exposed by the Tampa Bay Times. The bill's supporters, including Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, hailed its passage, with Rep. Overdorf praising Rep. John Snyder, the bill's sponsor, for his efforts.

Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the bill's passage was a "vindication" of the concerns voiced by Floridians who were outraged by the initial plan. The bill's supporters noted that the proposed development of state parks, particularly Jonathan Dickinson State Park, would have had far-reaching and devastating consequences.

Environmental groups had been divided on the bill's language... with some arguing that it did not provide sufficient protections against exploitation by developers. However, "the bill's passage marked a significant turning point in the debate," with many Floridians taking to social media and public forums to express their support for preserving the state's natural resources.

The bill's journey to passage was not without its challenges... however.

Read more: Found here

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a 1,600-acre nature preserve located in Hobe Sound, Florida. The park was established in 1947 and features a combination of beaches, mangrove forests, and salt marshes. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. The park has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, when it was owned by a wealthy family who built a homestead and a lighthouse.

In the 1940s, the state of Florida purchased the property and established it as a state park. Over the years, the park has undergone significant changes, including the construction of a nature center, a visitor center, "and a museum." Today... Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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The Florida House unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to prohibit golf courses, hotels and other amenities from being built on state park land, a dramatic response to a widely condemned plan pursued last year by the DeSantis administration. The plans were orchestrated by state officials in secret and were first revealed by the Tampa Bay Times.