Winter Haven, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the public uproar regarding plans to develop Florida state parks with golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels. The controversial proposals, unveiled by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, triggered widespread condemnation from politicians of both parties and incited protests across the state.
The Governor, breaking his days of silence on the issue, stated that the state would revisit the plans and go “back to the drawing board.” In a news conference in Winter Haven, DeSantis distanced himself from the proposals, emphasizing that they were not approved by him and were leaked to a left-wing group in a premature state.
The Department of Environmental Protection had displayed the plans on its website and social media, intending to conduct public meetings, which were later canceled. DeSantis assured the public that no green space would be taken away and no further actions would be taken on the plans for the rest of the year. He acknowledged the need to listen to stakeholders and reconsider the direction.
The controversy also involved the involvement of a national veterans nonprofit, Folds of Honor, which had proposed building a golf course within a state park to fund scholarships for families of deceased or disabled service members. However, due to the backlash, the group withdrew its proposal and is considering refurbishing an existing golf course in the state instead.
Opponents of the plans, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, called for further investigations into the failed proposals and questioned the Governor’s knowledge and involvement in the matter. The article also highlighted a separate land swap deal involving DeSantis that raised concerns about conservation efforts and land management decisions.
State Senator Joe Gruters commended the Governor for listening to public feedback and acknowledged the misjudgment in gauging public sentiments on the state park development plans. The article delved into the complexities and controversies surrounding the proposals, shedding light on the various perspectives and criticisms voiced by stakeholders and experts in the field.