Stuart, Florida: A Tussle Over State Parks Set to Continue
Last summer was eventful for Florida’s state parks, and it seems the drama isn’t over yet. The conversation kicked off around plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts, and lodges in some of Florida’s treasured state parks. This sparked quite the stir across the state, and now it looks like the State Parks Preservation Act is diving headfirst into the upcoming 2025 legislative session.
New Bill on the Table
State Senator Gayle Harrell, from Stuart, has taken center stage with her newly proposed bill, known as SB 80. What’s the goal? To ensure that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) focuses on keeping things natural in our state parks. Harrell’s proposal specifically aims to promote recreational activities that are conservation-based and cheerfully leaves out everything that involves sports fields, including golf, tennis, and yes, even pickleball.
This legislative push is rooted in Harrell’s own backyard. Her district is home to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which had its own controversial plans for three golf courses under last year’s “Great Outdoors Initiative.” Many remember the community uproar when it was proposed to remove beloved attractions like the boardwalk and the Hobe Mountain observation tower.
A Shift in Direction
The new bill is a departure from how things were handled in recent years. Previously, Republican lawmakers, who have a solid grip on both the House and Senate, were pretty cozy with the executive decisions of Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been in the spotlight, especially since launching his presidential campaign. The Great Outdoors Initiative, though touted by some, fell flat just weeks after an announcement due to public backlash and protests. It aimed to sprinkle a range of commercial ideas across state parks, even proposing a 350-room lodge at Topsail Preserve.
What really stirred the pot was the short notice given to the public for participating in discussions about these plans. Less than a week for a big public hearing? That didn’t sit well with many, including officials as high as U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott who slammed the initiative as “absolutely ridiculous.”
Back to Basics
After a swift withdrawal from these commercial plans by DeSantis, Harrell’s bill now aims to establish some guidelines for the DEP if they decide to revisit such initiatives. What’s different this time? The new law would require detailed 10-year management plans for the state parks. These plans ought to offer a clear picture of each park’s resources, including descriptions of the land and natural features like water bodies and culturally significant spots.
Not stopping there, Harrell insists these management plans should also include measurable objectives concerning habitat restoration, public access, and sustainable forest management. If any changes to these plans are proposed, the public will get at least 30 days’ notice for a hearing—an effort to keep things transparent and community-driven.
What’s Next?
The community and state lawmakers are all eyes and ears as the situation unfolds. With the new bill on the table, there’s a serious conversation brewing about the future of Florida’s beautiful state parks. Will these preserved lands remain untouched for fishing, camping, and hiking, or will the push for recreational facilities like golf and pickleball courts resurface? Only time will tell as we roll towards the 2025 legislative session.
For now, it’s clear: the battle between protecting Florida’s natural beauty and modern recreational desires is far from settled.
