TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — WPTV learned Wednesday that Gov. Ron DeSantis will call on the Florida Department of Environment Protection (FDEP) to rework the state's controversial "Great Outdoors Initiative," according to an official with the governor's administration.
DeSantis is seeking more public input on the project before moving forward, planning to restart the public hearing process sometime next year, the unnamed official said.
This comes after major pushback to the plan, which would have built golf courses, lodging and pickleball courts at nine state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.
WATCH BELOW: DeSantis speaks about controversial state parks proposal
For the first time since the proposal surfaced, the governor took questions from reporters who asked him about the project.
"This was something that was leaked. It was not approved by me. I never saw that," DeSantis said. "They're going back to the drawing board. ... I'd rather not spend any money on this. If people don't want improvements then don't do it."
The governor said no decisions will be made this year and "they're going to go back and basically listen to folks."
Referring to the controversial proposal from FDEP that came out last week, DeSantis said it was "intentionally leaked out to a left-wing group to create a narrative" and "a lot of that stuff was just half-baked and was not ready for prime time."
The governor maintained that he has been a supporter of the environment and wild spaces during his term in office.
"Since I've been governor, we've added over a quarter of a million acres to conservation land, we established the Florida Wildlife Corridor," DeSantis said. "On the state parks, if there does need to be improvements, we're not going to take away any green space."
He said the state isn't "getting into the golf course business" but did touch on the charity group Folds of Honor, which was connected to a now withdrawn proposal at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
WATCH BELOW: Rep. Mast yet to hear from DeSantis, FDEP on state parks proposal
"They had a proposal. It wasn't approved yet," DeSantis said. "There was a lot of vetting that needed to be done to take this abandoned military base in Martin County, convert it into something that can be really nice that would make the general public be able to afford doing it because this stuff can be expensive, and then take the proceeds and use that to fund the scholarships for the military families and for the first responder families."
The governor said some of the backlash from the proposal was "misrepresented" and suggested Folds of Honor could possibly improve an existing run-down golf course to execute their project.
DeSantis was also asked if he would be involved in more oversight of other state park plans in the future.
"As a governor, I'm not refereeing how big this campsite is or that," DeSantis responded. "I mean it's just not things that I've been getting involved in. ... I am totally fine to just do nothing and do no improvements. If that's what the general public wants, then that's fine with me."
WPTV traveled to Tallahassee this week to speak to DeSantis' office and members of the FDEP, but no one would answer our questions. Stay with our coverage as we continue to press for answers.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of the proposal and protests below:
Let's Hear It
WE HEARD FROM YOU: What you said at WPTV's issue-driven event about state parks
Let's Hear It
'I love the park': Kids put a voice to state parks issue
Region Martin County
Withdraw of the J.D. Park plans potentially saved the status of local rare bird
Region Martin County
Could Jonathan Dickinson State Park qualify for national park status?
Palm Beach County
'Let it be what it is': Tequesta Brewing rallies against state park proposals
Region Martin County
Locals say 'neigh' in equestrian protest to Jonathan Dickinson State Park revamp
Region Martin County
'NOT GOING TO STOP': Locals rally against DEP's proposals for J.D. State Park
Region Martin County
Meeting for Jonathan Dickinson State Park plan rescheduled, new venue sought
Region Martin County
Giving mountain bikers a voice on state park golf course proposal
Jensen Beach
This coffee bar is uniquely tied to Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Region Martin County
'SLAP IN THE FACE': Mast, Harrell, Overdorf call out proposed golf courses
Region Martin County
How many people are allowed to attend DEP's Jonathan Dickinson Park meeting?
Region Martin County
'WOULD BE AMAZING': What golfers told WPTV about state park proposal
Region Martin County
WE HEARD FROM YOU: Nature lovers push back on golf courses at park
Region Martin County
