STUART, Fla. — Lawmakers and officials joined residents in Martin County on Tuesday to voice their opposition to Florida's "Great Outdoors Initiative," which has plans to build golf courses and other outdoor-related facilities at state parks.
U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., was among those in attendance, thanking opponents of the golf course proposal at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
"I think it's pretty awesome that we've got tens of thousands of people that came together to move policy," Mast said.
WATCH BELOW: Mast applauds community's quick action to fight development at park
For a place he calls the last reservoir of wilderness in the area, he said he wants answers.
"I think everybody in this community is owed a response — from the top down," Mast said. "Hey, how did this come to be?"
Mast said he has tried contacting Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection about the controversial project but has not heard back from either one of them yet.
WPTV asked him what he wants to know.
"I think there is some very specific answers that need to come out," Mast responded. "No. 1 is this a wheel that is already in motion? That being said, there was one request for a proposal that went out, and there was a notice of a public comment period. Is that wheel just in motion and can't be (brought) to a halt by the governor saying, 'Hey this will not happen.'"
As far as making Jonathan Dickinson a national park, he said there are many hurdles to that, namely money to care and maintain the park and if the state would even agree to it.
Region Martin County
Could Jonathan Dickinson State Park qualify for national park status?
WATCH BELOW: Republican lawmakers call out plan to build golf courses at state parks
Mast said he is urging the FDEP to hold a "transparent public comment period" that allows everyone to have their voice heard. He said he has also requested all internal documents and communications from the FDEP and its Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) regarding the proposed plan at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
A group connected to the proposal, Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, announced Sunday they decided to withdraw from a plan to build three golf courses at the park.
However, there are fears that another group could replace Tuskegee Dunes and try to move forward with the plan, which has drawn criticism from public officials and numerous members of the community over the last several days.
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
