TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The pushback and protests brought on by a leaked plan to develop multiple Florida state parks this year have prompted a local state lawmaker to take action.
State Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, filed a Senate Bill 80 on Wednesday called the "State Park Preservation Act" to stop the construction of golf courses, pickleball courts, tennis courts and ball fields at state parks.
SB 80 would ensure parks prioritize "conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses" including fishing, camping, bicycling, hiking, nature study, swimming, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, diving, birding, sailing, jogging and similar activities.
"State conservation lands must be managed to ensure the conservation of this state's plant and animal species and to ensure the accessibility of state lands for the benefit and enjoyment of all people of this state, both present and future," the bill states.
Read the full bill below:
The measure would also limit the number of people staying in a cabin on state park land to six guests.
"Camping cabins must, to the maximum extent practicable, be sited to avoid impacts to a state park's critical habitat and natural and historical resources," according to the bill.
If Florida lawmakers pass the measure this year, it will not take effect until July 1, 2025.
Harrell's legislation comes after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Great Outdoors Initiative sparked bi-partisan pushback and protests from residents for days in late August. The controversial plan was ultimately scrapped by the FDEP a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis said: "a lot of that stuff was just half-baked and was not ready for prime time."
Sparking much of the protest on the Treasure Coast in August was a plan to build golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County where Harrell lives and represents.
"GIVES ME HOPE"
WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield went to Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Thursday to see what people are saying about the bill.
Hatfield spoke with Bryce Rutkowski, who loves the park.
"Some of this land is so special," Rutkowski said. "Ancient sand dunes, and it has all the ecosystems."
It's here that he runs to train and to escape.
"I find myself really in the element out here, just letting go into nature," Rutkowski said.
That's why Rutkowski said he was angry in August when the Great Outdoors Initiative was announced.
"It fired me up," he said. "I saw red. I couldn't believe it. I felt cheated."
He was shocked that his favorite park and running trails might be turned into golf courses.
"We got enough golf," Rutkowski said.
Chrissy Deutsch of Martin County is relieved that lawmakers seem to be listening to the voices who opposed park development this past summer.
"It gives me hope ... that there are other people out there listening," Deutsch said.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of this issue and protests below:
State
FDEP withdraws all remaining proposed amendments to state parks
Protecting Paradise
FACT CHECK: DeSantis calls state park 'abandoned military facility'
Golf
Report: Woods, Nicklaus involved in plan to build state park golf courses
State
Florida DEP official: Leaking of state parks plan 'felt like sabotage'
Region Martin County
'TOTAL SECRECY' What fired DEP whistleblower told WPTV about state parks plan
Protecting Paradise
Did drop in state park revenue lead to creation of Great Outdoors Initiative?
State
DeSantis: 'We're not going to take away any green space'
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
