By Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promoted his initiatives to restore the Everglades and improve water quality on Thursday, as his administration’s plan to build golf courses, lodging, and pickleball courts in some state parks garnered backlash.
“We have done more in our tenure, in terms of Everglades restoration, in terms of improving water quality — what we’re doing with the Indian River Lagoon, nobody’s done. It’s historic,” the governor said during a press conference on Thursday, during which he announced a $5.8 million grant for Space Coast Regional Airport.
It’s not just environmental groups ringing the alarm about the plan — Senate President Katleen Passidomo, plus a Panhandle Republican lawmaker and members of the Florida Cabinet have come out against the plan, which would disturb the landscape at nine parks across the state. The Cabinet comprises independently elected statewide officers who help governors oversee state land.
Jay Trumbull via Florida Senate
Gov. Ron DeSantis talked about his environmental record during a press conference on Aug. 22, 2024, in Titusville. (Screenshot from Florida Channel)
Passidomo said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix that the state has worked to improve outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking, not hotels and golf courses.
“Our vision did not contemplate the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my view are not in line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature,” she said. “I am open to other ideas, but from what I know at this time, the proposal should not move forward in its current form.”
The DeSantis administration portrays the proposed changes as an attempt to make the parks more accessible. Jeremy Redfern, the governor’s press secretary, wrote in a statement that the plans aren’t final.
“The agency’s initial recommendations are based on public input and proposals — from pickleball to golf to additional bike trails and camping access; the proposals vary and may not all be approved. Finally, recommendations will be evaluated, and no final decisions will be made until the public comment and review process has been completed,” he wrote.
Panhandle Sen. Jay Trumbull, who chairs the Committee on Commerce and Tourism, took to X to expresshis “strong opposition” on Thursday, writing that the state should not try to compete with private businesses.
“Our state parks are a treasure and they should remain focused on their primary mission: offering a refuge for those who seek to experience Florida’s natural beauty in its purest form,” he wrote. “I urge my fellow lawmakers and citizens to join me in protecting these parks from unnecessary development and ensuring that our natural heritage is preserved for all to enjoy.”
Three of the nine state parks targeted in the expansion — Camp Helen, Topsail Hill Preserve, and Grayton Beach — fall within his district.
Cabinet dissent
Two of his cabinet members, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, shared their concerns with building infrastructure in state parks, according to Florida Politics.
“Public lands should be enjoyed and protected. We have to be really careful when we talk about building infrastructure in state parks,” Simpson told Florida Politics. He also posted the comment on X. The news organization also quoted Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis warning against starting down a “slippery slope.”
“The current state parks have established designation, design, followings for their theme or characteristics,” Patronis said.
House Speaker Paul Renner and Speaker-elect Danny Perez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This story has been updated to include comment from Kathleen Passidomo and the governor’s office.
