Protecting Florida’s State Parks

August 26, 2024 | Sarasota

On Monday, August 19, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s announced significant proposed changes to nine state parks across Florida. In the time since, Floridians throughout the State have been vocal in their objections to the proposal. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to ask how you can take action. The outpouring of support from those in our community who want to protect our state parks has been tremendous and we’re honored to stand alongside you to preserve wild Florida.

It is essential we safeguard the critical lands upon which our community and native wildlife depend. State parks provide exceptional opportunities to enjoy wild Florida at its best – untouched landscapes supporting diverse species and offering a place of respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are fortunate to live in a state with such a varied landscape and wide range of nature-based recreational opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. We support increasing opportunities for people to enjoy nature and believe it is imperative to balance public recreation with the needs of the natural world. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have serious implications for the future of land conservation and Florida’s protected lands.

Changes proposed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection include adding golf courses, pickleball courts, disc golf courses, park lodges – up to 350 rooms, glamping sites, cabins, and more.

Those interested in providing feedback on proposed changes are encouraged to attend a public meeting or submit an email comment. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks will accept email comments for 48 hours after the conclusion of the Tuesday public comment sessions.

Below are the locations of the statewide public meetings taking place the week of September:

• Hillsborough River State Park, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Community Room D
• Honeymoon Island State Park, The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater
• Oleta River State Park, Florida International University, Biscayne Bay campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 NE 151 Street North, Miami
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park, The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave., River Room, Stuart
• Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Downtown Event Center, 416 NE First St., Fort Lauderdale, Lecture Hall, Building C, second floor (Enter at Main Entrance B — clearly marked on the outside of the building.)
• Anastasia State Park, First Coast Technical College, The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine
• Camp Helen State Park, Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park, Watercolor Inn & Resort, Watercolor Lake House, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach

Email addresses for comments along with additional information about the events can be found at floridadep.gov/events.

We thank those invested in protecting wild Florida and ensuring our State remains sustainable and thriving for generations to come.

Christine P. Johnson is president of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, a regional land trust working to protect land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.

Tom Kay is executive director of Alachua Conservation Trust, a regional land trust protecting the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida.