Florida lawmakers are one step closer to passing protections for state parks
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers are one step closer to passing protections for state parks.
This vote follows protest after protest at Florida's state parks against any possible developments.
'A revolt': DeSantis slams Republican leaders over dueling budget proposals
Now, the Senate will vote on a bill that would prohibit things like pickleball courts and more lodging from being built.
When you visit a Florida state park, will you see nature preserves and wildlife, or will there be newly built golf courses and hotels? The question comes as the push to protect nine Florida state parks is nearing its final hurdle.
'What we have in our landscape is irreplaceable and once it's gone, we're never going to get it back,' Gia Medina said.
As groups continue to push against future developments in protests across the state, efforts to modify the bill to give leniency to developers was rejected in the final committee stop on Tuesday.
This comes after development plans to build golf courses and add more lodging to state parks like Hillsborough River and Honeymoon Island were leaked, which caused widespread backlash.
'I don't think that they're going to stop at a single pickleball court, or one little trail, or one little glamping site. I think that once that door is opened, it's going to continue on until there's no more wild Florida left,' Medina said.
Not everyone opposes the potential additions.
'If those things inspire people to get out of the house, get off their devices, and connect with people outdoors, I'm all for the change and the amendments,' said Matthew McClellan.
Some people see the potential of a disc golf course or a chance to play pickleball at a state park as a way to have the area grow.
Sen. Moody, growers say this change could help save the citrus industry
'It's very underutilized, I think there's so much more that you could do with the space to enhance the area,' McClellan said.
The future of the parks now lies in the hands of the Senate. If the bill passes, it will take effect starting this July.
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