Drew Dixon
A proposed measure to block further development on Florida state park land got one step closer to becoming law when the House State Affairs Committee gave unanimous approval.
The proposed “State Park Preservation Act” drew intense attention in Tallahassee as several environmental activist groups were on hand to express support of the measure.
The measure (HB 209) was presented by Rep. John Snyder, a Stuart Republican. It came in response to massive outcry by residents last Summer when the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration proposed increasing development on protected park land. That program suggested redevelopment of nine state parks to include golf courses, new hotels and pickleball courts, among other amenities.
Snyder said he wants the bill to pass in order “to make sure our state parks are preserved for the sanctuaries that they are.”
The bill nevertheless has drawn some criticism from environmental activists who staged protests last weekend. There were 16 so-called “love fests” at state parks through the weekend by activists who want legislators to strengthen proposed measures.
The State Affairs Committee approved an amendment that eliminated language stipulating that additions to state parks would have to “cause substantial harm” in order to be blocked.
Eve Samples, Executive Director of the Friends of the Everglades, said the removal of that language would lead to stronger protection. She said last weekend’s protest helped convince lawmakers to strengthen the measure.
The bill will next head to the House floor.
Meanwhile, a companion bill (SB 80) is winding through the Senate for consideration.
Despite the bills moving forward, activists say they’ll hold similar protests this coming Saturday and Sunday to reemphasize their position before the measures go to full floor votes in both chambers. Those upcoming protests will take place at Hillsborough River State Park and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
One comment
Jacob Gaskins
April 8, 2025 at 1:52 pm
The next thing they’re going to try is to go after the County Parks.
The director of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County is already in cahoots with the right leaning board of county commissioners here to allow a golf course to be built at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa.