Senate postpones bill to block development in state parks

Ron DeSantis managed to do what no one thought possible — unify Republicans and Democrats in opposition to the development of state parks.

The Senate Tuesday postponed a bill that would limit development in Florida state parks.

The “The State Park Preservation Act” gained increasing support and momentum this Legislative Session as a rebuke of attempted additions last year, such as golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts on state park land. Those proposals prompted widespread protests by residents last Summer. The plans by the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration were eventually dropped.

The bills this Session (SB 80, HB 209) had already gained momentum by legislators in several committees. Representatives gave unanimous approval on the House floor this month, and the measure was supposed to be considered by Senators. But the bill was postponed in the early going of the Senate session Tuesday. Lawmakers did not take up the measure by the time the session wrapped late in the day.

It’s possible the Senate still finds time to revisit the bill. But the measure being stalled this late raises questions about its future with only a few days remaining in the Legislative Session.

The State Preservation Act states it would require “public hearings for all updated conservation and nonconservation land management plans; requiring the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection to comply with specified provisions when granting certain privileges, leases, concessions, and permits.”

The Senate bill is identical to a House measure by Rep. John Snyder, a Stuart Republican, that was approved on the floor of that chamber earlier this month.

The bill was so popular, there was an outcry when Republican Sen. Joe Gruters suggested an amendment.

Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, proposed during a Fiscal Policy Committee meeting April 22 to add public hearings that could be opened up to review suggested additions to state parks. Gruters said such measures would still need to clear a “high hurdle” before any new development to state parks could be approved.

His fellow committee members rejected the proposed amendment after testimony from the public became intense.

Travis Moore of the Friends of the Everglades said the amendment was not what those who were opposed to state park development would even entertain.

“I don’t think the public (last) Summer was interested in setting a high hurdle,” Moore said. “I think there’s clarity from the outpouring that we saw (last) Summer that golf courses not be allowed.”