Protect Our Parks

Protect Our Parks

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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released a plan to fast-track development of golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts, and more on top of vulnerable habitat in nine state parks across Florida. This is unacceptable. This proposal flies in the face of the very purpose of our state park system - to conserve natural areas for passive recreation. 

State parks have always balanced nature-based recreation with resource protection, and Florida’s is the only state park system in the country to win the gold medal for state parks FOUR TIMES. State parks protect Florida's most scenic landscapes, safeguarding resources not ...

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released a plan to fast-track development of golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts, and more on top of vulnerable habitat in nine state parks across Florida. This is unacceptable. This proposal flies in the face of the very purpose of our state park system - to conserve natural areas for passive recreation. 

State parks have always balanced nature-based recreation with resource protection, and Florida’s is the only state park system in the country to win the gold medal for state parks FOUR TIMES. State parks protect Florida's most scenic landscapes, safeguarding resources not only for wildlife, but also for water quality, fire protection, flood control, drinking water supply, and more. Often they protect some of the last, best remaining examples of rare habitats and views left in our rapidly urbanizing state. Many of these parks are already operating at peak visitation within  communities that have ample lodging, golf courses, and pickleball courts. 

Florida has no shortage of places to swing a golf club, eat a continental breakfast, or try your hand at pickleball—but increasingly rare are the opportunities to spot the deep blue feathers of a Florida Scrub-Jay, witness the miracle of neotropical bird migration, or experience Florida in all its natural beauty. Help us stop this ridiculous proposal. 

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Email State Officials to Protect Our Parks

Nine state parks are at risk for development of golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts and more including:

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County)
  • Anastasia State Park (St. Johns County)
  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Walton County)
  • Camp Helen State Park (Bay County)
  • Grayton Beach State Park (Walton County)
  • Hillsborough River State Park (Hillsborough County)
  • Honeymoon Island State Park (Pinellas County)
  • Dr. Von Mizell – Eula Johnson State Park (Broward County)
  • Oleta River State Park (Miami-Dade County)

It only takes a couple of minutes to email state leaders to let them know that these things don't belong in our state parks. Take a moment now and urge them to stop this proposal. 

Customized emails are more impactful. You can include things like:

  • Examples of the animals and habitats that exist in your park
  • How the proposed development would negatively impact your state park
  • An argument that this proposal is contrary to the entire purpose of state parks - to protect land for passive recreation 

Compose your email

Email Tips +

  • Clearly state your opposition (Example: "I am urging you to stop this proposal because...")
  • Keep it short. There is no need to write a whole essay. A few sentences will do. 
  • Make it personal. Elected officials tend to ignore emails that are copied and pasted from 100s of people. Add a personal touch like a story or how this would impact your family and community. 

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