Our state parks are safe — for now. That’s a huge credit to all of YOU who raised your voices against ill-conceived plans that proposed harmful development, including golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts, in nine beloved Florida state parks.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Wednesday the plan is “not ready for prime time” and the state will not pursue any of the proposals this year — but we’re not letting our guard down.
“After eight days of public outrage, DeSantis was forced to back off plans to develop nine Florida state parks — a huge credit to all the people who united in opposition. That said, we won’t rest easy until the so-called Great Outdoors Initiative is completely dead. We will remain vigilant in defense of Florida’s natural lands, water and wildlife,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades.
We did this together. Just over a week ago, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection released this terrible proposal under the direction of the Governor’s office.
Floridians did not waste time. All across the state we rose up together in support of keeping state parks wild. Our voices were loud and we’ve been heard.
Now, just one day after masses of Floridians rallied at protests across the state, we’re seeing the results of people power. DeSantis said he directed FDEP to “go back to the drawing board,” insisting on more community input before restarting the public hearing process next year.
We’ve won this battle, but the war isn’t over. Our progress proves that we win when we stand together. We are grateful to every one of you who supported this effort. All of this work is powered by your donations.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. And keep fighting for natural Florida.
