Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes to replace state parks with golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has launched a proposal to get rid of some of the state's natural parks, and replace them with golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels, according to the Florida department of Environmental Protection.

The state Department of Environmental Protection launched its 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative last week, which proposes to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across nine of the state's parks.

The proposal provided little details about how or when it plans to carry out these constructions, but it did focus on Gov. DeSantis' investments in conserving the state's natural landscapes.

"We have done more in our tenure, in terms of Everglades restoration, in terms of improving water quality— what we're doing with the Indian River Lagoon, nobody's done. It's historic," the governor said during a press conference on Thursday, where he defended his construction ideas.

The proposal was quickly met with criticism by advocates and political allies alike, who warn about the possible environmental impacts of eliminating these parks. Following the uproar, one group said it's no longer pursuing golf courses at one of the parks.

Activists argue that if this plan is carried out, life for the small blue and gray birds and many other imperiled species could get much harder.

State parks "are the last strongholds for a lot of wildlife in rapidly urbanizing communities in Florida," said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, an organization that seeks to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds.

"They have an outsized importance— not just to wildlife but also as places where Floridians and visitors can continue to see what Florida was like. It's the best of Florida," she said.

Throughout his tenure as governor, DeSantis has enjoyed overwhelming support by other conservative GOP lawmakers. But unlike his views on abortion, LGBT rights, guns and more, his new stance on the environment seems to be drawing opposition from some of his supporters.

Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo took to social media to express her discontent with the proposal.

"Our vision (for state parks) did not contemplate the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my view are not in-line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature," Passidomo posted on X. "From what I know this time, the proposal should not move forward in its current form."

All of the parks slated for development are located near heavily visited tourist destinations, including Miami, Tampa, Panama City and St. Augustine.

Amid the criticism, the DeSantis administration is defending its plans— which are not final— and touted the administration's investments in protecting and conserving the state's natural resources.

"Teddy Roosevelt believed that public parks were for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, and we agree with him," press secretary Jeremy Redfern said. "But it's high time we made public lands more accessible to the public."