Ron DeSantis blames leaks of 'half-baked' plan to replace state parks with golf courses on 'left wing' groups

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is blaming on 'left-wing' groups the leaks of his administration's plan to build golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels in state parks, which he shelved on Wednesday after generalized uproar.

Speaking at a press conference, DeSantis said there was "stuff" in the plan that was "half-baked" and "not ready for prime time," adding that they were "intentionally leaked out to a left-wing group to try to create a narrative."

The controversy began last week after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its 2024-2025 "Great Outdoors Initiative," which would "increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at Florida's state parts, including pickleball, disc golf and paddling."

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.

However, it was quickly met with criticism by advocates and political allies alike, who warned about the possible environmental impacts of eliminating these parks. Local Republicans also reportedly received petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures.

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.

Following the uproar, groups involved in the project backtracked and withdrew their support. DeSantis also took little to react, shelving the plan less than a week after the announcement and saying he'd rather "not spend any money on this." "I mean, if people don't want improvements, then don't do it," he said.

Activists argued that if this plan moved forward, life for the small blue and gray birds and many other imperiled species could have gotten 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.