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Florida State Parks

The Florida State Parks Whistleblower and the Public Outcry

James Gaddis, the FL State Parks whistleblower, foiled DeSantis's secret plan to pillage our state parks with golf and pickleball for his friends' profits. Tampa Bay Times journalist Max Chesnes who broke the story and...

The Scoop: Weds. Sept. 11th, 2024, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

Flags to fly half-mast in honor of September 11th attack From sunrise to sunset today, both the U.S. and Florida’s state flags will be flown at half-staff. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation honoring the...

DeSantis halts plans for pickleball, golf courses in state parks after backlash

The Great Outdoors Initiative is off the table.  Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced a controversial plan to build pickleball courts, golf courses, and lodging at state parks.  At a press...
People stand outside while holding signs. A woman in grey shirt holds microphone and stands behind a podium.

Protesters rally at Honeymoon Island to oppose development plans

More than 100 people braved the hot Florida weather to protest a proposed development of pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island State Park on Tuesday. Concerned citizens and elected officials held signs, chanted, and even sang...
Hillsborough River State Park

Opinion: Two groups pull out of a plan to develop state parks. Now DeSantis needs to call the whole thing off. 

"Florida’s most arrogant governor may finally have found limits to what he can pull off." - Martin Dyckman.
Water with trees and blue sky.

State park development plans get pushback from advocates and lawmakers

Environmental groups are pushing back against a controversial plan called the “Great Outdoors Initiative.” The Florida Department of Environmental Protection released details last week to build pickleball courts, disc golf courses, and lodging at nine...
pickleball paddles

Meetings on a controversial Florida State Parks proposal are pushed back to Labor Day week

Eight meetings had been scheduled for Tuesday at sites in Clearwater, Tampa and throughout the state, but will be scheduled next week.
A woman in a blue shirt, sitting in front of a radio microphone while wearing headphones and black-rimmed glasses.

Pat Kemp talks congress and county commission, while Springs Council discusses Florida State Parks development proposal

Pat Kemp is beyond busy these days. After a career that started in the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, she was first elected to Hillsborough County Commission in 2016 where she is now term-limited....
Hillsborough River State Park

GOP lawmakers join the opposition to Florida’s proposal to add golf and pickleball to state parks

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office defended the idea of making these changes to Florida State Parks “more visitor-friendly.”

The Scoop: Thurs. Aug. 22nd, 2024, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

Florida schools are dealing with new guidelines on controversial laws. Florida state parks are going to be turned into golf courses.
Hillsborough River State Park

Florida offers more details on its controversial plan for changes at state parks

Conservation groups object to the possibility of adding lodging, pickleball and golf at Florida State Parks; state releases details.
pickleball paddles

Florida State Parks plan includes replacing wild lands with golf, pickleball

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its “Great Outdoors Initiative” aimed at expanding public access to state parks.

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