TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — What all began with a leaked proposal to construct golf programs and pickleball courts at state parks final 12 months has now resulted in laws that goals to guard pure grounds from these very acts.
Efforts to guard Florida’s pure grounds was a bi-partisan hit with many supporters rallying over the summer season, however with no additional motion in the previous few weeks on the capitol, what’s the maintain as much as push the “State Park Preservation Act” throughout the end line?
Final summer season, a whole bunch protested towards potential plans to additional develop wild areas, and that struggle to guard Florida’s state parks continues on the statehouse.
“I feel we have been all dismayed final summer season when instantly out of nowhere these plans have been revealed to pave over out state parks,” mentioned State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando).
Led by each Republicans and Democrats, Senate Bill 80 and its home companion goals to not solely protect state land but in addition requires public hearings for future park plans and places in place an advisory board that can report again to the legislature.
Whereas lawmakers and advocates assist these efforts, there could also be some gaps within the language, leaving room for future prospects to search out loopholes to construct over state parks.
“We won’t presumably listing each use inappropriate, however we are able to cowl our bases. By explicitly stating we is not going to allow makes use of that disturb and hurt the sources of our state parks,” mentioned Gil Good, Mates of the Everglades Coverage Director.
When requested whether or not the invoice had any luck within the senate, President Ben Albritton (R- Wauchula) mentioned, “We’ll see what occurs.”
“We are going to see the place it finally ends up going. I’m actually supportive of constructing positive that we’re defending our state parks and that we’re displaying Floridians that this pure house issues. However once more, this challenge is like a variety of points, it is actually about attaining stability,” Albritton mentioned.
