DeSantis backs off ‘half-baked’ plan to put golf courses in Florida state parks
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) backed off Wednesday of what he referred to as a “half-baked” plan to place golf courses in state parks, according to multiple outlets.
At a press conference, DeSantis referred to “stuff” in the plan as being “half-baked” and “not ready for prime time,” according to the Miami Herald. He also said the plan had been “intentionally leaked out to a left-wing group to try to create a narrative.”
“Here’s the thing, I’d rather not spend any money on this, right?” DeSantis said. ‘I mean, if people don’t want improvements, then don’t do it.”
According to the Herald, the plan received pushback from top Florida Republicans. People protested in parks all over Florida, and petitions against it received hundreds of thousands of signatures.
“At the Governor’s direction and following feedback from the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn all remaining proposed amendments to state parks,” Alexandra Kuchta, a communications director with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said in an email to The Hill on Thursday.
“We will shift to discussions with our local park managers and will revisit any park improvements, if needed, next year,” Kuchta added.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said last week in a press release that it was unveiling “the launch of its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative.” In the release, it said “the initiative will increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities available at Florida’s state parks, including pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.”
“Today’s announcement reinforces the DeSantis Administration’s record support for conserving our natural landscapes and commitment to ensuring every Floridian can visit and recreate at Florida’s state parks,” according to the release.
The recent state park plan is not the only move on the environment DeSantis has caught heat for in recent months.
DeSantis signed legislation back in May getting rid of a requirement for Florida to consider climate change when it comes to making energy policy, which got blowback from environmental leaders. The leaders said the legislation did not show regard for environmental problems Florida deals with.
Updated: Aug. 29 at 3:05 p.m.
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