While the enhancements of state parks to make them more recreational friendly sounds like a wonderful idea, I have a few concerns. According to The Florida Department of Environmental Protection X account, some of these plans include: lodges, pickleball courts, a disc golf course, as well as additional cabins and glamping areas. The cost of these "improvements" are sure to be in the millions and will decrease the small amount of Florida's natural environments and wreaking havoc that are remaining. Our government's economic decisions can have far-reaching impacts. The unnecessary enhancements planned for Florida's State Parks exemplify this trend.
    What you may not know is that the Florida legislature commissioned a report on the state of the Florida prison system. What was found was astounding, including 2.2 billion dollars worth of immediately needed repairs on the dilapidated, unsafe facilities that are still in operation. With a total of over 6 billion needed over the next 20 years. 
   Governor DeSantis has vetoed nearly every bill that would fund even small amounts of the necessary repairs. This petition is two part; to urge our lawmakers to refuse to fund these frivolous park updates and to better spend that money repairing our broken Correctional facilities. We are currently in a state of emergency with our incarcerated population surviving in triple digit temperatures, eating subpar food, leaking roofs, and increased tempers of both the residents and the corrections officers, resulting in dangerous, often deadly conditions. Reducing mass incarceration and repairing our current facilities to a level of sustainability would be money better spent.

   I urge our representatives to put the well-being of its incarcerated people and their loved ones ahead of needless recreational development. Let's reprioritize the allocation of our state budget. I am calling on Governor DeSantis and the Florida State Legislature to reconsider their plans and redirect necessary funding toward improving conditions in the Florida's Department of Corrections. Please sign this petition and add your voice to this critical cause.