Stop the Great Outdoors Initiative: Save Florida's State Parks from Harmful Developments
Stop the Great Outdoors Initiative: Save Florida's State Parks from Harmful Developments
The Issue
Complete The Calls to Action Listed Below.
We, the undersigned, urgently call on Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to halt The Great Outdoors Initiative, which threatens the integrity of nine Florida State Parks. This initiative, which includes plans to construct golf courses, park lodges, disc golf courses, and pickleball courts, is a misguided attempt to "reconnect Americans to the outdoors" that will devastate the very landscapes it claims to protect.
Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation, home to over 3,000 plant species and more than 4,000 animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world (endemic). The proposed developments will negatively impact Florida’s ecosystems, endangering imperiled plant and animal species like the Four-petal Pawpaw and the Florida scrub jay. The pristine habitats that make our state parks unique are crucial for wildlife and a significant draw for tourism. Our parks’ natural beauty drives visitors, not artificial recreational facilities.
The construction of golf courses in these parks would introduce harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating our groundwater, rivers, and soil. These chemicals pose long-term risks to both the ecosystem and public health. It is irresponsible to sacrifice Florida's natural treasures for short-term gains that could lead to irreversible damage.
If allowed, this initiative sets a dangerous precedent for the exploitation of public lands, undermining conservation efforts and threatening the future of natural Florida.
We are stronger together. Join us in standing up for Florida’s irreplaceable natural heritage. Let's ensure that our parks remain sanctuaries for wildlife and places of unspoiled beauty for generations to come. Please complete the calls to action listed below.
*** Calls to Action ***
Call & email Governor DeSantis and tell him to halt the proposed amendments for development in Florida State Parks.
Phone: (850)-717-9337
Email: GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com
The FDEP announced today (8/23/24) that due to overwhelming public interest the August 27, 2024, meeting has been postponed. Please stay tuned for updates and make plans to attend the FDEP’s public meetings when rescheduled. The FDEP said they will announce the new meeting dates soon, and the meetings are expected to take place the week of Sept. 2, 2024.
The District, 11141 US HWY 19 N. Suite 204, Clearwater, FL 33764
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library - 2902 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL, Community Room D
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park
Watercolor Inn & Resort 34 Goldenrod Circle Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459, The Lakehouse
Lyndell Conference Center - 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach 32407
First Coast Technical College – The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C – 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Downtown Event Center - 416 NE First Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 - Lecture Hall, Building C - 2nd Floor (Enter at Main Entrance B – marked on the outside of the building)
The Flagler of Stuart - 201 SW Flagler Ave, River Room, Stuart, FL 34994
Florida International University (FIU), Biscayne Bay Campus, Kovens Conference Center - Room 114, 3000 N.E. 151 Street North Miami, FL 33181
Please fill out the FDEP's online public comment survey.
DEP's online public comment survey.
If the proposals are approved at the FDEP's future meetings, the proposals must then be approved by the Acquisition and Restoration Council, a 10-member group with representatives from several state agencies. Contact the Acquisition and Restoration Council and voice your opposition.
Click here for council member contact information.
Contact your legislators and demand they protect our state parks from these harmful amendments. Even though legislative approval isn’t needed for the plans to move forward, lawmakers may have to approve funding for the projects in the state budget.
Click the links below to find your legislators.
For questions and inquiries, please contact us directly at contact@oneprotest.org
41,228
The Issue
Complete The Calls to Action Listed Below.
We, the undersigned, urgently call on Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to halt The Great Outdoors Initiative, which threatens the integrity of nine Florida State Parks. This initiative, which includes plans to construct golf courses, park lodges, disc golf courses, and pickleball courts, is a misguided attempt to "reconnect Americans to the outdoors" that will devastate the very landscapes it claims to protect.
Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation, home to over 3,000 plant species and more than 4,000 animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world (endemic). The proposed developments will negatively impact Florida’s ecosystems, endangering imperiled plant and animal species like the Four-petal Pawpaw and the Florida scrub jay. The pristine habitats that make our state parks unique are crucial for wildlife and a significant draw for tourism. Our parks’ natural beauty drives visitors, not artificial recreational facilities.
The construction of golf courses in these parks would introduce harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating our groundwater, rivers, and soil. These chemicals pose long-term risks to both the ecosystem and public health. It is irresponsible to sacrifice Florida's natural treasures for short-term gains that could lead to irreversible damage.
If allowed, this initiative sets a dangerous precedent for the exploitation of public lands, undermining conservation efforts and threatening the future of natural Florida.
We are stronger together. Join us in standing up for Florida’s irreplaceable natural heritage. Let's ensure that our parks remain sanctuaries for wildlife and places of unspoiled beauty for generations to come. Please complete the calls to action listed below.
*** Calls to Action ***
Call & email Governor DeSantis and tell him to halt the proposed amendments for development in Florida State Parks.
Phone: (850)-717-9337
Email: GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com
The FDEP announced today (8/23/24) that due to overwhelming public interest the August 27, 2024, meeting has been postponed. Please stay tuned for updates and make plans to attend the FDEP’s public meetings when rescheduled. The FDEP said they will announce the new meeting dates soon, and the meetings are expected to take place the week of Sept. 2, 2024.
The District, 11141 US HWY 19 N. Suite 204, Clearwater, FL 33764
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library - 2902 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL, Community Room D
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park
Watercolor Inn & Resort 34 Goldenrod Circle Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459, The Lakehouse
Lyndell Conference Center - 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach 32407
First Coast Technical College – The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C – 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Downtown Event Center - 416 NE First Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 - Lecture Hall, Building C - 2nd Floor (Enter at Main Entrance B – marked on the outside of the building)
The Flagler of Stuart - 201 SW Flagler Ave, River Room, Stuart, FL 34994
Florida International University (FIU), Biscayne Bay Campus, Kovens Conference Center - Room 114, 3000 N.E. 151 Street North Miami, FL 33181
Please fill out the FDEP's online public comment survey.
DEP's online public comment survey.
If the proposals are approved at the FDEP's future meetings, the proposals must then be approved by the Acquisition and Restoration Council, a 10-member group with representatives from several state agencies. Contact the Acquisition and Restoration Council and voice your opposition.
Click here for council member contact information.
Contact your legislators and demand they protect our state parks from these harmful amendments. Even though legislative approval isn’t needed for the plans to move forward, lawmakers may have to approve funding for the projects in the state budget.
Click the links below to find your legislators.
For questions and inquiries, please contact us directly at contact@oneprotest.org
41,228
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Petition created on August 22, 2024