Ron DeSantis blames 'left-wing' groups for leaking 'ill-conceived' plan to replace state parks with golf courses

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is He blamed “left-wing” groups for his administration’s leaked plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels in state parks.which he put on hold on Wednesday after general uproar.

DeSantis spoke at a press conference said the plan contained “stuff” that was “half-baked” and “not ready for prime time,” adding that it was “intentionally leaked to a left-wing group to create a narrative.”

The controversy began last week after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative, which is designed to “increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities in parts of Florida, including pickleball, disc golf and paddleboarding.”

The proposal provided few details on how and when this construction would be done, but focused on Governor DeSantis' investments in preserving the state's natural landscapes.

However, it was quickly met with criticism from supporters and political allieswho warned of the potential environmental impacts of closing these parks. Local Republicans also reportedly received petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures.

Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo expressed her dissatisfaction with the proposal on social media. “Our vision (for state parks) did not include golf courses and hotels, which I believe are incompatible with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature,” Passidomo wrote on X. “As far as I know, the proposal should not be pursued in its current form.”

All of the parks proposed for development are located near major tourist destinations, including Miami, Tampa, Panama City and St. Augustine.

After the uproar, the groups involved in the project backtracked and withdrew their support. DeSantis also took little time to react, shelving the plan less than a week after the announcement. He said he would rather “not spend money on it.” “I mean, if people don't want improvements, they won't do it,” he said.

Activists argued that the lives of the small blue and grey birds and many other endangered species would have become much harder if this plan were implemented.

State Parks “are the last strongholds for many wildlife in Florida’s rapidly urbanizing communities,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems with a focus on birds.