The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the postponement of a series of public meetings concerning its “Great Outdoors Initiative.”
The proposal, which includes adding lodges, pickleball courts, disc golf courses, and golf courses to nine state parks, has drawn significant opposition from both sides of the aisle and environmental groups.
The eight meetings, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 28th, have been pushed back to the week of September 2nd. The DEP cited the need to find larger venues to accommodate public participation as the reason for the delay.
Read: Hillsborough County Planning More Pickleball Courts At Mango Park
The “Great Outdoors Initiative” has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the natural environment and the commercialization of state parks.
The proposed changes, particularly the addition of large lodges, have been met with strong resistance from those who believe they would detract from the natural beauty and serenity of these protected areas.
The DEP maintains that the initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences and provide additional recreational opportunities, but the controversy surrounding the proposal highlights the challenge of balancing development and conservation in Florida’s cherished state parks.
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