Florida State Park Preservation Act aims to protect parks against pickleball, golf courses

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection last year announced a plan that would have allowed developers to turn state parks into more touristy attractions.The 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative outlined plans to construct pickleball courts, golfing and disc golf courses and resort-style lodging in at least eight state parks.Public pushback put a relatively abrupt end to the plans, and now state lawmakers are trying to ensure similar proposals don’t happen again.Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, filed SB 80 last year in response the the Great Outdoors Initiative. The bill was backed by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday after it rejected a