On Tuesday, August 20, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection launched a surprise campaign to build golf courses, hotels, and pickleball complexes at nine state parks, providing just one week of public notice (the legal minimum).

Statewide, thousands of everyday citizens and dozens of state leaders took a stand, including our local representative, Rep. Jason Shoaf. Under immense pressure, a developer pulled out of three golf course projects at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on August 25.

Eight state parks remain under attack. Public meetings are now expected to be held the week of September 2.