Gulfport Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Protect State Parks

Gulfport Shakes Off Golf Course Plans with New Bill

Gulfport is buzzing today as it seems that the fallout from the state’s potential plans to develop golf courses and other amenities on precious park land is far from over. In an exciting twist, a local lawmaker, Sen. Gayle Harrell, has stepped up to the plate with a bold new proposal aimed at stopping these controversial developments in their tracks.

Flashback to August: Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection dropped a bombshell when it proposed building golf courses and accommodations in several state parks, including the well-visited Jonathan Dickinson State Park. This plan had the community up in arms, especially considering it could have meant the demolition of the beloved Hobe Mountain observation tower and potentially causing harm to local wildlife habitats. Not what folks want to see when they think of enjoying the natural beauty of Florida!

The State Park Preservation Act

Fast forward to December 11, and here comes Harrell with the new legislation titled the “State Park Preservation Act.” This act is nothing short of a breath of fresh air for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The bill aims to strictly limit sporting amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, and pickleball courts on state park land. Instead, it emphasizes preserving the natural landscape and promoting conservation-friendly activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding.

Sounds like a win-win for the community, right? But that’s not all! If the bill passes, it will also allow for the growth of cabins and campsites in state parks while making sure those new additions don’t go overboard. Harrell’s proposal puts a cap on the size of new cabins—no more than six people per cabin—and prohibits construction that could “significantly harm” the park’s resources.

Public Outcry and Legislative Changes

The outcry from the public earlier this year was immense. Many residents felt blindsided when the initial plans were leaked, especially since they had only a mere six days to prepare for public hearings about the proposals without any officials present to hear their grievances. In fact, two Republican senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, were notably critical of this rushed approach, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.”

Sen. Harrell’s new bill addresses this serious concern. It mandates that any proposed changes to state park lands must be published at least 30 days before public meetings. “This is a very important part of the bill,” Harrell emphasized. It’s clear that she wants to foster a transparent dialogue between state officials and residents about what happens to their parks.

The Reaction of the Community

The community’s reaction to Harrell’s efforts has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing appreciation for her proactive stance. It seems the sentiment is pretty clear: people want to keep Florida’s parks natural and accessible for generations to come.

Interestingly, Harrell mentioned that she had been approached by the Folds of Honor group, which aids veterans and had pitched the idea of a golf course on state park land. While she admires the work they do, she stood firm against this idea, stating, “That is not going to happen.” This resolution demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting the integrity of our parks.

What’s Next?

As we gear up to see this bill unfold, it’s worth keeping an eye on what happens next. Harrell has also indicated that state Rep. John Snyder will likely file a companion bill in the House. This could spell major changes for how state parks are managed and preserved in Florida.

If you’re passionate about outdoor activities and protecting nature, now’s the time to stay engaged. The future of our parks is in the balance, and it seems like the community is rallying to make sure that future includes plenty of hiking trails, campsites, and nature conservation.

So, what do you think about this new legislation? Are you hoping to see the parks returned to their natural glory? Let’s hear your thoughts!