Plans to develop hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts in at least nine Florida state parks have been put on hold after facing significant public and political backlash.
The decision comes after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its "Great Outdoors Initiative" last week, proposing new campsites, cabins, a hotel, golf courses and pickleball courts across nine state parks, including Oleta River State Park and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaking publicly for the first time about the controversy at a press conference in Winter Haven Wednesday, distanced himself from the proposals, stating they were not approved by him and were released prematurely.
"I'd rather not spend any money on this," said DeSantis. "If people don't want improvements, then don't do it."
5 p.m. report:
