Honeymoon Island and 8 Other State Parks Could Be Getting Pickleball or Golf Courses
Some news has broke today that has sparked a heavy conversation in the Tampa Bay area. We could be seeing some changes and additions to our lovely state parks in Florida, including Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Park. The “Great Outdoors Initiative” proposal wants to expand public access to some Florida state parks, including adding camping lodging, golf courses, pickleball courses, and more.
After a few publications like the Tampa Bay Times and Creative Loafing reached out to the state for more details, they were left in silence. However, the states park’s division quietly scheduled public 8 meetings across the state on Tuesday, August 27 for nine parks where the state is proposing changes. The parks mentioned were: Honeymoon Island State Park, Hillsborough River State Park, Oleta River State Park, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Anastasia State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, who received leaked but seemingly authentic documents from an unknown source unveiling park plans said, “One document shows plans to replace scrub habitat at Jonathan Dickinson State Park with two 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole golf course and a clubhouse.” Remember, these documents have not been confirmed or denied by the state.
Tampa locals on the Tampa reddit thread shared their concerns over this plan. And many felt like they won’t be able to have their voices heard since he meetings were scheduled on such short notice.
Eric Draper, who served as the director of the Florida state parks between 2017 and 2021, told the Tampa Bay Times “By scheduling these hearings with very little notice, it makes it appear that the department is not that interested in what the public has to say.”
Florida State Parks Meeting Info:
If you cannot attend these hearings, you can send a letter to voice your opinion.
Below are the meetings scheduled for each park proposal on August 27. If you can and want to attend any of these meetings, you will have 3 minutes to voice your opinion.
- Honeymoon Island State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) The District, 11141 US HWY 19 N. Suite 204, Clearwater, FL 33764
- Hillsborough River State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library – 2902 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL, Community Room D 7
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT) Watercolor Inn & Resort 34 Goldenrod Circle Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459, The Lakehouse
- Camp Helen State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT) Lyndell Conference Center – 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach 32407
- Anastasia State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) First Coast Technical College – The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C – 2980 Collins Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) Downtown Event Center – 416 NE First Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 – Lecture Hall, Building C – 2nd Floor (Enter at Main Entrance B – clearly marked on outside of building)
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) The Flagler of Stuart – 201 SW Flagler Ave, River Room, Stuart, FL 34994
- Oleta River State Park Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) Florida International University (FIU), Biscayne Bay Campus, Kovens Conference Center – Room 114, 3000 N.E. 151 Street North Miami, FL 33181
With so over 1,400 public golf courses and 1,160 pickleball courses in Florida, do we really need to disrupt the environment for more “amenities”? Let us know what you think on social media!
