Florida state parks golf courses : Florida State Parks prohibit the establishment of hotels and golf courses.
I walk by Ney Landrum’s grave practically every day and imagine the ground shifting and the marble headstone heaving as a result of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to build hotels and golf courses in state parks.
Ney was the director of Florida State Parks from 1970 to 1989, and he was without a doubt the hardest, no-nonsense director to have ever led the park service. If Ney were still alive, all 6 feet plus of ramrod-straight muscle would be standing in the governor’s office informing him that this is a non-starter.
According to all reports, this horrible plan, known as the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” originated with the governor’s office and proposes destructive development in nine of our magnificent state parks. Three are in northwest Florida: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Dunes State Park, and Camp Helen State Park.
Topsail Hill Preserve, famed for its beautiful beaches, freshwater coastal dune lakes, old growth longleaf pine woods, and wetlands, is proposed to have a 350-room resort, up to four pickleball courts, and a disc golf course. Grayton Beach Dunes State Park may also receive up to four pickleball courts and a disc golf course.
Camp Helen State Park could see ten more cabins and a glamping area constructed. Glamping is a combination of camping and glamour, but I’m not sure what it means in the park.
