MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The group behind a plan to build golf courses in Florida's Jonathan Dickinson State Park is withdrawing its proposal, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said in a release Sunday.
In a statement, the agency said the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation had submitted a "good-faith proposal" to build a course at the park.
"While they are withdrawing their proposal, the Foundation worked with the state to pursue a project that would have created a public, world-class golf course for all, while supporting veterans, first responders and their families," state agency officials said.
This news comes after the Department of Environmental Protection unveiled project plans for nine state parks as part of its “Great Outdoors Initiative,” aimed at expanding public access and recreation opportunities across the state.
The proposals for new developments, including lodging, glamping sites, golf courses, and pickleball courts across several Florida State Parks faced criticism from environmentalists and bipartisan lawmakers.
Under the proposed concepts:
- Anastasia State Park (St. Johns County) would see a 350-room lodge constructed.
- Camp Helen State Park (Bay County) would see 10 cabins constructed for lodging and “glamping.”
- Grayton Beach State Park (Walton County) would see an additional 10 cabins constructed plus a beach-access restroom
- Hillsborough River State Park (Hillsborough County) would see 4 new pickleball courts and a disc golf course
- Honeymoon Island State Park (Pinellas County) would see 4 new pickleball courts.
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County) would see a public golf course
- Oleta River State Park (Miami-Dade County) would see construction of new cabins, pickleball courts and disc golf courses.
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Walton County) would see construction of a 350 room lodge, pickleball courts and a disc golf course.
- Dr. Von Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (Broward County) would see 4 new pickleball courts.
Public meetings are expected for the week of Sept. 2, 2024.
Here in the Tampa Bay region, you can provide public comment for projects at:
- Hillsborough River State Park, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
- Honeymoon Island State Park, The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater