ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Two bills moving through the Florida Legislature aim to block development in nine state parks, including Anastasia State Park, but environmental advocates are concerned the bills lack specific protections.
Protests are being held throughout April, urging lawmakers to amend the bills to ensure stronger safeguards against commercial development.
Protesters gathered at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on Saturday, rallying to protect and preserve the park while opposing any proposed development plans.
The protests, part of a larger statewide demonstration, were sparked by a plan proposed last year by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The initiative, known as “The Great Outdoors Initiative,” suggested building hotels, golf courses, and other commercial facilities in state parks.
FDEP’s proposal included:
- Three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.
- Lodges with up to 350 rooms at Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Walton County.
The plan faced strong opposition from lawmakers across party lines, leading Gov. Ron DeSantis to pause the proposal.
In response, two new bills—Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 209—are moving through the Florida Legislature.
Senate Bill 80 would prevent the development of hotels, golf courses, and other commercial projects in state parks, including:
- Anastasia State Park
- Big Lagoon State Park
- Fort Pickens State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Oleta River State Park
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
House Bill 209 also seeks to block the development of hotels and golf courses in state parks, with the goal of preserving Florida’s public lands for nature and recreation.
Protesters are demanding the removal of language, such as “maximum extent practicable,” that could allow for development in some circumstances.
They are also advocating for clearer language to explicitly block such development.
Lawmakers still need to vote on the bills before they can become law. If passed, they would go into effect on July 1. Protests are expected to continue throughout the month.
