FLORIDA, USA — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) told First Coast News Thursday that it has "withdrawn all remaining proposed amendments to state parks."
The department announced the 'Great Outdoors Initiative' last week, which planned to add hotels, pickleball courts and other activities to Florida state parks.
The department said it aimed to "enhance public access, recreation, and lodging at state parks."
After the Florida Wildlife Federation posted details about the initiative to its Facebook page, fiery response erupted as residents of the 'Sunshine State' voiced their enjoyment of state parks in their current condition.
The DEP told First Coast News the following statement:
"At the Governor’s direction and following feedback from the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn all remaining proposed amendments to state parks.
We will shift to discussions with our local park managers and will revisit any park improvements, if needed, next year."
Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to the controversial plans on Wednesday during a news conference held in Polk County alongside Sheriff Grady Judd.
"This was something that was leaked," the governor said. "It was not approved by me. I never saw that. It was intentionally leaked out to a left-wing group to create a narrative."
DeSantis said the DEP's plans were "half-baked and not ready for primetime." He added that if Floridians don't approve of the proposals, then the state won't do them.
"I'd rather not spend any money on this, so if people don't want improvements, then don't do it," he said.
DeSantis further commented that if any of the parks need improvements, they're "not going to take away any green space."
DeSantis wrapped up saying the DEP will be "going back to the drawing board," but if they do nothing, it'll be fine by him.
Florida's 175 state parks attracted nearly 30 million visitors in 2022-2023, contributing to $3.6 billion economic impact and supporting over $50,000 jobs, according to the DEP.
During another press conference in Crystal River on Thursday, DeSantis was asked if he's losing his grip on the Republican Party based on the number of republican lawmakers speaking out against the plan.
"First of all, I've never categorized as me having a grip on anything," said DeSantis.
While many republicans including Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio as well as Jacksonville City Councilmember Rory Diamond have spoken out about the plan to develop state parks, FloridaPolitics.com writer AG Gancarski believes DeSantis still holds an impressive amount of power among the GOP.
"He's kind of getting into lame duck status," said Gancarski. "But, when it comes to the legislature, they're going to have to deal with him vetoing or not vetoing line items in the budget. He still holds the cards that really matter."