Environmental Policy

Policy analysis of the “Great Outdoors Initiative”

In late August, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which aimed to “expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options.” The proposed plans included building golf courses, pickleball courts, disc golf courses, and hotels in the parks. Multiple golf courses were pitched for Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County and 350-room hotels were proposed for Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine and TopSail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. As the debate rages in Florida, this document aims to provide policy options for the future of state parks in Florida.