Environment

Public meetings on a plan to add pickleball and golf to Florida state parks are postponed

WUSF | By Carl Lisciandrello

Published August 26, 2024 at 6:50 AM EDT

Hillsborough River State Park would get a disc golf course and up to four pickleball courts, according to a plan announced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The meetings to offer your thoughts on the plans for Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Park are now expected the week of Sept. 2. There's also now a webpage where you can send written comments.

Reaction has been quite strong to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's plan to add golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels to 10 Florida state parks.

Now, the public has a chance to weigh in — just a few days later than expected.

The department had previously set public hearings on the plans on Tuesday. But on Friday, it announced in an X post it would be "looking for new venues to accommodate the public" due to overwhelming interest in the initiative.

It also launched a webpage where members of the public can send suggestions and written comments on the plans.

Due to the overwhelming interest with the 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, DEP is looking for new venues to accommodate the public.

We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Public input is vital to DEP decision-making. To gather feedback on your favorite… pic.twitter.com/duFLtY3mNg
— Florida DEP News (@FLDEPNews) August 23, 2024

On Monday, the department announced it was launching a "Great Outdoors Initiative" aimed at expanding public access to the parks by adding outdoor amenities and "provide new lodging options."

The plan has drawn criticism from environmentalists and the public, who say the state should protect the pristine lands.

On Wednesday, the DEP released additional details on plans for 10 parks across the state, including Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County and Hillsborough River State Park. They include:

Up to four pickleball courts near a beach access at Honeymoon Island
A disc golf course, along with up to four pickleball courts next to a swimming and bathhouse complex at Hillsborough River State Park

The meeting for Honeymoon Island was scheduled to be held from 3-4 p.m. 11141 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater.

The meeting on Hillsborough River State Park was also scheduled for Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Community Room D.

New meetings are expected the week of Sept. 2, with dates announced soon.