FLORIDA PARKS Governor DeSantis announced the Great Outdoors Initiative on August 19th to expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida’s state parks. The proposal involved construction of golf courses in nine state parks, disc golf courses, pickleball courts, 350-room hotels (“park lodges”), and cabins. The public reaction was so negative that legislative leaders and the residents of cities near the parks actively expressed their opposition. The Governor quickly shelved the proposal. The blowback included the firing of a Florida Department of Environmental Protection employee who leaked the state park development plans.
DERELICT VESSELS The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule amendments creating a block grant option within the already established FWC derelict vessel and public nuisance vessel removal grant program. Cities and counties can apply for an additional reimbursement option for ongoing vessel removals.