Florida Construction News staff writer
Officials from across Northeast Florida held a press conference last week to address a proposed development of Anastasia State Park.
“This isn’t just about a building, it’s about preserving the natural treasures that have been a part of my family’s life,” said St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has proposed building a 350-room hotel in the state park, along with pickleball courts and disc golf course. The department says the proposed development provide an opportunity to rehabilitate a borrow pit from a former road construction project.
The state is proposing to add pickleball courts, disc golf courses and golf courses inside of the park as well.
Anastasia State Park is a state-owned recreation area inside the city limits of the City of St. Augustine. The City of St. Augustine has been made aware of a project to construct a 350 room lodge, pickleball courts and a disc golf course inside Anastasia State Park.
“This is an egregious overreach of State government,” said St. Johns County Commission Chair Sarah Arnold. “A plan that sought no local input whatsoever with public meetings that were hastily scheduled and just as hastily cancelled.
Responding to growing opposition from residents and local politicians, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that “half-baked” plans for golf courses, resort-style lodges and pickleball courts at state parks will be revamped.
“There going back to the drawing board,” DeSantis said when questioned. “Here’s the thing. I’d rather not spend any money on this. If people don’t want improvements, then don’t do it.”
At the press conference officials said the proposed project “is absolutely contrary” to the County Board’s vision and priorities and views on natural resource conservation and protection.
“This proposed project is absolutely contrary to our County Board’s vision and priorities. As a Board, we will seriously address this proposed project with all available recourse,” Arnold said.
