MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — They have called, emailed and protested against a Proposal to build three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.
Now it seems your voices are being heard by decision makers in Tallahassee.
A group called the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, which planned to build golf courses in the park, has withdrawn its proposal.
WPTV received a statement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Sunday evening that said:
“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection appreciates the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation’s well-intentioned proposal for a public golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
While they are withdrawing their proposal, the foundation worked with the state to advance a project that would have created a public, world-class golf course for all while supporting veterans, first responders and their families.”
Their plan to honor the Tuskegee Airmen was noble. We appreciate their decision to pursue projects outside of the park and will continue to support the foundation’s mission. This project will be removed from agency review.”
Alexandra Kuchta
FDEP
Since these plans were first announced last week as part of the state’s so-called “Great Outdoors Initiative,” thousands of residents and lawmakers at all levels have expressed concern about the proposal.
Let’s hear it
We want to hear from you at our first themed “Let’s Hear It” event!
There is currently cautious optimism in the environmental community.
WPTV spoke with Jessica Namath, whose Facebook page “Protect Jonathan Dickinson State Park” grew to 45,000 members in less than a week.
She said the FDEP’s statement still left her with many unanswered questions.
“They may have backed out, I don’t blame them, but does that mean someone else can step in and pick up where they left off?” Namatha said. “What about the other parks? That happened once before in 2011. We’re dealing with it now. I don’t need my children or grandchildren to fight this in the future. They’ve seen how many children have campaigned for this.”
There are still many unanswered questions about this proposal.
It is unclear who is behind the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation.
The organization apparently launched a website on Sunday announcing its withdrawal.
WPTV will continue to keep you updated on new developments.
Read more of WPTV’s coverage of the proposal and protests below:
Let’s hear it
We want to hear from you at our first themed “Let’s Hear It” event!
Palm Beach County
“Let it be what it is”: Tequesta Brewing protests against plans for state parks
Region: Martin County
Locals neigh in equestrian protest against redesign of Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Region: Martin County
‘THIS WILL NOT STOP’: Locals protest DEP’s proposals for JD State Park
Region: Martin County
Meeting on plan for Jonathan Dickinson State Park postponed, new venue sought
Region: Martin County
Giving mountain bikers a voice in state park golf course proposal
Jensen Beach
This coffee bar is uniquely connected to Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Region: Martin County
“Slap in the face”: Mast, Harrell, Overdorf demand planned golf courses
Region: Martin County
How many people are allowed to attend the DEP meeting at Jonathan Dickinson Park?
Region: Martin County
“WOULD BE AMAZING”: What golfers told WPTV about the state park proposal
Region: Martin County
WE HEARD FROM YOU: Nature lovers fight against golf courses in the park
Region: Martin County
Golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park? What you told WPTV
