Gov. Rick Scott said late Friday that he is backing away from a plan to build a campground at the popular Honeymoon Island State Park in light of overwhelming public opposition.
“After seeing the public’s reaction, it is clear that this is not the right time to expand camping at Honeymoon Island State Park,” Scott said in a statement released by his office. “These natural treasures belong to all the tax-paying citizens of this state and it would be unfair to proceed with a plan that so many Floridians are so adamantly opposed to.”
Hundreds of Florida residents showed up at a public hearing last week to express their opposition to the idea.
Scott also made a note of listening as he and the Department of Environmental Protection consider the idea at other parks, promising to take public sentiment into account.
”Going forward, Governor Scott has instructed DEP and the Florida Park Service to meet with local communities, state park citizen support organizations and other park stakeholders before formally proposing the addition of amenities or services, including family camping, at any state parks,” the statement said.
The state’s park service continues to evaluate whether to expand camping at Fanning Springs, DeLeon Springs, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs and other parks being considered for campsite expansions.
