Category

Environment

state parks

DeSantis halts plans for pickleball, golf courses in state parks after backlash

The Great Outdoors Initiative is off the table.  Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced a controversial plan to build pickleball courts, golf courses, and lodging at state parks.  At a press...
People stand outside while holding signs. A woman in grey shirt holds microphone and stands behind a podium.

Protesters rally at Honeymoon Island to oppose development plans

More than 100 people braved the hot Florida weather to protest a proposed development of pickleball courts at Honeymoon Island State Park on Tuesday. Concerned citizens and elected officials held signs, chanted, and even sang...

The Scoop: Weds. Aug. 28th, 2024, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

Protest at Honeymoon Island State Park over the development of pickleball courts has caused a halt in the development plan meeting.
Hillsborough River State Park

Protecting Florida’s green spaces and the current FDEP proposal

Join hosts Tanja & Anni in discussion with guests about protecting Florida's green spaces and the controversial FDEP proposal.
Water with trees and blue sky.

State park development plans get pushback from advocates and lawmakers

Environmental groups are pushing back against a controversial plan called the “Great Outdoors Initiative.” The Florida Department of Environmental Protection released details last week to build pickleball courts, disc golf courses, and lodging at nine...

Famed conservationist Jane Goodall to speak in St. Petersburg

Listen: Famous Chimpanzee expert and conservationist Jane Goodall is speaking in St. Petersburg in September. The two-day event comes as Florida faces the national spotlight for environmental issues.  Dr. Jane Goodall’s discovery in 1960 that...

The Scoop: Mon. Aug. 26th, 2024, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

Meetings for state development have been postponed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding new amenities.
A woman in a blue shirt, sitting in front of a radio microphone while wearing headphones and black-rimmed glasses.

Pat Kemp talks congress and county commission, while Springs Council discusses Florida State Parks development proposal

Pat Kemp is beyond busy these days. After a career that started in the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, she was first elected to Hillsborough County Commission in 2016 where she is now term-limited....

The Scoop: Fri. Aug. 23rd, 2024, Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

UF students receive support from First Amendment. A park proposal for the addition of lodges, golf and pickleball areas faces pushback.
Hillsborough River State Park

GOP lawmakers join the opposition to Florida’s proposal to add golf and pickleball to state parks

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office defended the idea of making these changes to Florida State Parks “more visitor-friendly.”

Gov. DeSantis introduces a program to help communities in need

Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at press conference Wednesday to introduce a new program called Hope Florida to help communities in need.

St. Pete awards grants for residents to plant trees

St. Petersburg is helping residents and business owners to beautify their communities, according to Neighborhood Relations Director Susan Ajoc. The city will assess what areas need the most coverage and shade. But first, Ajoc said people...
The Vortex
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