Great Outdoors Initiative

As part of the 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed to increase public access to Florida’s state parks with the addition of new outdoor activities and lodging options. These draft proposals can be found here.

Public input is an important and valued part of all DEP decision-making and activities, and we encourage the public to submit written comments on the draft proposals through this portal.

Comment Information

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Indicate which proposal(s) your comments are in reference to (Check all that apply) *This question is required.

Honeymoon Island State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Oleta River State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve

Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County) has an existing area of improved land that runs alongside the Florida East Coast Railway (which travels through the park), to the park’s eastern boundary along U.S. 1. It has been suggested that the area might make a good location for a golf course. Note that should a course be approved, any development would be required to be built in a way that minimizes habitat impacts and leverages already-disturbed areas. Any facilities would be designed and developed in harmony with the surrounding natural environment and meet or exceed standards provided by the DEP/University of Florida IFAS Best Management Practices or the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Standards (the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences certifies golf courses for environmental protections).

Please submit any comments on these proposals in the open text space below.

Using the below scale, please indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

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Anastasia State Park (St. Johns County) has a location that has been suggested might be suitable for a 350-room lodge, similar to the popular Wakulla Springs Lodge and other lodges at national parks. There is also room for pickle ball courts and a disc golf course.

Please submit any comments on these proposals in the open text space below.

Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Anastasia State Park.

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Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (Broward County). It has been suggested that this park space to add up to four pickleball courts in an area that is underutilized and already paved.

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Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Dr Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.

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Hillsborough River State Park (Hillsborough County). It has been suggested that this park has space near its swimming and bathhouse complex that could sustain a disc golf course and up to four pickleball courts.

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Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Hillsborough River State Park.

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Oleta River State Park (Miami-Dade County). This park has a number of existing cabins that are consistently full. It has been suggested that there is room to add 10 additional cabins, as well as up to four pickleball courts and a disc golf course.

Please submit any comments about these proposals in the open space below.

Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Oleta River State Park.

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Honeymoon Island State Park (Pinellas County) has an open area that is already configured for modification. It has been suggested that this site could hold up to four pickleball courts.

Please submit any comments on these proposals in the open text space below.

Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Honeymoon Island State Park.

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Camp Helen State Park (Bay County) currently has no overnight accommodations but has space to add up to 10 cabins or a “glamping” area. Glamping is camping with a few extra amenities (like power outlets, nearby bathrooms, cots, etc.)

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Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Camp Helen State Park.

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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Walton County) has an existing camping area and it has been suggested could benefit from a 350-room lodge, up to four pickleball courts and a disc golf course.

Please submit any comment about these proposals in the open text space below.

Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

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Grayton Beach State Park (Walton County) could add up to 10 cabins within an existing consistently booked cabin area. There is also room for pickle ball courts and a disc golf course.

Please submit any comments about these proposals in the open text space below.

Using the scale below indicate your feelings on the proposed changes at Grayton Beach State Park.

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