Florida Park Service

James Gaddis leaked the plans to add golf courses, 350-room hotels, and pickle board courts to nine state parks, which sparked public outrage and got him fired in the process.

As conservation groups object to the possibility of adding lodging, pickleball and golf at state parks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection late Wednesday released information targeting what it said was “confusion” about the plan.“Our efforts to enhance public access, recreation and accommodations are for everyone,” the department said as part of a series of online posts. “The public’s input is welcomed and always valued.”

Fifty percent discounts on Florida State Park passes and FWC hunting and fishing licenses will be available for the next three months, through Jan. 13, 2024.

Public lands managed by the South Florida Water Management District in Lee and Collier counties remain so dangerous more than two weeks after the wrath of Category 4 Hurricane Ian that, above or below water, the areas will be closed for the foreseeable future.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection may start cattle grazing in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County.Local community members are…