It seems the proposal to bring a golf course to Jonathan Dickinson State Park has officially been removed from consideration, according to an announcement from the Florida DEP.
The Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, the group behind the project, has opted to withdraw their proposal. In a statement, Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials expressed appreciation for the Foundation's efforts and said their initial plan was submitted in good faith.
As an avid golfer with an appreciation for natural areas, I had been keeping a close eye on this proposed development. The Foundation envisioned a public golf experience set amongst the scenic landscape of Dickinson Park, while also honoring veterans. It certainly seemed like a promising concept.
However, balancing recreational goals with environmental stewardship on protected parklands is inevitably complex. I understand negotiations with the DEP did not culminate in a viable plan that satisfied all interests.
While it's disappointing golf may no longer have a place at this park, preserving special areas like Dickinson must take priority. Hopefully other opportunities can still be found to realize the Foundation's admirable vision elsewhere. For now, the park's natural beauty will remain accessible to all.
While the proposal has now been pulled, the DEP confirmed the Tuskegee Foundation worked diligently with the state agency in pursuing a plan for a world-class public golf facility at Dickinson Park. Their goal was to support veterans and first responders through the sport.
Patrick Taylor, 44, and his daughter Sophie Taylor, 6, of Dunedin, hold signs during a rally near the entrance to Honeymoon Island State Park. (CHRIS URSO/ Times)
This withdrawal comes as the DEP faces scrutiny over its broader "Great Outdoors Initiative." As part of this effort to expand access across nine state parks, proposals included golf courses, glamping sites, and even a 350-room lodge at one location.
I had optimism for well-designed courses complementing these special areas. However, it's understandable why environmental and policy concerns emerged over impacts these development concepts could have.
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Balancing access and preservation is challenging at protected properties. With bipartisan lawmakers joining conservation voices, perhaps this bout of criticism will prompt the DEP to more seriously consider all stakeholders and alternatives moving forward. For now, Jonathan Dickinson's natural landscape lives to fight another day.
Documents from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection show plans to develop a golf course which would require tearing down the landmark Hobe Mountain observation tower and staff houses. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)
As these concept plans unveiled by the DEP show, agencies aim to greatly expand recreational infrastructure across Florida's state parks. Some proposals with potential to complement golf travel itineraries include:
- A 350-room lodge at Anastasia could establish it as a premier golf destination if packaged with stays and nearby courses. Convenient to St. Augustine options as well.
- I like Camp Helen's plan for glamping cabins - a growing trend attracting more outdoorsy players. Potential again to pair with Panhandle golf itinerary.
- Grayton Beach expanding lodging makes sense to accommodate more visitors hoping to play nearby resort courses while enjoying the area's natural beauty.
- Disc and pickleball could give golfers family-friendly day options at Hillsborough River between rounds, making it a very attractive multi-day destination especially for those traveling from out-of-town.
- Similar deal for Honeymoon Island proposing smaller but still useful pickleball facilities. Provides afternoon activity while exploring St. Pete's world-class golf in the same trip.
- Jonathan Dickinson would have been such a scenic gem for a public golf course, nestled along the park's coastal terrain. A true hidden gem opportunity for players in the area.
- Nice to see supporting amenities like cabins, pickleball and disc golf planned for Oleta River - diverse options can attract more visitors and families to potentially pair with rounds nearby.
- Topsail Hill proposing a large 350-room lodge alongside new trails and courses is very ambitious. Executed well, could be a premier golf destination if packaged with area layouts.
- Von Mizell-Johnson adding just pickleball is smaller scale, but expanding offerings at this South Florida park could still draw more winter visitors looking for outdoor recreation to potential rounds in the Miami market.
With public meetings scheduled later this month to discuss the proposed concepts, now is golfers' chance to have a say in shaping these Great Outdoors Initiative plans.
Those in the Tampa Bay area specifically should mark their calendars for two key locations on the week of Sept. 2, 2024:
- Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library in Tampa to provide input on additions eyed for golf-friendly Hillsborough River State Park like new pickleball courts.
- The District in Clearwater regarding potential upgrades to Honeymoon Island State Park, which could see small tournament-ready pickleball facilities as well.
Both short drives from championship courses in the region, feedback ensuring any new recreation blends with natural surroundings could enhance these areas' appeal for golf vacations.
Your participation in the planning process can help deliver the right developments. Be sure to make your interests in sustainable golf access heard. The future of these park networks is now in engaged citizens' hands.
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