Despite the Governor’s wishes, our legislature is pushing to cut the DEP budget so severely that the Office of Greenways & Trails may shut down entirely. This is NOT good news for the state just named the top Trails state in the United States by American Trails this fall. Here’s an op-ed by Elaine McLaughlin, the president of Friends of Florida State Parks, the volunteer organization that’s supported the parks and retired employees for many years. It doesn’t paint a pretty picture, especially with the comments offered by DEP Secretary Michael Sole. Op-ed in The Gainesville Sun
What to do? Call or email your legislators immediately to express your concern about their plans. The Governor’s plan would avoid tearing the infrastructure of our state park system apart. Thanks!
I hope everyone has done their part in contacting their legislators and local officials. This will be a big hit to Florida – not only for tourism, but for generations to come.
I’ve been writing letters to all reps about the state parks.
Cuts should be made in Tallahasse and the District offices first. Tourism IS the number 1 industry in Florida and needs to be saved. Our rangers and ops workers are the front line employees and should be saved.
I am so pleased that you are shedding light on the financial issue that is going on with the Florida State Parks. The community needs to know the true essence of value the Parks hold. This is one of the reasons I believe you and some of your nature bound colleges would be interested in viewing the many documentaries WPBT2 is bringing to the television screen from September 24 to October 2. WPBT2 is bringing positive exposure to Florida’s Parks by airing three documentaries that bring some of natures most breathtaking highlights to life. “The Story of Florida’s State Parks airing Monday-Wednesday, September 28-30, “The National Parks: Americas Best Idea” airing Sunday-Friday, September27-October 2, and “Into The Wild: An Everglades National Park Adventure” airing Thursday, September 24, at 7:30pm, are all must see productions. These productions support the reasons why everyone, especially Floridians should fight to support the preservation of these parks, because they are not just a part of history but a part of all of us.
Check it out at http://www.wpbt2.org