1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Florida's state parks showcase our beautiful natural landscapes and provide habitats for diverse wildlife. Unfortunately, there are now concerning proposals to develop sensitive areas within nine state parks for commercial amenities like golf courses, hotels, and pickleball courts. This goes against Florida statute 258.037 which directs the parks to "promote such character as to emblemize the state's natural values" and "enjoy these values without depleting them." These proposed changes threaten to irreparably alter the ecological integrity and passive recreational experiences that make our state parks so treasured. Developing portions of the parks for golf, lodging, and other intensive uses would disrupt the very flora, fauna, and peaceful settings that draw visitors in the first place. Once these unspoiled lands are paved over, we can never get them back. Rather than degrade our parks through excessive commercialization, we should invest in promoting and enhancing their existing natural assets which are the true draw for residents and tourists alike. Parks were established to protect nature, not create profit centers at the expense of environmental preservation. I urge you to uphold state law and reject any proposals that would imperil the ecological health and tranquil character of Florida's precious state parks through inappropriate development. These irreplaceable public lands must be safeguarded for current and future generations to appreciate their inherent beauty and biodiversity.