Florida Republican files bill to prevent golf course, pickleball court development in state parks

The bill comes after massive outcry last year over the state Department of Environmental Protection’s plans for the ‘Great Outdoors Initiative’

by News Service of Florida January 17, 2025May 21, 2025

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Florida manatees will remain a threatened species, federal wildlife officials say

Environmentalists have argued they should be reclassified as endangered

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 14, 2025April 11, 2025

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EPA approves controversial Florida plan for roads made from radioactive byproduct

The EPA said the ‘approval applies only to the proposed pilot project and not any broader use’

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida December 21, 2024July 21, 2025

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Florida Democrat Lindsay Cross predicts a Florida bear hunt in 2025 would be ‘wildly unpopular’

Florida’s last black bear hunt was in 2015 and was shut down after its second day after nearly 300 bears had been killed

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix December 17, 2024August 4, 2025

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For Central Florida citrus growers, the way forward may not be citrus at all

After more than a decade of greening disease devastation, Florida’s citrus farmers are considering alternative crops. One company claims they have what it takes, but farmers are skeptical.

by Emma Glassman-Hughes and Ambrook Research November 21, 2024January 7, 2025

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Manatee found in Florida pond over a mile from open water due to hurricane flooding

The 2-year-old, 500-pound manatee has been transported to Tampa for rehabilitation.

by Lucy Dillon November 18, 2024November 23, 2024

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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s PAC gifts campaign cash to developer-friendly Republicans running for Orange County Commission

Orlando’s highest-profile Democrat has publicly endorsed Republican Steve Leary, while recently posted campaign finance records show he may be advocating for anti-abortion Republican Austin Arthur as well

by McKenna Schueler October 29, 2024July 20, 2025

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Burmese python swallows 77-pound deer in Florida, advances research about the invasive snakes

Researchers say recent findings prove invasive snakes can eat larger prey than previously thought

by Lucy Dillon October 29, 2024March 12, 2025

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Federal judge refuses to toss lawsuit alleging Florida failed to prevent sewage dumps that led to manatee deaths

Florida had a record 1,100 manatee deaths in 2021, with the largest number, 358, in Brevard County, the focus of the lawsuit

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida September 23, 2024June 27, 2025

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Florida Democrats call for investigation into state parks development plans

The move came a week after DeSantis shut down the proposal

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix September 6, 2024March 3, 2025

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DeSantis halts ‘half-baked’ Florida state park development plans after public, political backlash

DeSantis said the government is ‘not getting into the golf course business in the state of Florida’

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix August 29, 2024April 17, 2025

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Florida residents protest proposed development at Honeymoon Island State Park

‘People who actually play pickleball do visit our state parks. They just don’t play pickleball while they’re doing it.’

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix August 28, 2024April 22, 2025

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Florida environmentalists call for DeSantis to ditch state park development plans

The plans, which include a pair of resort-sized lodges, pickleball courts and disc-golf courses, have drawn fierce opposition

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida August 27, 2024May 4, 2025

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Orlando’s Lake Eola Park welcomes six new swan residents

Feathers will be ruffled

by Chloe Greenberg August 26, 2024July 10, 2025

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Group withdraws plans to build golf courses at Florida State Parks, but questions remain

The state still hasn’t updated its plan to hear public comments

by Ray Roa August 26, 2024July 29, 2025

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Here’s where you can turn in your campaign signs in the Orlando area for recycling

There are seven drop-off points around the city

by Matthew Moyer August 23, 2024September 9, 2024

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‘Unnecessary development’: Florida Republicans take aim at DeSantis plan to develop state parks

Environmental groups quickly criticized the initiative and were joined Thursday by Republican lawmakers

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida August 23, 2024March 17, 2025

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Florida seeks to add pickleball, golf to state parks

The state Department of Environmental Protection announced what it has dubbed a ‘Great Outdoors Initiative’ aimed at expanding public access to state parks

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida August 21, 2024February 6, 2025