At Honeymoon Island State Park, urgency grows to defend ‘the real Florida’
Thousands have gathered this weekend at protests outside of state parks across the state.
Terry Fortner, granddaughter of Myrtle Scharrer, stands against the proposed development of Honeymoon Island State Park, invoking her grandmother's legacy of preservation. The state's plan, unveiled by the Tampa Bay Times, has ignited widespread opposition, with protests erupting across Florida.
Fortner, adorned in a wide-brimmed hat and flowing dress, held a poster declaring "Honeymoon as intended, not by pickleball offended," expressing her concern for the park's tranquility and the strain on its resources. At the park entrance, protesters gathered, including Chris Horton, a veteran hiker who treasures Honeymoon Island's beauty.
Despite the growing political pressure, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has remained resolute. Legal challenges are also emerging, with the American Indian Movement of Florida threatening legal action due to potential violations of Indigenous protections laws.
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of the nonprofit Folds of Honor, reportedly met privately with Governor DeSantis regarding golf course proposals, raising questions about the influence of outside entities. New public meetings are planned for the week of September 2nd, with officials expecting a large turnout.
Joanna Burchfield's 5-year-old son, Jacoby, echoed the sentiment of protesters, observing the lack of natural spaces amid excessive concrete buildings. The fight to preserve Honeymoon Island and other state parks symbolizes a broader struggle to protect Florida's natural heritage and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Fortner, adorned in a wide-brimmed hat and flowing dress, held a poster declaring "Honeymoon as intended, not by pickleball offended," expressing her concern for the park's tranquility and the strain on its resources. At the park entrance, protesters gathered, including Chris Horton, a veteran hiker who treasures Honeymoon Island's beauty.
Despite the growing political pressure, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has remained resolute. Legal challenges are also emerging, with the American Indian Movement of Florida threatening legal action due to potential violations of Indigenous protections laws.
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of the nonprofit Folds of Honor, reportedly met privately with Governor DeSantis regarding golf course proposals, raising questions about the influence of outside entities. New public meetings are planned for the week of September 2nd, with officials expecting a large turnout.
Joanna Burchfield's 5-year-old son, Jacoby, echoed the sentiment of protesters, observing the lack of natural spaces amid excessive concrete buildings. The fight to preserve Honeymoon Island and other state parks symbolizes a broader struggle to protect Florida's natural heritage and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.