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DEP says no to camping at Honeymoon Island

Kayaking at Honeymoon Park
Kayaking at Honeymoon Park

By James Call

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-977280.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – The Department of Environmental Protection says camping won't be allowed at Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County. James Call reports officials say overwhelming opposition makes the plan unworkable.

Honeymoon Island was included in the first phase of a plan that would double the number of parks where overnight camping is permitted. But now officials said citizens' complaints convinced them to withdraw the proposal for that particular park. Parks Director Donald Forgione spoke after residents packed a public hearing to say they didn't want camping facilities built on Honeymoon Island.

"No matter what amenity we place in a park it goes through a process. The planning process and we love to engage the pubic with that process."

Citizens spoke against the proposal at hearings for four state parks but just Honeymoon Island has been removed from the list. DEP is expected to make a decision for the other three by August 19th.