By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-977851.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Governor Rick Scott recently backed away from a plan to offer camping at Honeymoon Island State Park near Dunedin, after hundreds of residents spoke out against it. As Sascha Cordner reports, Scott says now, he's going to take a closer look at what to do about the three state parks he also had plans for, but no decisions have been finalized.
After many residents and lawmakers voiced their opposition to expand camping at state parks at four public meetings, Scott halted his plans to privately develop a campground at one of Florida's state parks, Honeymoon Island. But, that still leaves the other three Scott was considering: Wakulla Springs, Fanning Springs, and DeLeon Springs State Parks.
"We want people to use out state parks but we got to do it in a manner where we keep our nice environment. And, So, I think we should continue to look at these things, but we've got to listen to the public. It's their parks! We've got to listen to them and make sure we do the right thing on these state parks."
He says he's still taking into account offering campsites at the remaining three state parks, but he's taking a more careful approach. If Scott goes through with those plans for the campsites, it will then extend to the rest of the parks in the state.