What makes the Florida state parks DeSantis wanted to develop so special

Florida’s state parks are not only natural escapes from urban sprawl but also crucial sanctuaries for the state’s diverse wildlife. These parks represent the last strongholds for many species amidst the rapid urbanization of Florida’s communities, Julie Wraithmell, executive director for Audubon Florida told the Associated Press.

And that’s why there was a statewide outcry when plans to put hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts in nine Florida state parks were leaked in August. In response to harsh criticism from Floridans and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, the DeSantis administration has since backpedaled on its plans to develop state parks.

These state parks offer invaluable habitats for countless species including many that are threatened or endangered. In fact, 75 of Florida’s 178 state parks are nestled within the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a sprawling 18-million-acre network of land and water that traverses the heart of the state, playing an essential role in preserving ecological balance and supporting wildlife migration.

Here’s a look at the nine parks included in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s development plans, and why each one is so valuable to the preservation of wildlife and natural spaces in our state.

Honeymoon Island State Park

This state park is a Gulf Coast barrier island, but unlike most of the Tampa Bay area beaches, Honeymoon is completely natural. Although the island’s four miles of shoreline are frequented by over a millions visitors each year, if you walk to the northern end of the island, you can find yourself alone with nature. After watching the dolphins and shorebirds from the beach, you can explore the island’s three-mile trail that winds through the slash pine forests, where you might catch a glimpse of eagles, ospreys, great horned owls, and gopher tortoises.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

The largest amount of protected scrub-jay habitat in Southeast Florida can be found at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The scrub-jay is Florida’s only endemic bird, meaning it’s only found in Florida. However, the species is federally listed as threatened, in large part due to loss of habitat.

In addition to the scrub-jay, more than 150 species of birds make this park their home. Within the park’s more than 10,000 acres, there are 16 different natural communities and endless hiking trails, as well as an observation tower that offers a 360-degree view of the park’s rare environments including coastal sand hills, upland lakes and scrub forests as well as the Loxahatchee River.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is a 1,600-acre preserve in historic St. Augustine, where you’ll find a diversity of natural habitats, including beach, dunes, salt marsh, coastal scrub and the globally rare maritime hammock. 

It’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with 195 identified bird species. Located along the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds, which travel thousands of miles in the fall and spring and often suffer from exhaustion and lack of nutrition. The park provides a critical stopping point where birds can feed and rest. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve, located in the Panhandle, features unique sand dunes and pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Named for its ship-like dunes, the preserve is home to rare coastal freshwater dune lakes that support diverse aquatic wildlife. Visitors can explore old-growth pine forests, sandy scrublands, and wetlands, with opportunities to spot 13 imperiled species such as the Choctawhatchee beach mouse and pitcher plants.

The preserve offers three miles of beaches, 15 miles of trails, and water activities like canoeing and kayaking on the nearly 100-acre Campbell Lake. It is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, providing excellent chances to see various birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park features a 4.5-mile hiking and biking trail through its forested areas, complemented by the adjacent Walton County paved path along County Road 30-A. The park is a key spot on the Great Florida Birding Trail, where visitors can observe shorebirds, bald eagles, and ospreys. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Florida black bears, white-tailed deer, and gray foxes. The diverse habitats within the park support a rich array of animals and birds.

Hillsborough River State Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park offers a peaceful retreat with seven miles of nature trails and excellent wildlife viewing. The park provides diverse outdoor activities, including fishing in the Hillsborough River, hiking, biking, and picnicking under historic pavilions from the 1930s. Visitors can also see rare Class II river rapids and are encouraged to bring a valid fishing license, as fishing is allowed only along the river’s shoreline. The park’s varied habitats, such as pine flatwoods, swamps, and cypress ponds, support a rich array of plant and animal life. 

Oleta River State Park

Thirty minutes from downtown Miami, Oleta River State Park is a stunning natural retreat centered around its namesake waterway. Spanning over a thousand acres, it is Florida’s largest urban park and offers diverse recreational opportunities, including 15 miles of off-road biking trails and paddling through lush mangrove forests. The park is also ideal for fishing, swimming, and picnicking along scenic Biscayne Bay. Visitors can explore 14 miles of multiuse trails for hiking and trail running. On the beautiful Oleta River or Biscayne Bay, you can go kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Located just south of Port Everglades, this beachside park represents the last undeveloped coastal ecosystem in Broward County. Named in honor of Civil Rights Movement leaders who fought to desegregate South Florida’s beaches, the park was once a “colored beach” and was saved from residential development thanks to efforts by a county attorney. Today, it is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and picnicking, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, the park features over two miles of beach and oceanfront, Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including beach outings, nature trail walks, saltwater fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park, nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, offers a blend of natural beauty and history. The 180-acre park features activities like swimming, hiking, and fishing. It has a rich history, with evidence of indigenous habitation over 4,000 years old and a 20th-century past as a vacation camp for Avondale Mills employees. Established in 1945, the camp provided recreational facilities until 1987, when it was purchased by Florida and opened as a state park in 1997. Today, visitors can enjoy the park’s scenic landscapes, fishing opportunities, and remnants of its historical past.

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