Proposal Involving Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus to Build Golf Courses in Florida State Park Put on Hold
A proposed plan to construct golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Florida, involving golf legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, has been met with bipartisan pushback and public protests. The proposal also included enhancements to nine state parks, but the golf courses became the main point of controversy.
Although Nicklaus had offered to design the courses for free, the outcry against the plan was widespread, with objections coming from environmental groups, Democrats, and Republicans including Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio.
The proposal was initially supported by a non-profit organization called Folds of Honor, which helps raise scholarship funds for veterans and first responders. However, after facing backlash, both Folds of Honor and another group, Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, have since backed away from the project.
The DeSantis administration, which had initially indicated support for the plan, has now distanced itself from the proposal. Governor DeSantis stated that he never approved the plan and referred to it as “half-baked” and not ready for implementation. Despite initial communication indicating support, DeSantis clarified that he had not seen or endorsed the proposal.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether the golf courses will be built in the state park or if alternative plans will be proposed. The involvement of high-profile figures like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus has drawn significant attention to the issue, sparking a broader conversation about conservation and development in Florida state parks.
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