Rick Scott and DEP: No Camping at Honeymoon Island State Park

Gov. Rick Scott, in consultation with Herschel Vinyard, secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), instructed the Florida Park Service Friday not to proceed with plans for camping at Honeymoon Island State Park.

In addition, the Florida Park Service will evaluate how to proceed at Fanning Springs, DeLeon Springs, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs and any other parks being considered for campsite expansions.

After seeing the publics reaction, it is clear that this is not the right time to expand camping at Honeymoon Island State Park, Scott said in a Friday evening press release. These natural treasures belong to all the taxpaying citizens of this state and it would be unfair to proceed with a plan that so many Floridians are so adamantly opposed to.

Going forward, Scott has instructed DEP and the Florida Park Service to meet with local communities, state park citizen support organizations and other park stakeholders before formally proposing the addition of amenities or services, including family camping, at any state parks.

As Scott's press statement points out, Floridas award-winning state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning nearly 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. Scott and Vinyard have said they intend to keep these treasures among the best in the nation.
--