The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners were never told about a state plan to develop Anastasia State Park — and that they oppose the controversial project, officials said Sunday.
As part of a “Great Outdoors Initiative,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection unveiled a proposal to bring new amenities to nine state parks — including a hotel, pickleball courts and a disc golf course on Anastasia Island.
In a statement, Board of Commissioners Chair Sarah Arnold said her panel was kept in the dark.
“Parks are for people and not about projects or profit,” the statement read. “Our Board of Commissioners has been consistent in our views on natural resource conservation and protection. This proposed project is absolutely contrary to out County Board’s vision and priorities.”
The board will “seriously address” the proposal, Arnold pledged.
The St. Augustine City Commission also said they were never given advance notice of the proposal.
In parrying the blowback, the FDEC has argued that the new attractions would increase the public’s access to and engagement of Florida’s state parks.
But residents opposed to the project — many of whom protested at the park Sunday — called for the barrier island to remain as it is.
“Don’t New Lodge My Park” read one sign, riffing off the popular “Don’t New York My Florida” slogan.
A planned public comment session originally slated for Tuesday in St. Augustine was scrapped after officials said they needed a larger space to accommodate speakers.
The Florida Times-Union reported that the Office of Parks originally planned to play a pre-recorded message on the proposal at the meeting and not take questions from the public.
