"ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Facing widespread opposition across the political spectrum, Gov. Ron DeSantis ' plan to develop state parks with business ventures — such as golf courses, pickleball courts and large hotels — has hit a snag after a key supporter pulled the plug.

The Department of Environmental Protection confirmed in an email that one group is no longer pursuing golf courses at pristine Jonathan Dickinson State Park in southeast Florida. The agency statement came after the backer, a nonprofit called Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, withdrew its proposal over the weekend.

“This project will be removed from agency review,” DEP spokesperson Alexandra Kuchta said in the email."

Curt Anderson and Kate Payne report for the Associated Press August 26, 2024. [2]