New Florida state parks initiative could bring golf courses to Jonathan Dickinson State Park

On Monday, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, which will "expand public access, increase outdoor activities and provide new lodging options across Florida's state parks."

It's been a long time since our newsroom has received so many emails and concerns over one topic in our area. We asked a few people to meet us at Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Wednesday to share their concerns and at least 30 to 40 showed up.

The initiative will also expand outdoor activities at some parks, like pickleball, disc golf, golf and paddling.

One of the Florida parks that will be getting some proposed changes is Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound. And one change that's getting significant pushback from residents and environmentalists is the proposed addition of three golf courses across 1,000 acres of the park's natural habitat.

According to a Unit Management Plan Amendment posted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection site, there are proposed plans to develop and design two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course. It states the 18-hole and nine-hole courses would be "between the Brightline intercity rail and US Highway 1 transportation corridors," while the second 18-hole course would be in the "northeastern portion of the park."

It notes the Hobe Mountain observation tower would have to be removed, and staff residences relocated.

"It's not about golf," Jessica Namath told WPTV reporter Meghan McRoberts. "To me, it's about destroying an ancient sand dune and destroying the scrub jay habitat."

When Namath learned about the plan, she formed a Facebook group that in just four days gained more than 15,000 members against the project.

"I know my community, and I know they were very much against this or would be," Namath said. "The fact it's been kept under wraps and we haven't had the opportunity to speak out about it is very frustrating."

A public comment meeting on this proposal will be held on Aug. 27 at the Flagler of Stuart.

A Change.org petition was started on Tuesday to oppose the golf courses, stating that they "would destroy not just the habitat directly where the golf courses will go, but also the surrounding environment."

Despite strong opposition to the project, golfers explained to WPTV reporter Todd Wilson why they would support the proposal.

FAMILY TIES TO THE PARK SPEAK OUT:

WPTV Reporter Zitlali Solache spoke with Cyndy Celmer Tomassetti, grand-nice of "Trapper" Nelson. Nelson acquired a piece of the 11,500 acres of land near the Loxahatchee River in the 1960s. Tomassetti said the development proposal to be stopped to preserve her family's land.

The family of a historical woodsman "Trapper" Nelson from Jupiter, is fighting to preserve the Jonathan Dickinson State Park following the Department of Environmental Protection's proposal to build golf courses.

Tomassetti said Nelson died years later and on his will, stated he wanted to preserve his green space.

"This is very near and dear to my heart because these were his exact wishes," shared Tomassetti. "That this land will be preserved for many, many, many generations.”

Nelson was born in New Jersey and came from a family of immigrants from Lithuania. He eventually moved to Jupiter, Florida.

"I loved going to visit my uncle when I was small," shared Tomassetti. "I loved when he would tell me about the animals. I loved how involved he was with their environment."

Tomassetti said Nelson and her family built several cabins near the Loxahatchee River.

Those who visit Jonathan Dickinson State Park can take the riverboat cruise down the waterways and visit the Trapper Nelson Interactive Exhibit.