Months ago, Florida OK'd giving 324 acres of state forest to golf course company
The Florida Cabinet approved a land swap transferring 324 acres of state forest to a golf course company, raising concerns about conservation, transparency, and environmental impacts before final approval.
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In June, the Florida Cabinet approved a controversial land swap that would transfer 324 acres of Withlacoochee State Forest to Cabot Citrus OpCo LLC, a golf course company, in exchange for 861 acres of timberland in Levy County. This decision, made without public discussion, is part of a broader context of criticism surrounding the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's plans to introduce golf courses and hotels in state parks. The land being given to Cabot is adjacent to its existing luxury golf resort in Brooksville. Critics argue that the land swap undermines conservation efforts, as the exchanged state forest land is part of a wildlife corridor and was preserved to mitigate environmental impacts from the Suncoast Parkway. The deal has raised concerns about transparency, as it was added to the Cabinet's agenda shortly before the meeting, and no appraisals or detailed evaluations were presented. The Acquisition and Restoration Council must still approve the swap, and there are calls for more information to be provided before any decisions are made. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between public interest in conservation and private development initiatives in Florida.
- Florida Cabinet approved a land swap giving 324 acres of state forest to a golf course company.
- The deal is part of a broader controversy over proposed developments in state parks.
- Critics argue the swap undermines conservation efforts and lacks transparency.
- The land being exchanged is part of a wildlife corridor, raising environmental concerns.
- The Acquisition and Restoration Council must still approve the land swap.
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4 commentsPoor journalists. It must be hard trying to manufacture outrage when they’re obligated to provide the truth somewhere in the article
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