What changes are proposed for Tampa Bay’s state parks?

A recent statewide proposal mentions Honeymoon Island State Park and Hillsborough River State Park.

A wooden swinging bench at Honeymoon Island State Park. The structure is in the sand, with tufts of grass scattered about, and faces still Gulf of Mexico waters. The white sand contrasts the rich blue water and light blue cloudless sky.

Honeymoon Island is a popular beach day spot.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Sunshine State officials are considering a recent proposal to make changes at nine of Florida’s state parks, including two in the Tampa Bay area. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to add golf courses, disc golf courses, lodging, glamping sites, and pickleball courts.

At Honeymoon Island State Park, officials are considering the addition of up to four pickleball courts. The plan is the same for Hillsborough River State Park, but a disc golf course is also in the works.

Lawmakers were meant to meet across the Sunshine State on Tuesday, Aug. 27 to further discuss the proposal, with the public invited to comment. Those meetings were postponed late last week.

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