Ron DeSantis faced a major political setback when his plan to develop state parks in Florida was met with widespread opposition from both Republican allies and environmental advocates.
Richard Luscombe reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- DeSantis's "Great Outdoors Initiative," which proposed building hotels, golf courses, and other facilities in state parks, sparked a significant backlash.
- Key Republican figures, usually loyal to DeSantis, publicly criticized the plan, calling it "ridiculous" and "tone deaf."
- The governor has since backtracked, claiming the plan was not approved by him and blaming the leak on a "leftwing group."
Key quote:
“This was a totally self-inflicted political wound, a political error by Governor DeSantis and his administration.”
— Aubrey Jewett, political science professor, University of Central Florida
Why this matters:
DeSantis’s failed park development plan highlights a growing divide within Florida's Republican ranks and raises questions about his continued influence in the state as his presidential campaign struggles.
Be sure to read: DeSantis halts contentious plan to develop state parks
