"Florida Division of Recreation and Parks got some bad news Wedneday when the Department of Environmental Protection presented the Legislature an unprecedented list of 53 state parks that will be closed, including Fort Mose in St. Augustine" reported the Historic City News of St. Augustine, Florida.
With the threat of having to reduce their budgets by 15%, the proposed closings will likely become reality.
The News continued, "In a year when the state faces a nearly $4B shortfall, this is apt to be more than just an exercise; and with the high proportion of freshman members, there is less familiarity with the importance of Florida’s environmental programs.
"The selections were made from state parks which garner the least attendance and do not have camping — despite being economic engines in some of Florida’s smallest and most rural communities.
"Wednesday in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Committee, members seemed concerned but not willing to simply remove these cuts from the table. One suggested these lands should be sold to put them back on county tax rolls. Another suggested enlisting cash-strapped local governments to manage them. A third suggested closing them 'except on weekends'."
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