How Do You Like Your Honeymoon Island?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent land management plan amendment, outlines plans to turn 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park into lots for overnight tent and RV camping.

Clearwater Patch: Original Story

Honeymoon Island is just north of Caladesi Island and north Clearwater Beach.

The DEP announcement came a mere week ahead of a public meeting to hear comment on the issue, scheduled a day after the July 4 holiday weekend.

The DEP says the move is a response to a public demand for more camping.

“Currently 53 of Florida’s 160 state parks offer family camping. On many weekends and seasonally, all of these campgrounds are full,” its website says.

The park brought in about $2.2 million last year, and operated on about $612,000. Residents say Honeymoon Island more than makes up for others, such as Big Shoals State Park in White Springs, which brought in $7,600 last year on an operating budget of about $91,000, or Ponce de Leon Springs Park, which brought in $43,000 last year on an operating budget of $94,500.

The DEP holds two meetings, both open to the public. Only one invites public comment.

Upcoming meetings:

July 5: Public meeting for proposal and to hear comment on land management amendment for Honeymoon Island; Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin; 7 p.m.; arrive early for seating.

July 6: Public meeting to listen as the Honeymoon Island Advisory Group reviews Tuesday's public comments on the land management amendment. While it is open to the public, absolutely no public comment will be heard; Rotary Centennial Nature Center, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; arrive early for seating. Only 30 or so seats available. Gate fees will be lifted.

http://clearwater.patch.com/articles/how-do-you-like-your-honeymoon-island