Public Meeting Update

Tonight's public meeting in Dunedin to discuss the proposed private development of parts of Honeymoon Island State Park, and include the use of RV's and other forms of 'high impact' camping was overflowing with residents who were practically unanimously opposed to the new plans!

The packed crowd was animated but orderly and although many brought signs and fliers, nobody was rude or confrontational with any of the speakers.  The main room was filled to capacity, as was the overflow audio-only room.  A hundred or so folks had to wait outside as well.

The DEP representatives who spoke narrowly focused their case on only a very few points:

1.  Camping in State Parks is frequent.  It's not out of the ordinary.
2. Things can't always be free.  Financial matters must be considered.
3. Honeymoon Island would be held to the same (high?) standards as other State Parks.
4. RV's and Campers would be allowed, but it wouldn't really be an RV Park as news reports wrongly indicate.

What the presenter failed to understand is that:

1. Honeymoon Island is not just any State Park.  It's a fantastic unspoiled Gem!
2. It already serves more annual visitors than any other Florida State Park and - does it profitably!
3. If Honeymoon Island was "just like other Florida State Parks" it would be ruined!
4. Plans are public and they do call for construction of another traffic lane to service RV's.  Florida's Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds opposes the state plans as well.

 THANK YOU! to both Dunedin Mayor, Dave Eggers and State Senator Mike Fasano!  It's nice to see public servants who 'get-it'.  Both are opposed to the proposal and their support is appreciated!!