"The message was heard loud and clear," Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) said, moments after receiving a letter from DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard. "I'm very pleased."
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
In a letter to State Sen. Mike Fasano, DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard, says Honeymoon Island is being removed from a list of 56 state parks where new campgrounds would be built – in part because of the public outcry against the plan.
“As a result, the Department with the full support of Governor Rick Scott, will not recommend going forward with camping at Honeymoon Island State Park and will be evaluating how to proceed at Fanning Springs, DeLeon Springs, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs and any other park that was initially considered for campsite expansions,” the letter says.
http://www.wusf.usf.edu/news/2011/07/08/scott_drops_private_campground_plan_at_honeymoon_island_state_park
Vinyard said that in the future, the DEP would do a better job of gauging community reaction.
" I have asked staff to meet with local communities, state park citizen support organizations and other park stakeholders before formally proposing the addition of amenities or services, including family camping, at any of our state parks," he wrote.
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/no-rv-campgrounds-on-honymoon-island-07082011
A news release on Governor Rick Scott's website also confirmed that the plans would not move forward.
"After seeing the public's reaction, it is clear that this is not the right time to expand camping at Honeymoon Island State Park," Scott said in the news release.
"These natural treasures belong to all the tax-paying citizens of this state and it would be unfair to proceed with a plan that so many Floridians are so adamantly opposed to."
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/no-rv-campgrounds-on-honymoon-island-07082011
Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers issued this statement to Dunedin Patch late Friday:
"I am pleased to hear that the DEP has listened to us Floridians and the residents of Dunedin and Pinellas County and decided not to pursue their RV camping proposal. I am so proud of Dunedin and the rallying of support that was pulled together to fight the process and an ill-conceived plan. I want to thank all of our neighbors from around Pinellas County and beyond for standing along side of Dunedin, Honeymoon Island's primary caretaker.
I want to once again thank all of those folks in attendance this past week at the Hale Center as we learned of the plan and and collectively voiced our opinions. I also wanted to thank our recreation staff, our fire department and Sheriff's department for their collective efforts at ensuring a predominately civil discourse, remembering that without it, we will not get results of which everyone can be proud.
I also wanted to thank Senators Fasano and Latvala, State Representatives Corcoran, Hooper and Nehr and our County Commission led by Commissioner Latvala for all of their support in opposing the proposed plan. Finally, I wanted to thank Vice Mayor Barnette, Commissioners Scales, Bujalski and Carson for showing such strong leadership during such an emotional and difficult time. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Islands are the real winners as they can now rest as the sun goes down on RV camping."
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/mayor-pleased-with-honeymoon-island-announcement
Censorship Sucks! But I understand that this photo IS graphic and clearly offends many so it has been removed, but the link remains (for now) and the original post remains below the jump, so all the harassment and accusations and threats and misrepresentations should, maybe, hopefully cease.
