The Special Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th has Been Cancelled Due to the Governor's Decision to keep his Hands Off Honeymoon Island!
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Showing posts with label RV Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV Park. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
CANCELLED: Special July 14th Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meeting
The Special Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th has Been Cancelled Due to the Governor's Decision to keep his Hands Off Honeymoon Island!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
"The Message was Heard Loud and Clear"
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.http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/mayor-pleased-with-honeymoon-island-announcement
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."
Friday, July 8, 2011
DEP secretary writes letter to Senator Mike Fasano. (from Dunedin Patch)
DEP secretary writes letter to Senator Mike Fasano. (from Dunedin Patch)
It's Over!!!! State Takes Hands Off Honeymoon Island (from Dunedin Patch)
State Takes Hands Off Honeymoon Island (from Dunedin Patch)
DEP secretary writes letter backing off.
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
Florida Department of Environmental Protection scrapped its plan to allow recreational camping on Honeymoon Island late Friday.
"The message was heard loud and clear," Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) said, moments after receiving a letter from DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard. "I'm very pleased."
The controversial plan to open 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park for RV use met staunch, swift resistance from Dunedin residents as soon as it came to public light. The DEP was criticized for blindsiding stakeholders in a rushed process and for inadequate consideration to the island's fragile ecosystem.
It embroiled citizens and drew unprecedented numbers — an estimated 1,200 people — to a public hearing with DEP on July 5. Hundreds of residents, state and local officials, a state-appointed advisory group and the City of Dunedin unanimously rejected the DEP plan for 45 RV campsites.
Herschel's letter to Fasano states:
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
"The message was heard loud and clear," Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) said, moments after receiving a letter from DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard. "I'm very pleased."
The controversial plan to open 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park for RV use met staunch, swift resistance from Dunedin residents as soon as it came to public light. The DEP was criticized for blindsiding stakeholders in a rushed process and for inadequate consideration to the island's fragile ecosystem.
It embroiled citizens and drew unprecedented numbers — an estimated 1,200 people — to a public hearing with DEP on July 5. Hundreds of residents, state and local officials, a state-appointed advisory group and the City of Dunedin unanimously rejected the DEP plan for 45 RV campsites.
Herschel's letter to Fasano states:
"The Department recognizes that adding amenities in state parks should be a citizen-supported effort and should not appear rushed. Going forward, we will be taking a different approach and 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."The plan was next to appear in August before the DEP Aqcuisition and Restoration Council, a 10-member review group in place to review and evaluate management plans such as the one proposed for Honeymoon Island. The group is made up of representatives from the governor's office and at least four state agencies.
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/state-takes-hands-off-honeymoon-island
Honeymoon Island Night Set for Wednesday: D-Jays Excited to Support the Cause!
 |
| Come support the park at the ballpark! |
The price of tickets will remain just $6, so this is an excellent opportunity to come out and support your local team and at the same time help support the movement to keep Honeymoon Island just the way it is.
The 7pm game will feature the Blue Jays and Bradenton Marauders, and like every Wednesday night there will be $1 hot dogs available throughout the game.
Don't miss this chance to show your Dunedin pride!
If you have any questions or would like more information feel free to call the Blue Jays at 727-733-9302.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball
Leagues or its clubs.
Original Story from Dunedin Blue Jays
http://dunedin.bluejays.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110708&content_id=21586774&vkey=news_t424&fext=.jsp&sid=t424
Leagues or its clubs.
Original Story from Dunedin Blue Jays
http://dunedin.bluejays.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110708&content_id=21586774&vkey=news_t424&fext=.jsp&sid=t424
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Update: Special Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meeting: July 14th, 2011 @ 7PM (St. Petersburg College – Clearwater Campus Auditorium)
Special Pinellas County Legislative Delegation Meeting
The Pinellas County legislative delegation is scheduled to meet from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday in the auditorium of St. Petersburg College's Clearwater campus:
The sole purpose of the public hearing will be to address the issue of a possible development on Honeymoon Island as is being considered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Pinellas County Legislative Delegation
- January 7, 2011 Meeting Agenda
- Notice Public Hearings
- Speaking Request Form
- Local Bills 2010 - 2011
- Local Bill Policies / Procedures / Forms
- Delegation List
- Delegation Rules - 2011-01
 James C. "Jim" Frishe District 54 Delegation Chair eMail the Chair | |
 Mike Fasano District 11 |  Dennis L. Jones District 13 |
 Larry Ahern District 51 |  Jeff Brandes District 52 |  Rick Kriseman District 53 |
 Darryl Ervin Rouson District 55 | ||
Another Contact: Florida Park Service Information Director
If you’d like to submit a comment on the proposal to allow private construction, control and operation of Camping/RV facilities in up to 56 Florida state parks, please send your feedback to:Florida Park Service Information Director Jessica Sims Jessica.K.Sims@dep.state.fl.us.
Comments will be compiled through July 15, 2011.
THANKS GEORGE!
LIVE Images From The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce Rooftop Webcam!
Located on Main St in Historic, Delightful Downtown Dunedin!
DUNEDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
301 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Email: chamber@dunedin-fl.com
Phone: 727-733-3197
Fax: 727-734-8942
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Honeymoon Over for State Plan to Add RV Camping (From Clearwater Patch)
Honeymoon Over for State Plan to Add RV Camping
For more than four hours residents and elected officials voiced opposition about a plan to add RV camp sites to Honeymoon Island State Park to the state Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday night
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Mad about Honeymoon Isle idea? Tonight is your chance to speak up....
And tonight, the public will have a chance to voice its opinion.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is recommending that Honeymoon Island be among 56 state parks to allow private contractors to build and operate RV campgrounds.
Opponents say the high impact camping would have a negative impact on the ecology of the small island.Republican state senator Mike Fasano said proponents are touting the potential economic impact. He's not buying it.
"What it's really doing is generating revenue for the private company that they're going to contract with," Fasano said.
The proposal here is for 17 acres that would allow recreational vehicles for overnight stays. Many park visitors are against such an idea.
"I'm concerned about putting money before the environment and pretty much destroying the beaches as we know it," Carmon Stephan said. "A lot of the wildlife won't have a habitat because of the construction."
A public hearing is set for 7 tonight at the Hale Senior Center, 330 Douglas Ave. in Dunedin.
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
Location changed for meeting on new Honeymoon Island campsites
The original location was the Dunedin Public Library across the street from the senior center.
The library's capacity is 100 people, Dunedin spokeswoman Courtney King said. The Hale Center can hold 250 people and has a better sound system, she said.
Officials with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are holding the meeting to get more public input on plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of Honeymoon Island.
The 2,800-acre barrier island with its popular beaches is one of 56 state parks on a draft list that DEP officials say have the potential to add campsites. The state may hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, said Donald Forgione, DEP's park service director.
Forgione said the proposal for new campsites on Honeymoon Island and other state parks wasn't driven by budget cuts. Florida needs more camping areas to encourage visitors to experience outdoor activities and recreation, he said.
DEP oversees 160 parks and one-third of that number has full camping facilities. The 3,500 campsites in use now were built by the state and run by state employees.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Honeymoon Island Could See Private RV Campgrounds!!!
Is the state getting ready to allow private contractors to build and operate RV campgrounds at Honeymoon Island State Park?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to, saying it has plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of the 2,800-acre park — a move that has some up in arms.
The state could hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, which drew 1 million visitors last year and was on the list of the 25 most popular parks in Florida.
Florida Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Wednesday that this is a major policy change requiring a thorough review.
“This is a magnificent place,” he told FOX 13 on Wednesday. “It’s a state treasure. It doesn’t need to be turned into a for-profit venue run by for-profit companies.”
The idea of private companies taking down trees, paving over parts of the park and moving onto the island has caused public outcry.
DEP officials are holding a town hall meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Hale Senior Center in Dunedin, where they will hear from people about the plans. Officials were initially going to hold it at the local library, but it was ruled that venue was too small.
Fasano said he hopes people show up and voice their concerns no matter what their opinion is of the proposal.
----------------------------------
LINK: Follow this link to see the proposal.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to, saying it has plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of the 2,800-acre park — a move that has some up in arms.
The state could hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, which drew 1 million visitors last year and was on the list of the 25 most popular parks in Florida.
Florida Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Wednesday that this is a major policy change requiring a thorough review.
“This is a magnificent place,” he told FOX 13 on Wednesday. “It’s a state treasure. It doesn’t need to be turned into a for-profit venue run by for-profit companies.”
The idea of private companies taking down trees, paving over parts of the park and moving onto the island has caused public outcry.
DEP officials are holding a town hall meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Hale Senior Center in Dunedin, where they will hear from people about the plans. Officials were initially going to hold it at the local library, but it was ruled that venue was too small.
Fasano said he hopes people show up and voice their concerns no matter what their opinion is of the proposal.
----------------------------------
LINK: Follow this link to see the proposal.
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