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Home My WebLink AboutR-2024-135 Opposing Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Great Outdoors InitiativeRESOLUTION NO. 2024-135 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, OPPOSING ANY CURRENT OR FUTURE FLORIDA DEPARiMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROPOSED INITIATTVES CURRENTLY KNOWN AS THE "GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE" THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE GOLF COURSES, PARK LODGES OR PICKLEBALL FACILITIES IN NATI]RE PRESERVE PARKS; AND OPPOSE ANY SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DR. VON D. MIZELL.EULA JOHNSON STATE PARK; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTION TO THE CITY'S STATE LOBBYISTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTTVE DATE. WIIEREAS, the city of Dania Beach urges Govemor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to halt the"Great Outdoors lnitiative" (he ..lnitiative"), and any future similar Initiatives, which would thleaten the integrity of nine (9) Florida state Parks, including the Dr. von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson state Park; and yHEREAS, this initiative, which Govemor DeSantis has currently withdrawn, included plans to construct golf courses, park lodges, disc golf courses, and pickleball courts in the state parks is a misguided attempt to "reconnect Americans to the outdoors" that will devastate the very landscapes it claims to protect; and WHEREAS, Florida is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation, home to over 3,000 plant species and more than 4,000 animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world (endemic); and wHERf,As,theproposeddevelopmentswillnegativelyimpactFlorida,secosystems, endangering imperiled plant and animal species like the Four-petal Pawpaw and the Florida scrub jay; and WIIEREAS, the pristine habitats that make our state parks unique are crucial for wildlife and a significant draw for tourism; and WHEREAS, our parks' natural beauty drives visitors, not artificial recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, the construction of golf courses in these parks would introduce harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating our groundwater, rivers, and soil; and WHEREAS, these chemicals pose long-term risks to both the ecosystem and public health; and WHEREAS, it is irresponsible to sacrifice Florida's natural treasures for short-term garns that could lead to irreversible damage; and WHEREAS, if allowed, this lnitiative, or any similar future initiative for these parks, sets a dangerous precedent for the exploitation of public lands, undermining conservation efforts and threatening the future of natural Florida; and WHEREAS,Dr.VonD.Mizell-EulaJohnsonStatgParkisadjacenttotheCityofDania, Beach,s sole beachfront area, and the city is maintaining its beach and waterway in a pristine condition, to protect wildlife and park users, alike, and any deterioration of the state park would affect the City's beach and beachgoers; and WHEREAS, the natural preserve area, that provides kayaking opportunities needs to be protected; and WHEREAS, Florida's irreplaceable natural heritage needs to be preserved, and we need to ensure that our parks remain sanctuaries for wildlife and places of unspoiled beauty for generations to come. NOW,THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDBYTHECITYCOMI\{ISSIONOFTHE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA: Section 1. That the above "Whereas" clauses are ratified and confirmed, and they are made a part ofand incorporated into this Resolution by this reference' section 2. That the city commission of the city of Dania Beach, Florida, urges Governor Ron Desantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to halt the "Great outdoors Initiative" (the "Initiative") and any future similar Initiatives, which would threaten the integrity of nine (9) Florida State Parks, including the Dr. von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park; and Section 3. That the city commission directs the city clerk to transmit copies of this Resolution to the City's state lobbyists, Govemor Ron DeSantis, the Broward League of Cities, the Florida League of cities, the Broward county Legislative Delegation, the Broward county Board of County Commissioners, and any other interested parties' Section 4. That the City Commission directs the City's state lobbyists to advocate against the reintroduction or continuation of the proposed Great Outdoors Initiative, particularly 2 RESOLUTION #2024-)3; as it relates to any possible Threat to the integrity of the Dr. von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park; and section 5. That all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this Resolution are repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section 6. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage L ,2024 Motion by Comn JarnzS "y L<seco FINAL VOTE ON ADOPTION: Unanimous Yes No Commissioner Joyce L. Davis Commissioner Tamara James Commissioner Marco Salvino Vice Mayor Lori Lewellen Mayor Archibald J. Ryan IV ATTES ELO C CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CO ARCHIB MAYOR J. RYAN IV ,SH S E C o IS ORNEY 3 RESoLUTToN#2024 -!35 and adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTEI)