The reaction to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s plans to equip ten state parks in Florida with golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels has been quite fierce.

Now the public has the opportunity to voice their opinion – just a few days later than expected.

The ministry had previously scheduled public hearings on the plans for Tuesday, but on Friday it announced in an X-post that it would “look for new venues to accommodate the public” due to overwhelming interest in the initiative.

A website has also been set up where the public can submit suggestions and written comments on the plans.

On Monday, the department announced the launch of a “Great Outdoors Initiative” aimed at expanding public access to the parks by adding outdoor facilities and “providing new overnight accommodations.”

The plan has been criticized by environmentalists and the public, who believe the state must protect the pristine areas.

On Wednesday, the DEP released more details on plans for 10 parks across the state, including Honeymoon Island State Park in Pinellas County and Hillsborough River State Park. They include:

• Up to four pickleball courts near a beach access on Honeymoon Island
• A disc golf course and up to four pickleball courts next to a swimming and bathhouse complex in Hillsborough River State Park

The meeting for Honeymoon Island was scheduled to take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 11141 US Hwy. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater.

The Hillsborough River State Park meeting was also scheduled for Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Community Room D.

New meetings are planned for the week of September 2nd, dates will be announced soon.