Current:Home > MyFlorida environmental protection head quits 2 months after backlash of plan to develop state parks--DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews Insights
Florida environmental protection head quits 2 months after backlash of plan to develop state parks
View Date:2025-01-20 01:06:32
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The head of Florida’s environmental protection agency is stepping down two months after a controversial proposal to develop golf courses, pickleball courts and hotels at state parks was abandoned after sparking rare bipartisan opposition.
Shawn Hamilton is being replaced as secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by Alexis Lambert, chief of staff of the state’s bond finance division, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced in a news release Thursday.
Hamilton said in an email to state employees obtained by the Tampa Bay Times that he was leaving to “transition to the private sector” after more than three years leading the Florida DEP.
The department unveiled the plans for the “Great Outdoors Initiative” in August and had planned a single hour of public hearings near the nine affected parks. Opposition to the initiative transcended party lines, as top Republican legislative leaders and members of Congress, including U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, raised questions, along with Democrats and environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the Cleo Institute.
DeSantis eventually announced that plans for the parks were going back to the drawing board.
veryGood! (6969)
Related
- Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
- 'The Traitors' Season 3 cast: Which reality TV stars are partaking in murder mystery
- In the UK’s top baseball league, crowds are small, babysitters are key and the Mets are a dynasty
- Tornado hits Michigan without warning, killing toddler, while twister in Maryland injures 5
- NFL playoff picture Week 10: Lions stay out in front of loaded NFC field
- A look back at D-Day: Why the World War II invasion remains important on its 80th anniversary
- California made it easier to vote, but some with disabilities still face barriers
- Officials: Man from viral court hearing didn't follow process. He says paperwork never came
- Infowars auction could determine whether Alex Jones is kicked off its platforms
- Gilgo Beach suspect charged in more slayings; new evidence called a 'blueprint' to kill
Ranking
- Bodyless head washes ashore on a South Florida beach
- Officials accused of trying to sabotage Interpol's Red Notice system to tip off international fugitives
- Millie Bobby Brown, Bon Jovi's son and the truth about getting married in your early 20s
- Trump ally Steve Bannon must surrender to prison by July 1 to start contempt sentence, judge says
- Justine Bateman feels like she can breathe again in 'new era' after Trump win
- Pregnant Model Iskra Lawrence Claps Back at Body-Shamers
- Nvidia stock split: Investors who hold shares by end of Thursday trading to be impacted
- Women's College World Series finals: How to watch Game 2 of Oklahoma vs. Texas
Recommendation
-
Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
-
California made it easier to vote, but some with disabilities still face barriers
-
Will Smith, Martin Lawrence look back on 30 years of 'Bad Boys': 'It's a magical cocktail'
-
Chiefs backup lineman taken to hospital after cardiac event during team meeting, AP source says
-
Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked
-
From 'Saving Private Ryan' to 'The Longest Day,' D-Day films to watch on 80th anniversary
-
'My heart stopped': Watch as giraffe picks up Texas toddler during trip to wildlife center
-
Southern Baptists are poised to ban churches with women pastors. Some are urging them to reconsider