(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Leading the Charge: 45 Democrats Demand DeSantis Abandon Park's Commercialization [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-08-28 By Karl Cieslak, Candidate for Florida House District 54 Florida’s natural beauty is under threat. As Floridians, we’ve been blessed with some of the most breathtaking state parks in the nation—parks that are more than just land; they are sanctuaries for endangered species, havens for wildlife, and places of solace for millions of us who seek a connection with nature. But today, these cherished spaces are in grave danger. Governor Ron DeSantis has floated a dangerous plan to commercialize our state parks. This plan could open the door to the construction of hotels, golf courses, and other developments in areas that should be preserved for their ecological importance and natural beauty. Such a move would forever scar our landscapes, and once these habitats are destroyed, there’s no bringing them back. But Floridians are fighting back. This reckless proposal didn’t just raise eyebrows—it sparked outrage across the state. People united under the rallying cry of “Keep Florida State Parks Wild,” flooding social media with messages and taking to the streets in protest. The Governor’s response? A vague promise to “pause” the plan and “reconsider.” But let’s not kid ourselves—this is not a victory. It’s a delay tactic designed to defuse public anger until after the election season. We can’t afford to be complacent. Florida’s state parks aren’t just plots of land; they are irreplaceable treasures, home to the Florida panther, sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and countless other species. Their preservation is essential to maintaining the ecological balance and natural beauty of our state. That’s why I took the initiative to lead a group of 45 Democratic candidates for the Florida State Legislature to take action. Together, we’ve penned an open letter to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, demanding a permanent halt to any commercialization of our state parks. This is not about delaying or reconsidering—this is about ensuring that these lands are preserved for future generations. Let’s be clear: This plan is nothing more than a cash grab disguised as a “Great Outdoors Initiative.” For too long, Republicans have put corporate profits above environmental protection, systematically dismantling the regulations that keep our natural resources safe. This isn’t just about parks; it’s about a broader agenda that threatens to privatize Florida’s public assets for short-term gain, leaving a legacy of environmental degradation. As we approach the November elections, Floridians face a stark choice. Will we stand by as our parks are parceled out to the highest bidder? Or will we elect leaders who will fight tooth and nail to preserve our state’s natural heritage? The stakes couldn’t be higher. This fight isn’t just about policy; it’s about who we are and the Florida we want to leave behind. Our parks are part of our identity, our history, and our future. And we refuse to let them be sacrificed. This November, let’s send a clear message: Florida’s natural treasures are not for sale. We will elect leaders who understand that some things are priceless, that our parks are meant to be wild and free—not commercialized. Join us in this fight. The future of our state depends on it. About the Author: Karl Cieslak is the Democratic candidate for Florida House District 54. He is a passionate advocate for environmental protection, quality education, and financial security for all Floridians. Learn more about his campaign at www.cieslak4change.com. For more details on this initiative and our collective action, read the full article here: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/8/28/2266387/-45-Democratic-Candidates-Stand-United-Stop-DeSantis-from-Selling-Off-Florida?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=latest_community&pm_medium=web #ProtectOurParks #KeepFloridaWild #TakeBackFlorida #FLPol [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/8/28/2266397/-Leading-the-Charge-45-Democrats-Demand-DeSantis-Abandon-Park-s-Commercialization?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/