- April 25, 2024
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Bulow Creek State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park won’t be on the chopping block of state closures.
Following a week of outcries from concerned citizens and public officials throughout Flagler County and the state, the idea of closing nearly 53 state parks is no longer being considered, according to a statement by Gov. Rick Scott’s communications office.
Jenn Meal, communications spokeswoman for Scott, stated in an e-mail Feb. 10 to the Palm Coast Observer that the governor’s budget doesn’t recommend park closures.
“No parks will be closed as a result of Gov. Scott’s budget recommendations,” Meal wrote.
Alma Nemrava, of the Hammock Conservation Coalition, visited Washington Oaks earlier in the week. Nemrava said the HCC is remaining cautiously optimistic and still plans to send a letter to state representatives with reasons why the park should stay open.
According to County Administrator Craig Coffey, in 2008, there was a $43,000 economic impact on the local community for every 1,000 park visitors — which translates to nearly $3.2 million.
“That figure is extremely low, and that’s because there isn’t someone at the gate for either park collecting attendance,” Coffey said.
Attendance was the key factor in possibly closing Bulow Creek State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State.
Though the decision isn’t final, the Legislature will determine Florida’s final budget during the upcoming session, which begins March 8.
The 53 closings would have cut the budget by nearly 15%, saving the state about $6.5 million annually.
Scott’s proposed budget cuts about $5 billion from the state’s current $70.5 billion budget, which is geared to offset a $3.62 billion revenue shortfall.
