The state legislative session opened Tuesday. And it's worth noting that at the same time Florida's leaders are pushing to privatize things like schools, prisons and mental health hospitals, they are proposing that the government get more involved in the development of something we truly need.
New golf courses.
In state parks.
Shortly after becoming our new governor and declaring Florida was open for business, Rick Scott met with golfer-turned-businessman Jack Nicklaus to discuss economic development. So maybe it shouldn't have come as a surprise that one of the bills on the table this session is the "Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail of Florida" act.
The measure is sponsored by Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, and Rep. Pat Rooney, R-West Palm Beach. It would allow the construction in at least five state parks, with courses designed by Nicklaus' company and financed by revenue bonds. Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, also sponsored another "golf trail" bill.
I know what some of you are thinking: Don't we have a few golf courses already?
Yes, we have the most of any state. More than 1,000, including 33 designed by Nicklaus. But we don't have Olustee Links. Yet.
Can't you see it? "Don't just hit out of a bunker, hit out of a Civil War bunker! Want to play a real island hole? Check out No. 17 on Fort George Island G.C."
OK, so far the only state park mentioned by name is Jonathan Dickinson in Martin County. Which is interesting because of what is right next to that park.
A golf course.
In fact, the area near the park is dotted with courses, some of which undoubtedly are struggling to stay open. That's the state of golf all over the state.
Last year, even with cut rates, the number of rounds played on the First Coast was down by 9.6 percent. And in the last five years, a half dozen courses in North Florida have closed - including one designed by another legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer.
So you can imagine how the people running existing courses feel about the government creating competition. Suffice to say, it's hard to tell who's more dismayed with this idea, them or environmentalists.
We're going to tear up some of the state's most beautiful natural places - parks that without golf courses manage to draw 20 million visitors annually - to build something that will take away customers from existing, tax-paying businesses. Maybe even put them out of business.
Why don't we clear more land and build hotels, too? Well, that's part of the bill.
Perhaps our politicians should look at Georgia. The state has golf courses in 10 state parks. Most consistently lose money. So a couple of years ago Georgia tried to privatize the ones it runs. Didn't get any qualified bidders. And in this economy, nobody is building new courses.
But here in Florida, a new day is dawning. And I suggest you enjoy it at places like Itchetucknee Springs State Park. Quickly. Before our state leaders turn it into the Spring & Bear course.
