Aerial view of Lover's Key State Park in Florida.
Lover’s Key, in Florida’s Lee County between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, is one of the state parks on the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) list of 55 state parks that could welcome new campgrounds.
For years, Lover’s Key was only accessible by boat, and was named for its remote and serene setting.
That could change.
“We come here versus Fort Myers Beach because it’s quiet and not overcrowded,” beachgoer Robert McArthur told WBBH-TV, Fort Myers.
Click here to watch a video, courtesy of WBBH-TV, about this story.
But a state proposal looks to attract thousands more people to Lover’s Key by tearing up the park to install sewer lines, roads and parking lots – making space for a privately operated RV park and campground near the sand.
“I don’t support it at all, not at all,” said Gina Deiparine, who was visiting Lover’s Key from Daytona.
“I think it’s a state park for a reason, not a residential state park,” added Jerry Devitio, who was visiting from Fort Lauderdale.
The state is in favor of the proposal because at its 53 state parks which already having an RV and camping facility, demand has skyrocketed.
In fact, they have 90% occupancy year-round.
At nearby Red Coconut RV Park, the waiting list for a spot on the beach is more than a year.
But the state’s proposal is already drawing fire.
Fourteen lawmakers have expressed concern. And after public outcry, one park near Clearwater has been removed from the state’s list.
The DEP will be gathering public input before moving forward. When exactly that will happen is not yet known.
