FloridaReLoaded wrote:
Stormy Eyes wrote:
FloridaReLoaded wrote:
Well let me throw more fuel into the fire, I'm ranting about the ones that take over the Florida Keys state campgrounds in the winter. They have a monopoly on them and I've about had it! We also own a Condo in Florida and Florida is my permanent residence. I'm trying to set something up where I can go speak in Tallahassee explaining to them what's going on. I'm going to suggest that they use Ft Desoto in Pinellas County as a model. Where county residents can reserve sites up to 6 months in advance but in this case Florida residents would be able to reserve early. I don't think they are aware that campers are staying two weeks then move for a night then stay another two weeks so on and so on. The Florida Keys is the only campgrounds that needs this sort of thing implemented. So now your saying you would boycott, I don't think it would work. If you want to spend the winter in the Florida Keys do so in a private campground, state parks are not made for long term stays!!!
As a Floridian, I would, of course, like an advantage in booking our parks in the Keys.
For sake of accuracy, after one reaches the 14 night max stay, one must leave that specific park for three nights, then they can return for another 14 night max.
So, if somebody has a strong ability to book, they can stay2 weeks in a park on the Keys, then move to another park (still in the Keys) for up to two weeks, then either back to that first park (or onto the third park in the Keys). They can stay a max of 56 nights in each park in a defined six month period, so if they are able to successfully book on line, they theoretically can be in the state parks in the Keys for 24 of 26 weeks (or 48 weeks a year).
With such high demand, I like you point about a regional designation for parks in the Keys...if treated those three parks as one unit for camping reservations (14 nights stay any/all state parks in Keys, then lock out of all three for at least three nights; no more than 56 total nights (or maybe less) in any/all parks in the Keys in the defined six month period. I think it would be nice that the parks are available to many different people at reasonable rates for short periods (rather cheap rates for fewer people for many nights), so I would not mind seeing nightly rates climb for those staying more nights ( so for example, if nights 1-14 are $40/ night, nights 15-28 are $80/night and night 28-42 are $120/night and nights 43-56 are $160/night; though perhaps not for locals).
Thanks for clarifying a few things and you brought up some great ideas !!
I've been in conversations with many people in the parks department over the past few years including the director. I've also mentioned Pinellas County and Sarasota County in their handling of the reservations giving preference to residents. I also suggested an increased fee for non-residents as at least 18 other states have implemented in their state park systems. Unfortunately, the park management team is not willing to make changes. I will take my materials and send to Gov. Scott, who, has the power to make changes without any approval from the legislative branch. Should that fail, I'll renew my efforts focusing on my local representative to bring legislation forward to make the system service the residents of Florida who fund the parks via Doc stamps.
