Celeste Blake
May 28, 2025
Why We Need Building Moratoriums Implemented Across Florida—Before It's Too Late
Last year, Floridians were blindsided by something called the “Great Outdoors Initiative”—a proposal that included a massive 350-room lodge at Anastasia State Park, a beloved stretch of protected land in St. Augustine.
Thankfully, after overwhelming public backlash, Governor Ron DeSantis heard the people. On May 23, 2025, he officially signed the State Park Preservation Act into law—a major win for every Floridian who values green space over greed. However, let’s look at this with clarity: this was just one win.
What We’re at Risk of Losing
For those of us born and raised in Florida, we remember “Old Florida”: No traffic. Quick commutes. Wild beauty everywhere you turned.
Today, developers are rapidly consuming the last remnants of that Florida. They’re moving in faster than our ecosystems, roads, or water systems can keep up. Bears are now being spotted in residential neighborhoods—even in downtown St. Augustine.
Why? Because their habitats are being destroyed, and they have nowhere left to go.
What’s Happening in Marineland?
One of the most alarming targets now is Marineland, a peaceful, biodiverse area just south of Crescent Beach.
Developers want to build:
A Hotel
Residential units
50,000 square feet of commercial space
All in an area adjacent to rare ecological and archaeological treasures. This land is sacred. Once it’s taken, it won’t be returned. I lived in L.A. County for five years. I’ve seen this happen. They never give the land back.
What’s the Solution? A Moratorium.
In Nevada—where I’ve lived recently—many counties use a building moratorium, which is a temporary ban on new construction. It’s what’s kept parts of Nevada so livable and free from the construction chaos Florida is drowning in.
What is a Building Moratorium?
A moratorium is a pause. It allows time to assess, protect, and plan before irreversible damage is done.
Why Governments Use Moratoriums:
Environmental Protection: Safeguard wetlands, wildlife, and coastlines
Infrastructure Relief: Prevent overloading of roads, sewage, and water systems
Planning & Zoning: Update community plans with public input
Public Voice: Let residents influence the future of their town
Disaster Recovery: Avoid reckless rebuilding in fragile areas
How Long Do They Last?
Usually 3 to 12 months (can be extended)
Area-specific (like coastlines or wetlands)
No new permits issued during this time
What This Could Mean for undeveloped sites
If a building moratorium were passed in different cities in Floirda:
Stop Development’s large-scale project's
Give time to assess environmental impacts
Allow local voices to shape the future
Protect sacred land, wildlife corridors, and fragile shorelines
The Land, The Legacy
Florida is home to some of North America's oldest sacred lands, including sites like the Windover Archaeological Site, where remains date back to 8000–1000 BC. There are sacred sites like this all around Florida, especially on the coast, which is what developers are after the most.
This isn't just land. It's memory. It's home.
Final Thoughts
If you're reading this and you love Florida—whether you were born here or found your way here—now is the time to preserve these sacred lands. Ask for moratoriums. Protect the land. Preserve what’s left. Because once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back.