An open letter to state officials:
While we are recovering from two active hurricane seasons in the Florida Keys, our state parks officials— like others who exploit disaster — are pulling a fast one.
Fort Zachary Taylor is the last bit of public green space in Key West. Yet we are slowly but surely losing our green as the parks department goes about destroying what is left of our trees. This, after the loss of so many trees over the last two hurricane seasons. But this is about more than the trees.
Our state park is being used as a commercial venture, where shade trees will be replaced by concrete pavilions to be rented by the hour. Instead of the sounds of the ocean and whispering pines, our park will soon host the noise of a large, privately owned restaurant. The park now has a liquor license, and we are told it will soon be scattered with kiosks selling goods to tourists.
Where there once was natural beauty, we will soon have commerce. Where we once had a quiet retreat, we will build yet another Key West tourist trap.
A few years ago, the community fought and won the battle (so they thought) to retain the old Australian pines that have provided shade along the beach. Old photos show the trees have grown in this area for more than 100 years. Sailors speak of the pines as a navigation tool when coming into our port. But with no acknowledgment to past agreements, the only wooded area on our island is being bulldozed to make room for concrete shelters and other less shade-providing trees.
Despite the public promises of park officials that only new seedlings and unstable pines would be removed from the park, our shady retreat is being destroyed.
Public meetings designed for community "input" have added insult to injury as park officials told those who attended that their pleas to save the park were falling on deaf ears.
If we want restaurants and booze, trinkets and concrete, we can go to Duval Street or Mallory Square. Our state parks were designated to ensure public access to a natural environment.
The exotic invasive argument holds no water when the state has allowed and even supports other communities' efforts to retain — and even replant — Australian pines lost in hurricanes. The historic Gulf Stream community is one of those.
If we allow our state park to become a commercial venture, what can we expect next? Offshore drilling? Vacation rentals on the beach?
... I ask that you please help save what is left of our park: Stop the plan to commercialize Fort Zachary Taylor.
Bridget McDonald, Key West
Published Key West Citizen 9/3/06