Florida whistleblower exposes DeSantis’s hotel plans on protected land

James Gaddis, a cartographer for Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, was fired after revealing plans by Governor Ron DeSantis to develop hotels and golf courses on protected state park land. Gaddis's whistleblowing led to widespread backlash from both political parties and environmental groups, forcing DeSantis to reconsider the proposals, which he later described as 'half-baked.' Gaddis emphasized the importance of preserving the parks over his job, stating that the secrecy surrounding the plans was frustrating and confusing. The proposals, which included the construction of 350-room hotels and extensive recreational facilities, were developed in a rushed manner over just two weeks. Gaddis created maps illustrating the destructive impact of these plans while being instructed to maintain silence during a limited public engagement process. His actions sparked a significant public outcry, prompting lawmakers to question the transparency of the decision-making process. In response to his termination, Gaddis set up a GoFundMe campaign to support himself and his daughter, which quickly exceeded its initial goal, reflecting public support for his stance. Political analysts criticized the situation as a self-inflicted wound for DeSantis, who attempted to distance himself from the controversial plans after they were leaked. The incident raises concerns about the integrity of environmental protection efforts in Florida and highlights the potential consequences for whistleblowers who challenge government actions. Gaddis's commitment to environmental preservation has ignited discussions about the need for greater transparency in state governance.