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Don't Abandon Egmont Key

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 13, 2009

Egmont Key is an environmental jewel at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It has immense historic value and is one of the most popular destinations in the region for boaters.

It is both revealing and dismaying that Florida wants to abandon it.

The state's attitude toward Egmont, a 380-acre island, says much about Tallahassee leadership. Faced with as much as a $2.6 billion shortfall, state leaders do need to make cuts. But the same elected officials who have refused to consider tax increases on cigarettes, alcohol or other reasonable revenue producers now are making necessary cuts that would jeopardize schools, hospitals and unique natural resources such as Egmont, a wildlife refuge that attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors a year.

The state Parks Services has announced plans to stop supervision of the island, though the annual budget for the park is but $80,000. Though much of the island is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, the feds have never effectively managed it. The state took it over as a state park in 1989 because it was being neglected and abused while under Washington's supervision.

Hillsborough County commissioners, to their credit, may step in to take over the park if the state gives it up. But that shouldn't be necessary. Egmont attracts people from throughout the region. It is a state resource and should remain a state park.

Besides, it would be difficult to have much confidence in a state government that could not find a way to protect the historic, recreational and environmental importance of Egmont Key.

Gov. Charlie Crist, a frequent Tampa Bay boater, needs to get involved.

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