Warns of Disproportionate Impact on Women, Families, and Frontline Communities Across Florida

Orlando, FL — Florida NOW is sounding the alarm over the Trump administration’s unprecedented $1 billion cut to the National Park Service (NPS), which is already gutting staffing and services across Florida’s most iconic and ecologically vital parklands. These cuts threaten not only the environment, but also the livelihoods, health, and safety of women and families who rely on parks for jobs, education, and climate resilience.

“Florida’s national parks are more than scenic landscapes—they’re lifelines for working families, frontline communities, and endangered ecosystems,” said Julie Kent, President of Florida NOW. “Slashing their budgets is a direct attack on environmental justice and economic stability.”

The impact is already being felt:

• Everglades National Park has laid off at least 12 staff members, reducing capacity for wildlife protection and visitor services
• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge lost 25% of its team, including manatee rescue personnel
• Climate adaptation funding—critical for flood mitigation and habitat restoration—has been cut by more than half

Florida’s national parks draw millions of visitors annually, fueling local economies in Homestead, Everglades City, Crystal River, and beyond. These cuts jeopardize tourism, shutter educational programs, and leave vulnerable species—including manatees, sea turtles, and panthers—without adequate protection.

Women are disproportionately impacted:

• Many park employees are women in education, hospitality, and conservation roles
• Families lose access to free recreation and learning opportunities
• Low-income and rural communities face increased barriers to nature, health, and safety

“This is not just a budget issue, but rather a values issue. I treasure my experiences in National Parks across the country. They are the people’s assets. National Parks were already underfunded and now the ridiculously severe cuts, $1B, will dramatically reduce support of National Parks.” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “When we defund our parks, we defund our future.”

Florida NOW calls on Congress, state leaders, and local officials to reject these cuts and invest in a park system that reflects our commitment to our most valuable assets, equity, sustainability, and community well-being.

About Florida NOW

Florida NOW is a statewide feminist organization committed to intersectional advocacy, systemic change, and the protection of women’s rights, health, and safety. We fight for policies that center equity, science, and justice.