SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A 420-mile trail system spanning seven coastal counties in southwest Florida is in development to create connected pathways for recreation and transportation.
The Florida Gulf Coast Trail will extend from Tampa to Naples when completed, according to Charles Hines, program director for the project through the Trust for Public Land.
The regional trail aims to serve more than 4 million residents across 52 rural, urban and suburban communities. About 2.2 million people live in direct proximity to the planned route, including at least 9,000 low-income households.
Sarasota County segment operational
Sarasota County currently operates 20 miles of paved pathway known as the Legacy Trail, running from Venice to Sarasota. The Trust for Public Land worked with citizens and the county to develop the existing segment.
Three connector routes from the Legacy Trail are in planning stages: south through North Port to Charlotte County, east to Nathan Benderson Park, and west to Anna Maria Island. The eastern and western connections will link with Manatee County.
Safety and health benefits cited
Southwest Florida includes three of the 10 deadliest locations for pedestrians in the country and ranks among the deadliest regions for cyclists in the United States.
The dedicated non-vehicular corridor is designed to provide safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists while offering access to parks, schools, shopping districts and medical centers within a 10-minute walk of the trail.
Project supporters say the trail system will reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting outdoor recreation businesses and tourism.
The trail development will result in conservation of beaches, bays, marshes and farmlands along the route.
Learn more at tpl.org
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