Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

Florida Gulf Coast Trail Initiative Launched

The Florida Gulf Coast Trail aims to connect communities while providing access to nature.

News Summary

A new initiative led by the Trust for Public Land aims to establish the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, a 336-mile network connecting St. Petersburg to Naples. This trail will enhance access to Florida’s natural beauty, boost local economies, and promote community resilience. Spanning over 20 cities across eight counties, the project has garnered strong local support and aims to create safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, reinforcing Florida’s reputation as a premier outdoor destination.

St. Petersburg, Florida – A new initiative is underway to establish the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, a groundbreaking 336-mile trail network set to connect coastal communities stretching from St. Petersburg to Naples. Spearheaded by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the project aims to enhance access to Florida’s beautiful natural scenery while improving local economies, protecting vital ecosystems, and promoting storm resilience.

The Florida Gulf Coast Trail will link over 20 cities and towns across eight counties, providing pedestrian and cycling access to coastlines, wetlands, and cultural hubs. Once completed, this extensive network will serve nearly one million Floridians, making it accessible within a ten-minute reach. The trail is positioned to become an integral part of the Statewide SUN Trail Network, further encouraging outdoor recreational activities.

Existing sections of the trail have already laid the groundwork for this ambitious project. Key components include the Legacy Trail Extension in Sarasota County, which offers seamless biking and walking paths to downtown; the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in Pinellas County, extending nearly 50 miles and acting as an important transit route in St. Petersburg; and the Bonita Estero Rail Trail in Lee County, which is currently nearing completion and connects multiple neighborhoods.

The Acquisition and Restoration Council, part of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, has begun the process to add the first phase of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail to Florida Forever’s Strategic Managed Area Lands List. This first phase involves an 11.4-mile unused rail corridor slated for conversion into a public trail. The TPL has negotiated a purchase agreement with the current corridor owner, Seminole Gulf Railway, which entails raising $70.4 million by March 2026 to facilitate the acquisition.

Florida Forever is the state’s conservation program dedicated to preserving Florida’s natural and cultural resources through the acquisition of recreational lands. As part of the 2024-2028 Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan, the Bonita Estero Rail Trail corridor has been identified as a priority, ensuring that it fills a critical gap within the Florida Gulf Coast Trail.

Local governments have shown strong support for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail project, with commitments totaling nearly $33 million. This local backing significantly enhances the project’s appeal for state funding, allowing for a planned partnership to manage the acquisition and improvements of the trail corridor over the long term.

One major goal of the project is to create safer routes for cycling and walking, which are increasingly important given the growing dangers associated with such activities in the area. With the project on the Florida Forever acquisition list, it is set to undergo further evaluations for prioritization and funding in the near future.

In addition to financial and logistical support from local municipalities, there are also potential funding opportunities at the federal and state levels. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the efficient construction, enhancement, and management of the rail corridor.

Recently, the city of Venice has gained recognition as a Trail Town, the first such designation along the Gulf Coast Trail, underscoring the importance of this initiative and its commitment to fostering outdoor recreation and sustainable community development.

As the Florida Gulf Coast Trail progresses, it holds the promise of enriching local communities through greater connectivity and accessibility to the natural environment, ultimately reinforcing Florida’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.