Initiatives
Coast-to-Coast Connector
The Coast-to-Coast Connector (C2C) will link communities between St. Petersburg and Titusville, providing a “safe, scenic, and sunsational” multi-use trail allowing residents and visitors to explore Central Florida by bicycle and on foot. This connector will be the first of its kind in Florida and has already fueled the economic revitalization of communities along its route, such as Dunedin and Winter Garden. The C2C is a major priority within the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails.
SUN Trail Program
We are on the threshold of a major change in transportation policy in the Sunshine State. Off-road paved trails are being taken seriously. These long narrow corridors usually follow an abandoned railway, canal bank, scenic highway, or utility transmission lines. Local governments and citizens groups have created these paved trails in communities from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle. Regionally connected trails are becoming the expectation in Florida's future.
Established in 2015, the Florida Department of Transportation’s SUN Trail Program works to support shared-use, nonmotorized (SUN) trails throughout the state. Planning and developing these trails will only be realized through persistent support, coordination, and education about their benefits at the local, regional, and state level.
What is the value of greenways and trails?
Greenways and trails are remarkable components of sustainable communities. They are popular recreational facilities, contributing to longevity and healthy lifestyles. They bring people closer to nature, providing opportunities for Floridians and visitors to experience Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife. Trails provide transportation benefits, connecting people from home to work, school, entertainment, and recreation. In addition, greenways and trails can provide economic benefits directly to the communities where they are located and at a larger scale to the overall economy of Florida.
How greenways and trails benefit the economy is being researched by FDOT and FDEP. Two of Florida’s regional planning councils (RPCs), in East Central Florida and on the Treasure Coast, have partnered with the agencies to analyze the economic impacts of Florida’s greenways and trails. Focusing on a geographically diverse and representative set of SUN Trail segments, the RPCs are analyzing the impacts of trails on the economy. The analysis will consider construction investments, visitor expenditures, and property values as they impact regional economies. The 18-month study, which began in 2023, has results anticipated in the Summer of 2024 to help inform future investments to growing Florida’s expanding network of greenways and trails for the benefit of all Floridians.
For more information, contact:
Kim DeLaney
TCRPC Project Manager
kdelaney@tcrpc.org
Make a Donation.
Donate to the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation (FGTF) and help us create a connected statewide trail and greenway system, promoting transportation alternatives, recreation, health, tourism, and economic development for a vibrant and thriving Florida. Join us in transforming our vision into reality and leave a lasting impact on our beautiful state.