Initiatives
Coast to Coast Connector
The Coast-to-Coast Connector 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 Office of Greenways and Trails and has already fueled the economic revitalization of communities along its route such as Dunedin and Winter Garden.
SUNtrails
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. The Foundations seeks to close the gaps between existing trails in order to create a system of greenways and trails throughout the state.
Regionally connected trails are becoming the expectation in Florida's future. A SUNTrail System (“Shared-Use, Nonmotorized Trails”) is becoming a reality. 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. The “maps” section of the website presents a selection of proposed “trails of regional significance”.
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 a research question FDOT and FDEP are underway answering through research being conducted this year. Two of Florida’s regional planning councils (RPCs), in East Central Florida and 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.