R37 Florida Gulf Coast Trail benefits and connections

1:31:18That will bring us to R thirty seven.

1:31:20We are caught up. We have quick storms.

1:31:28So the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, benefits of the trail and trail connections.

1:31:32So as my friend is walking up, this is um Charles Hines. Who actually was a fraternity brother of my husband's at University of Florida and is uh an attorney and a former county commissioner in Sarasota County.

1:31:46Yeah, served many many years in the Gulf.

1:31:51Sir, move to receive and file.

1:31:54Second.

1:31:55Looks like I want you to keep them, so I'm not sure that

1:31:58What's that? I

1:31:59don't

1:31:59know that you yeah. Um that's uh just something I'll reference. I've got one from Clerk. I think you have

1:32:08Thank you, sir.

1:32:11Thank you.

1:32:12Yeah.

1:32:17Okay, good again, good morning, and thank you for the introduction. And it's good uh to be back in the chambers. What you all did this morning and those resolutions really uh bring back a lot of good memories and what makes serving on a county commission so meaningful. So that's that's very nice. Um And let me just say before I get started, congratulations to Pasco County. I don't know if it's good fortune or good planning, but what's nice to see when we're going to talk about trails is you guys are really the confluence

1:32:48of three great trails, Pinellas Trail, the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, and the Coast to Coast Trail. And with looking at those maps like I handed you, that's the state map. You're in a really unique position. to take advantage of all the great benefits that trails bring to a community. So one of the thing I wanted to kind of discuss today with you all, all right, see if I don't mess this up. Hey, there we go. All right. Um are

1:33:18some of those benefits and then also, you know, why am I here and why is TPL doing what it's doing? So some people may be familiar with my organization, but it's a national nonprofit. And our mission is c to connect everyone to the outdoors. And we work very hard to do that. And why is that? Why do our donors say to us, you know, go forth and work with local government, work with state government, work with communities? And it's as simple as that. We

1:33:48believe access to the outdoors is a is a fundamental right. And a lot of times Mm-hmm. Through growth and planning and roads, sometimes that gets left out in the equation. And so as a nonprofit, we're out there always promoting this. And the main reasons is why. We believe that communities that do this and emphasize this are healthier, more resilient. More equitable, and some points that I'll get to a little later, you know, also safer.

1:34:19So that's kind of why we are here and why I'm here. Then obviously you're very familiar with the Coast to Coast Trail that's pretty much done at this point. I'm my knowledge is it's about 95% done. There's a couple little gaps. But when you see this and the opportunities that exist for your community. If you support trails, which I believe you do, but I want to say support them more. Um This is a real economic driver that you can have

1:34:50tourism all across the state. People come to St. Peter, Tampa, and they're gonna take this trail and they're gonna come through your community. And same thing with the Florida Gulf Coast Trail. Um You know, we're gonna hook up with this. And I know I believe this is one that's under consideration or proposal, which uh would really link up your county, uh a lot of citizens and a lot of opportunities um with

1:35:20what I've just described as the trails that are to your north and south. So before I jump into the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, as was mentioned, I was a county commissioner from 2012 to 2020. And we had to make a decision: do we invest in trails? And we did. And we invested in a legacy trail, which, if you look at our county, is that dark straight line right through Sarasota County. And looking back, there are no regrets in those investments at all. And

1:35:51actually, what we're doing in Sarasota County is continuing to fill in that orange gap. Um to the north there, I don't know if I have a pointer, but that's our connection to Manatee County, then that's our connection to Hillsborough County, and then that's our connection to U. And we're doing the same thing to the south. uh to get into Charlotte County and all the way down to Lee and Collier County. So my goal from the Trust for Public Land is I've been tasked as their program director to complete

1:36:21this four hundred and twenty miles. Now obviously it's not me that's doing it. What um I'm working very closely with all of our county governments and I appreciate the invitation to come here. Because When we look at Southwest Florida and the Florida trail system as a whole, Oh, this is very, very important. I go back to access to the outdoors. And let me commend you all also. I saw your awards outside for the adoption of mobility fees. I think we did that in Sarasota County, maybe

1:36:512014-15, so we're a little behind you all. But to be creative and find other sources of revenue. To be able to do trails in addition to the state money that's available, and then obviously federal grants. So I talked about this you know a little bit, why are trails needed and you know safety and access. So when you look, I don't know how many points of contact that you have uh in Pasco County, but one thing that Trust for

1:37:21Public Lands does is always looks at a ten minute walk, ten minute bicycle ride. And we have the technology to be able to put those reports together. And show particularly how many schools that to give children a safe way to get to schools How many potential job opportunities where people who maybe can't afford a car or just say I'm

1:37:47congestion or I want to do something that's better for the environment. I'm gonna take my bike to work or I'm gonna walk to work. So um we always study all those and I think in the Gulf Coast Trail there's almost over 400 schools that are within that 10 minute walk. And that's so important to be able to have. I don't know if your rules are the same here, but I think if you live within two miles in Sarasota County, you have to provide your own transportation. So being that close to a school and

1:38:17having a safe way to get there and a safe way to get maybe to after school activities like a Boys and Girls Club or YMCA is very important. So here's the here's the sad bitty or the sad slide. Um and there you are number one. Now I've not personally confirmed these numbers, but even if they're wrong, Right behind you is my county. And Manatee County. Pinellas County. And Hillsborough County. in

1:38:47the country. That's sad. And so I believe as leadership. we have to do a better job because you know some people say well trails are just an amenity, you don't need that, um, you know, we need more roads and so forth. But They provide For safety. And I know F D O T's adopted target zero and you all are probably involved with that through your MPOs and understand that. And it's because our state has been

1:39:17car centric for so long with its development and even with trails or even bike lanes along roads they think well bikes have the same rights as cars but you're creating conflicts there that really aren't safe. So we got to work on that. And there it is. There's the target. Zero. that F D O T when I first came on the County Commission really they just kind of oh there's no one here from them, but you know, you probably experienced this. F DOT would do what

1:39:47they wanted to do and say, hey, we got you a new road. And there wasn't a lot of local input. That has changed, at least in my experience now, and they're working much more closely with local government to be partners and think about planning and how to provide safer MERTS, multi-use recreational trails. The key is separated from the road. And you know, you have that throughout here, but keep doing that. So the f I'm just particularly about the Florida Gulf Coast

1:40:17Trail is when you saw the map. The problem with it and a problem with a lot of trails across our state. Um, is they're just disconnected. Local governments do their own little trails and you get a five or six or a ten mile trail, but it doesn't really serve the bigger purpose. And it creates gaps and it out and back trips, nothing that really you could do. For tourism or true economic development. So, and then

1:40:48also if you do, you got two trails that are separated by three or four miles, it it causes people to get back out in that dangerous street before they get to the next one. And so we're working across the state to try to strategically fill those gaps. And uh what I would ask you all as leaders to you know continue to do that as well. So this is a good example of local government. Um this was a uh a trailhead that opened up, I would say, about three years ago in our community. And

1:41:19this was a site that was our old DMV office. And when they built a new building, I don't know, it was about five acres. Uh the we didn't need the land anymore. The county owned it. It was kind of isolated. It was at the end of a street. It th what are we gonna do with this thing? And so we put it on the surplus and we're gonna sell it. Well, you know, you probably can't see it, but right behind there is the trail. When the trail came through there, all of a sudden this property became very useful

1:41:49because it had connectivity and access. And right now, I mean the little balls that are on there are pickleballs. But you know, we created like 10 pickleball courts, basketball courts, bathrooms, you know, on this land that we're gonna sell. Now you you you gotta get there pretty early to get a pickleball spot. But it it it was just, I'm using it as an example of how a trail suddenly can change your planning and design of property that. was maybe abandoned. Even businesses that suddenly now have

1:42:19a change of use um become useful again. Fitness centers, brew pubs, restaurants, suddenly now because you have This little segment behind here will probably get close to a million riders this year. And this segment is very close to downtown Sarasota. And so having places to go is is key and So you know, trails really do that. So uh you know, how do we get to ribbon cuttings? One thing that I I put in your bags

1:42:49there is What our organization does is we work very closely with local governments to try to help them to get to ribbon cutting. Sometimes it takes expertise in in purchasing rail corridors. We've done that all across the state and all across the country, helping with um Ballot measures. Uh heard that was mentioned earlier in bonds we do a lot of polling. T P L actually ran and was working with uh a PAC in Sarasota County. that ran our ballot measure

1:43:19to extend the trail. When I say R, I mean Sarasota County. Um to borrow 65 million dollars to extend the legacy trail. And because of our organization's help Um you know local government doesn't get involved in that and and your grassroots organizations they may be well meaning, but it takes some expertise to get that to the finish line And then also helping local governments find other sources of funding, whether it's state or federal. So the one thing about the legacy tr I'm

1:43:50sorry about the Gulf Coast Trail is when I c became involved When I said Florida Gulf Coast Trail, everyone said, never heard of it. Well we've heard of the Penellas Trail, we've heard of the Legacy Trail. So we got involved with the Office of Greenways and Trails just this past year to brand this trail. And hopefully some of you all maybe voted on it. It was a national wide vote. And this was the logo that was picked. And um so we're gonna try to get that out there so that we have this idea of

1:44:20a regional project and and that's what it is. And you gotta name it first and you gotta be recognized. So that's it. So again together um and I see you all as partners here with what I'm working on, the Florida Gulf Coast Trail. is to connect our millions of Flordians to these benefits that that are brought. And just I'll r remind you, health, resiliency, It's equitable, it's safe. And then It's just fun. You know, get out and and hit the trail, even if it's just for

1:44:50a mile, and you go to a a art fest or a you know, downtown um You know, cookout, food trucks, all these different types of things, a playground that's hooked up. So again, there's the closing of of the why and so I'm gonna keep working. Oh, I'll go real quick on these Um, the one thing that I said, you know, trails really create a sense of place, you know, more than a road. Roads are always needed, they're always going to be needed. As soon as you build them, they're

1:45:20full, and you get the complaint, we need more roads. Trails really provide a return and an economic benefit and a sense of place. So this is in benefit. That was a train depot that was going to be torn down. And you know, it was from the 1920s, 1930s, and uh there was just no use for it anymore. The train had left, there was no more train service, but now it's a it's a centerpiece in in Venice where many, many events are held, you know, bikes, bike

1:45:50rallies, 5K's, wine tastings, all of that. Yeah, you have a lot of views like this up here on yours. Uh but I

1:46:01don't have any of those

1:46:02yet. Actually that's one and right now partnering with F D O T they're building two more of those on our overpasses on the street. Every county gets

1:46:10them but ours

1:46:11or some reason. Well, I'm here. I'll help you with that. My engineer back there hiding his face. Yes. Again, that's that's these are gateways. You know, these bridges are gateways into communities and create a sense of pride. And uh, you know, water access and views. Uh that's the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota that connects up Long Boat Quay to Sarasota. Um you know that's a rural area out in Northport. And again, this was an isolated park. It was in way down, that's the Intercoastal

1:46:41Waterway, and it was a neighborhood park. Now when the trail connected it up, it gets a lot more use. So I think uh that's it. I just wanna say thanks and I just ask you and I can help you in any way. to build your trails and take advantage of your location as a county. You're gonna see some great benefits as all this gets connected up. Mr. Sharky.

1:47:07Um well a couple things. First, I'm so glad that you're here. And I had my uh director of environmental lands and parks, I make that might be this title, I don't know, um, here to listen. Um C well a couple of things. Can you talk about safety and then I want to show you our coastal enclotte trail because I truly believe that should be part of this And I wanna show s maybe they can pull it up there on the map, but um some of our residents were very

1:47:37concerned if the trail was coming near them of rape and murder and

1:47:43So I'm happy that's one of the things that are always a concern of the unknown and change is safety and property values, how they're gonna change. And there are study after study after study across this country. Of That's just not the case. Property values go up, crime either goes down or stays the same. because usually like in a rail corridor situation It's a it's a It's not being taken care of, it's abandoned. those people that you're fearful

1:48:13of of doing those types of things, they're there. But then when you put a trail there you create a situation where Good elements come. Law enforcement has access and so That's one thing that I have to do and work very closely with communities. Hear their fears, listen to them. And sometimes through design, fencing, landscaping setbacks, And share them With with I

1:48:44actually have a group from Lee County because we have a rail corridor under contract down there right now. coming up to Sarasota County next month. To show them the existing trail so they can actually see it, can talk to residents. And understand that Trails aren't being pulled up because of crime. They're not being closed because of crime. They're actually being expanded. and they're supported. And sometimes um well don't show me a study from Seattle or Washington.

1:49:15We have the Pinellas Trail here, we have the Legacy Trail. coast to coast trails. So there's studies that are local that we can share with them and Hopefully address those concerns.

1:49:26Okay, now I want to show you um she hasn't got it up there yet, the coastal encloped trail. Um which is over by uh Strabour Memorial. And um this so we have a penny for Pasco. And um some of that money goes to build the trails. And this was um built with the penny money because when the Starkey gap got funded by the state. when they rolled out the uh money for the Coast to coast, we were able to pivot

1:49:56that funding and build this trail. So Here it is um can you zoom out a little bit? It goes through some land that the county owns, it connects a high school, Um but if you Can you go so you can see Enclot Boulevard?

1:50:15Keep going. Keep going. So there's Anclo Boulevard and and that trail it comes down Anclote. It goes into Pinellas County. Can you move it? Well you can see yeah. And it goes across the river And it connects into Tarpon Springs to the Pinellas Trail. So it's our it's our second connection to the Pinellas Trail. Um which your your trail goes up to Penales County and to the Penales Trail. But we would love for you to consider this part of your Um

1:50:46coastal trail?

1:50:47Yeah, so on the you know, when you look on on this, what I would suggest and happy to help you, is T with the Office of Greenways and Trails and uh their annual meeting is tomorrow. Also um in Winter Haven. And uh I'll be there. And you know the the the thing about our trail system is these maps can be changed and things are added. Right. So that's what w they just did a whole review last year and the it was funny. The Florida Gulf Coast Trail, which was on their prior map,

1:51:18was like three hundred and sixty miles. Now it's four hundred and twenty. Well we can add to it. Why? Loops and connectors like that were added. And what you just described on you know, schools, downtowns, connectivity. in a safe way to get from there to Tarpon Springs uh to go have some great food down there, that's what you want to promote.

1:51:42Yeah. I and it's uh that when it goes over the river there it's an old railroad corridor. Um I we have to check where the city of Tarpa Springs and Penellas County is because they had to do some showing up of some of the footers of the bridge going over the river, but Um Uh so I served three governors on the State Greenwoods of Trials Council and Ralph over there, Ralph Lair How long were you on? Eight years? When Weatherford came out, I think he pointed Weatherf did did Will point you? Yeah. So Ralph just came off of

1:52:12the Greenways and Tales Council, but Um It's it seems like it's a good addition for that trail and uh we you know, we don't I don't know if we have one sign in the county that identifies any of our trails being part of the coast to coast because every county is responsible for the signage in their county. There was a time when we had some money set aside for branding. and for wayfinding, but it went to uh the w actually went to the Wiregrass sports complex for tables and chairs because they needed it. So

1:52:42it is something that we have to bring back. Um And um with those little things that you do on your phone on the uh I don't know what you call that.

1:52:52Geocaching?

1:52:53Yeah. Um it's easy to put those on those signs and let those folks who were riding the trails uh nowhere restaurants or other services or other amenities are around you. So I hope that we get maybe this is the year we get going on some branding. And that that trail that you saw going across the county Uh it's called the Orange Belt Trail. And that f that somewhat follows the Orange Belt Railroad right away, which sadly This county did not hold

1:53:23on to. We have some of it. Um, but it was actually auctioned off on our courthouse steps decades ago. When I became a commissioner, I I I think I stopped it. I tried to stop it. So um we have to do some workarounds. Uh but we uh It's just another route for the coast to coast and it it has more economic opportunity in our county because it goes through some some areas. uh where the where there is opportunity where the the s current Sun Coast

1:53:53Trail just goes up the highway and there's not a lot on it.

1:53:57So you make a very good point and it's one thing that I keep running across is you know our state it's You know, it's always growing, you know, booms and busts of Florida. I was born and raised here, so I get it. But right now we're really growing for a lot of many different reasons. And if you don't have someone that's dedicated or aware of of our trail system, and watching it and leadership of like what you're describing that this is important to our community. Opportunities are constantly being missed.

1:54:27And the rail corridors won. And what I'll say to you is the developers, the large developers, the DRIs, which I don't know if that's a term anymore, but um across our area. area love trails. They want the connectivity. It's a selling point. And so they're always looking for ways to align. So working with large developers that say, you know, okay, do you want me to dedicate some land or how how do we do this? And constantly staying with F D O

1:54:58T so that a road project comes in and you go, oh gosh, wait a minute, only if we would have. And it it takes leadership to constantly be there uh to promote those things.

1:55:10Charles, when you're at the meeting tomorrow, um something that We're kinda a little late to the game here in the county, but something that we're asking DOT to do is consider uh when they're widening a state road is to put an underpass because they're so much cheaper and safer than an overpass. Right. And we're trying to get one on fifty-two in this last section that we're widening it. Well we have critter crossings and they would just go, you know, four inches higher. it would legally let us go through on a bike. And that's another thing we have to discuss with the state and

1:55:40I'd love TPL to help. And that is um We could go under the Sun Coast, uh, you know, which divides our county east and west, uh over here on the west side. Those who are living on the w just east of it cannot safely access the trail. Um and there are critter crossings going underneath it and when we were developing Bexley, I tried and tried and tried with the state. Uh and they and the developers willing to pay for the spur that would go under the Sun Coast and connect to the trail that's on the west side

1:56:10of it. And it was seven foot six. And they wouldn't let us do it. Um and I can tell you around the country there are many trails that go under a road, state road. That are under eight feet.

1:56:23Yeah, one thing and you know again it's another great point and this is advocacy. Um it said well, we we've dealt with this. It well that's what it says in the book. Yeah. And sometimes we gotta change the book. Yeah. We gotta change the rules. Yeah. And you know, that comes through leadership. uh from the work that we do, we do with the state and say we need to change some rules. And and you know, F D O T is getting better. Uh but I think you just hit some examples of you know where We as representatives

1:56:54of our community say we need to change those rules a little bit.

1:56:57Yeah.

1:56:57And safety. i is right where they want to be. And so when you hit them with that, that's their own words.

1:57:07Well I'm I'm delighted you came to see us. It was good to see you at FAC and uh I know we talked about coming and uh sent Kathryn over to see her and all and I'm glad we made that great connection. It's kind of interesting with Trey and him.

1:57:17Yeah. Yeah. We're gonna go have lunch. At a restaurant right on the right. We won't

1:57:21share any

1:57:22stories from those old days, but uh

1:57:24at least publicly. But uh thanks and I appreciate the opportunity.

1:57:28Keith, would you introduce yourself to him when he when he walks back? Okay.

1:57:31Okay.

1:57:31Thank you so much. Thank you