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…