SARASOTA TO VENICE RAILS-TO-TRAILS
Sec. 1. About FLT
Sec. 2. About The Legacy Trail
Sec. 3. Cost and Funding Sources for The Legacy Trail
Sec. 4. Connectivity and Bikeable/Walkable Community
Sec. 5. Rules for The Legacy Trail
Sec. 6. FLT Urges Safety and Courtesy in Use of The Legacy Trail
Sec. 7. Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Form and Membership/Donation Form
Sec. 1. About FLT
FLT is an all-volunteer non-profit organization founded in December 2006 as a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks.
FLT exists to promote, support, protect and enhance The Legacy Trail. Promoting trestle construction across Dona and Roberts Bays is critical for connecting the Venice and Sarasota ends of the trail.
FLT typically meets once a month. Notable speakers include county commissioner Jon Thaxton, developer Henry Rodriguez, and John McCarthy, general manager of Sarasota County Parks and Recreation.
FLT is raising funds to purchase shade structures, benches and bike racks for rest areas, and other amenities for the linear park.
FLT needs your membership! Members receive email newsletters, notices of events and meetings, meeting minutes, and opportunities to participate through volunteer work and voting on FLT issues and elections.
Sec. 2. About The Legacy Trail
• A 10.6 mile nature and recreation trail, running from near Sarasota to the City of Venice and the Venetian Waterway Park.
• A gift of significant historical and environmental lands for residents and visitors alike.
• A place to view wildlife in different habitats and relax in a natural environment.
• A resource for discovering and studying local history.
• A place for recreation such as walking, running, rollerblading, and bicycling.
• A link between Sarasota and Venice, promoting a sense of community among Sarasota County residents.
For FLT Trail Map see http://foscp.org/new/?page_id=32 or click on "Map of Legacy Trail (1/22/08)" on right side menu on this website.
Sec. 3. Cost and Funding Sources for The Legacy Trail
Purchase of rail corridor $11.75 million Telecommunication taxes
Ad Valorem taxes
Infrastructure Surtax (Common Cents)
Creation of primitive trail (Phase I) $1.1 million Telecommunication taxes
Ad Valorem taxes
Infrastructure Surtax (Common Cents)
Design-build contract (Phase II) $14.7 million
Infrastructure Surtax (Common Cents)
General Fund revenues
Utilities portion Central county water reuse rates
U.S. Highway 41 sewer force main rates
Dona Bay and Roberts Bay trestles design and permitting $280,000
Infrastructure Surtax (Common Cents)
General Revenues
Capital Improvement funds
Construction $5 million Source TBD
Future amenities (Phase III) Source TBD
Sec. 4. Connectivity and Bikeable/Walkable Community
The Legacy Trail is 10.6 miles long from near Clark Road to the Venice Trail Depot. Oscar Scherer State Park trailhead is at the mid-point of The Legacy Trail. Oscar Scherer offers many outstanding recreational and environmental education opportunities. See, www.floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer/. At the Train Depot The Legacy Trail connects with the Venetian Waterway Park adding five more miles on each side of the Intracoastal Waterway to reach Shamrock Park and Caspersen Park and Beach. Serving as a spine, The Legacy Trail and VWP provide walking and bicycle access to many attractions in the Venice to Sarasota areas. Maps and information for these side trips will be prepared.
Legacy Trail Trailheads will include:
Venice Train Depot
Patriots Park
Nokomis Park
Laurel Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
Potter Park
McIntosh Wastewater Treatment Facility
Honore Park
Sec. 5. Rules for The Legacy Trail
March 11, 2008
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-045
RE: THE LEGACY TRAIL OPERATION AND USE POLICY
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2006, the Board of County Commissioners of Sarasota
County, Florida (the "Board”) adopted the Trails Master Plan and initiated the development of a
countywide Trail system, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sarasota County Ordinance No. 07-102, The Legacy Trail is a
public greenway Trail and is considered park land, and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the citizens of Sarasota County that the Board
adopt an operation and use policy for the Legacy Trail based on the best practices approved by
the Board on June 27, 2007.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Sarasota County, Florida, that:
1. The Legacy Trail Operation and Use Policy, as set forth below is hereby adopted:
A. Vehicle Use
(1) Only vehicles that are compliant with the American with
Disabilities Act ("ADA") are permitted on the Trail
(2) Segways are permitted if the person operating the device yields to
pedestrians and gives an audible warning when overtaking
pedestrians
(3) Golf carts and any non-ADA-compliant motorized, gas-powered,
or electrical vehicles are prohibited along the Trail
(4) Only non-motorized bicycles may be used along the Trail
(5) The speed limit along the Trail is 15 miles per hour
B. Animal Policies:
(1) Pets on leash are permitted along the Trail, with the following
constraints:
(a) Leash must be no more than six-feet long
(b) Pets must be under owner’s control at all times
(c) Pet owners are required to remove pet excrement from the
Trail
(2) Horses are permitted by special authorization only from Sarasota
County Parks and Recreation
C. Fishing: permitted in designated areas.
D. Event Policies: Club and organizational events utilizing the Trail must be
open to the public and approved by Parks and Recreation
E. Hours of Operation: The Trail is open for use from 6:00 A.M. to dusk
F. General Rules of the Trail
(1) Waste, refuse, trash, cigarette butts, debris, or other material
brought onto the Trail must be properly disposed of in trash
receptacles or recycling containers
(2) Fireworks are not permitted along the Trail
(3) Rules of the road must be adhered to along the Trail
(4) Cyclists must adhere to the county’s bicycle and pedestrian plan,
including the following rules:
(a) Cyclists under the age of 16 must wear helmet
(b) Cyclists must remain visible at all times
(c) Bicycles must be under the control of the user at all times
(d) Cyclists must obey all traffic laws
(e) Cyclists must give verbal warning when passing other Trail
users
(5) Smoking is permitted in designated areas only
2. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption and shall remain in effect
until further action of the Board.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA, this 11th day of March, 2008.
Sec. 6. FLT Urges Safety and Courtesy in Use of The Legacy Trail and other trails
FLT URGES ATTENTION TO SAFE AND COURTEOUS USE OF THE LEGACY AND OTHER TRAILS
Walking, rollerblading and bicycling are great ways to enjoy the beautiful Legacy Trail and other trails. Sarasota County is becoming a top walkable and bikeable friendly community. Enjoy Sarasota County’s terrific walking and biking opportunities in a safe and courteous way.
BE PREDICTABLE. BE ALERT. BE COURTEOUS.
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TRAIL ETIQUETTE TIPS
Pedestrians:
Walk on the far right, no more than two abreast.
Dog walkers:
Walk right and curb your dogs to the grass. They must be on a leash.
Bicyclists:
a. Wear a helmet for protection and carry a cell phone for emergencies.
b. Ride on the right side. Announce in a loud voice “On your left!” or ring your bell before passing other cyclists or pedestrians.
c. Keep your speed low in crowded areas and be prepared to stop.
d. When pedestrian traffic is heavy, walk your bike.
e. Stop at all intersections, especially at crosswalks.
f. Don’t race or engage in time trials on trails.
g. Form a single file line when approaching oncoming pedestrians or cyclists.
h. Wear reflective clothing and blinking lights in low-light conditions.
i. Cyclists on your way to the Trail remember that in Florida a bicycle in the roadway is legally defined as a vehicle and the cyclist must obey the same traffic laws as do operators of motor vehicles.
j. Get in the habit of using hand signals to indicate direction change, and for safety’s sake, always remember that you are “invisible” to motorists.
k. Courtesy always enhances one’s ride as a smile and a greeting.
Trail Etiquette Tips, is based on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, “Cyclists soon to get safer routes”, March 28, 2007.
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Safe Bicycling in Sarasota County and Florida Bicycling Street Smarts are excellent publications about bike safety and courtesy. The Sarasota County booklet is available from the County by calling 378-6191. The Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide is also available at the Venice Police Department. Other materials regarding bike safety and courtesy can be found at www.bikeflorida.org and www.dot.state.fl.us/safety.
See, Legacy Rules at www.scgov.net/legacytrail
Sec. 7. Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Form and Membership/Donation Form
Fund Raising/Grant Writing
Communications & Marketing
Events
Maintenance/Landscaping
Bike and Walk Patrol
To contact FLT send emails to legacytrailfriends@gmail.com or phone 941-485-4921.