Historical Overview of The Legacy Trail
The Legacy Trail is a gift of significant historical and environmental lands which promote a sense of community among Sarasota County residents and a provide a place for visitors and residents to use and enjoy. Uses include viewing wildlife in different habitats, relaxing in a mostly undeveloped environment, a travel corridor to other places in the County, discovering and studying local history and recreation such as walking, rollerblading, bicycling.
The first passenger coach ran on the brand new Seaboard Air Line Railway Sarasota to Venice extension on November 12, 1911. The Venice Train Depot, built by the Brotherhood of Railroad Engineers, was opened March 27, 1927. The railroad helped Venice survive during the Florida real estate bust and the Great Depression. The cadets and faculty of the Kentucky Military Institute traveled by rail to winter classes in Venice from 1933 to 1970. The railroad also transported patients to Dr. Albee’s Florida Medical Center from 1932 to 1942. Many servicemen and goods were transported over the rails to Venice and the Army Air Base during WWII (1942-45).
On April 30, 1971, the last passenger train arrived in Venice. Limited freight service continued until January 1992. The Ringling Barum and Bailey Circus used the Seaboard Air Line “Legacy Corridor” to reach its winter home in Venice from 1960 to 1992.
Sarasota County purchased and restored the Venice Train Depot. The restored Depot was dedicated October 24, 2003. The Historic Depot serves as an historical resource with tours by the Venice Area Historical Society and as a regional transportation hub for Sarasota County Area Transit. The Depot will also serve as a trailhead for the multi-use trail.
In 2004 after more than a decade of planning, the county’s $11.75 million purchase of the scenic CSX railroad corridor was accomplished in partnership with The Trust for Public Land and celebrated on April 4, 2005. At nearly 12.5 miles long, the 100-foot-wide CSX corridor stretches from just over a mile south of Clark Road in Sarasota to Center Road in Venice.
The Legacy Trail will link to the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP), and the Shamrock Park Nature Center will become the southeast trailhead and Caspersen Beach and Park the southwest trailhead. It will be about 15 miles from the beginning point near Sawyers Loop in Sarasota to the southern Trailheads at Caspersen Park and Shamrock Park. For a map of the VWP, see http://www.vabi.org/map.htm.
The Venice Area Historical Society is a great source for information about the Venice Train Depot and the “Legacy” corridor. www.venicehistory.com/index.php.
FLT Purpose of Organization and Statement of Goals
FLT was established on December 6, 2006. The following is from the FLT By-Laws.
Section 1. Purpose. FLT exists to support, promote, enhance and protect The Legacy Trail now and for future generations.
Section 2. Statement of Goals.
1. Recruit volunteers to assist in the maintenance and operation of the Rails-to-Trails, and related facilities as selected by the FLT Officers and approved by the county’s designee.
2. Raise funds to aid in the development of buildings, structures, and support of educational and recreational programs to enhance The Legacy Trail.
3. Advocate and work toward protection and enhancement of the Trail corridor.
4. Seek to educate the public about the Trail and amenities along the Trail to enhance user enjoyment and safety.
5. Promote the The Legacy Trail and related County programs, including connectivity with other trails and parks as part of Sarasota County’s trail system.
6. Cooperate with the County in establishing and operating a volunteer ‘community watch’ bike patrol for the Trail.
7. Promote cooperative and collaborative support among other individuals, groups, and agencies whose goals are environmental education, nature based recreation, and the preservation of the ecological integrity of the Trail and related facilities.