Suncoast Scenic Parkway Florida Scenic Highways Program Designation Application “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 2005 Florida Scenic Highways Program Designation Application for Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Submitted to:
Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Scenic Highways Program
Submitted by: Suncoast Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group i
Endorsement by the Florida Department of Transportation Secretary
As Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, the signature below indicates the approval and endorsement of this Corridor Management Plan and this corridor for designation as a Florida Scenic Highway.
Florida Department of Transportation approval of this management plan represents our agreement to serve in a partnership with the Corridor Management Entity to preserve, enhance and maintain the designated scenic highway corridor.
We recognize the grass roots initiative and strong local support for this corridor demonstrated by the communities involved in the preparation of this management plan.
This corridor management plan acknowledges that the designated corridor will be subject to the requirements of the Section 1046© of the ISTEA which added a new subsection (s) to 23 USC 131 precluding outdoor advertising on designated scenic highways, and the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act.
I hereby designate this corridor as a Florida Scenic Highway.
Denver J. Stutler Jr., P.E. Date Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation ii Potential Letter from the Secretary Confirming Designation
Ms. Kathryn Starkey Ms. Diane Jones CAG Vice Chair Communications Manager Scenic Pasco Pasco Tourism 10928 Alico Pass 7530 Little Road, Suite 340 New Port Richey, Florida 34655 New Port Richey, Florida 34654
Ms. Lucie Ayers Mr. Joe Alpine Executive Director Executive Director Hillsborough County MPO West Pasco Chamber of Commerce 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 18th floor 5443 Main Street Tampa, Florida 34601-1110 New Port Richey, Florida 34652
Ms. Mary Jane Stanley Mr. Doug Uden Executive Director Director Pasco Economic Development Council Pasco County MPO 4111 Land O’Lakes Blvd. 7530 Little Road Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639 New Port Richey, Florida 34654
Ms. Sue Rupe Mr. James Ely Tourism Development Coordinator Executive Director Hernando Tourist Development Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise 26 S. Brooksville Ave. P.O. Box 613069, Bldg. 5315 Brooksville, Florida 34601 Ocoee, Florida 34761
Mr. Kathy Dunkley Mr. Christopher Warren Executive Director Chief Operating Officer Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Assistant Executive Director 2810 Land O’Lakes Blvd. Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639 P.O. Box 613069 Ocoee, Florida 34761 Mr. Fritz Musselmann Land Resource Director Ms. Joanne Hurley Southwest Florida Water Management District Scenic Highway Coordinator 2379 Broad Street (US 41) Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Brooksville, Florida 34609 P.O. Box 1409 Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639 Mr. Avera Wynne III Executive Director Ms. Kimberly Poulton Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Director of Communication and Marketing 4000 Gateway Centre Blvd., S-100 Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Pinellas Park, Florida 33782 P.O. Box 9828 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33310 Ms. Pat Crowley Executive Director Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce 101 East Fort Dade Ave. Brooksville, Florida 34601 iii Potential Letter from the Secretary Confirming Designation
Ms. Nancy Clements The Honorable Robert Schenk, Chairman Director of Planning and Production Hernando County MPO Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise 20 N. Main St., Room 400 P.O. Box 613069 Brooksville, Florida 34601 Ocoee, Florida 34761 The Honorable Shawn Harrison, Chairman Ms. Kathleen Joest Hillsborough County MPO Right-of-Way Manager 315 E. Kennedy Blvd., 3rd floor Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Tampa, Florida 33602 P.O. Box 613069 Ocoee, Florida 34761 Mr. Donald Skelton, District Secretary FDOT, District Seven Representative David Russell M/X 7-500 Florida House of Representatives 11201 N. McKinley Drive 12511 Spring Hill Dr. Tampa, Florida 33612 Spring Hill, Florida 34609 Ms. Karen Raihill Senator Mike Fasano Tampa Bay Partnership Florida State Senate 4300 W. Cypress St., S-250 8217 Massachusetts Ave. Tampa, Florida 33607 New Port Richey, Florida 34653 Ms. Alison Stettner Representative Kevin Ambler Turnpike Enterprise Florida House of Representatives District 47 Post Office Box 613069 3820 Northdale Blvd., Suite 301-A Ocoee, Florida 34761 Tampa, Florida 33624 The Honorable David D. Russell, Jr. Mr. John Gallagher State Representative, District 44 Pasco County Administrator The Lincoln Centre 7530 Little Road, Suite 340 12503 Spring Hill Drive New Port Richey, Florida 34654 Spring Hill, Florida 34609-5069
Commissioner Pat Mulieri The Honorable Jim Sebesta Pasco County Government Center State Senator, District 20 7530 Little Road Suite 319, Oaks at Gandy New Port Richey, Florida 34654 9887 Fourth Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 Mr. Paul Wai Maintenance Engineer The Honorable Ed Homan Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise State Representative, District 60 P.O. Box 9828 13801 N. Bruce B. Downs Blvd., S-405 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33310 Tampa, Florida 33613
The Honorable Kathy Castor Board of County Commissioners 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 2nd. Floor Tampa, Florida 33602 iv v State Scenic Highway Coordinator Comments and CAG Responses
FSHP COMMENTS
1. General Comments
Please be sure and have all of the necessary signatures on the Designation Application page (Page II).
Response to FSHP Comment
All of the necessary signatures are included in copies of the Designation Application.
2. Background Conditions Analysis
The Background Conditions Analysis section needs to be cross-referenced to the Goals, Objectives, and Strategies section, as well as the Action Plan. The Background Conditions Analysis should raise issues that need to be addressed during corridor planning, such as a road land use changes or resource protection. Where these issues are raised in the Background Conditions Analysis there should be a reference to a specific Goal, Objective, and Strategy (by number) and/or Action Plan item (by number) that clearly addresses the issues.
The CAG should make reference to the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Act and acknowledge that they understand its effect on a designated scenic corridor.
Response to FSHP Comment
The Background Condition Analysis has been revised to relate Goals, Objectives, and Strategies and Action Plan items to the Appropriate topics.
The CAG has now referenced the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Act in the Background Conditions Analysis section and has acknowledged that they understand its effect on a designated scenic corridor.
3. Intrinsic Resource Assessment and Designation Criteria
Universal Criteria #2 can reference the Corridor Story. The Resource Specific Criteria section does a good jobd escribing the resources that are evident along the Suncoast Parkway.
Response to FSHP Comment
Universal Criteria #2 now references the Corridor Story.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” vi
4. Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
The Corridor Vision, Goals, Objective, and Strategies are very thought out and written in a clear and supporting manner.
5. Corridor Story
Please include the Corridor Story in the actual document. Currently, it is referenced and is located in the SHAC responses in the front of the document and is not found within the actual Designation Application.
Response to FSHP Comment
The Corridor Story is now included in the actual document.
6. Corridor Management Entity
A signed CME Agreement must be included.
Response to FSHP Comment
The sample CME Agreement is included in the section, of the document titled “Corridor Management Entity” and signed CME Agreements are included in Appendix F.
7. Community Participation Program (CPP)
A list of all past CAG meetings and other public events/meetings should be listed. All groups/entities that have been contacted to participate in the Community Participation Program should be listed as well.
A sample of meeting minutes that include discussions on significant corridor issues would be informative.
Response to FSHP Comment
A list of CAG meetings is now included in this section. Groups/entities that have been contacted to participate in the Community Participation Program are now listed in this section.
All meeting invitations, meeting sign-in lists, agendas and meeting minutes can be found in Appendix E, following the Letters of Support. Refer to the September 23, 2005 materials, for a sample of discussions on significant corridor issues.
8. Local Support
The Local Support section is well done. The letters of support in Appendix E are very strong and show that the community really embraces the idea of the Scenic Highway.
9. Protection Techniques The Suncoast Parkway appears to fully understand and value Resource Protection.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” vii
10. Funding and Promotion
A timeline/schedule for promotional events and/or material production should be included. This will help guide promotional efforts and allow the CAG to check its progress.
Response to FSHP Comment
A timeline/schedule for promotional events and/or material production is now included in this section of the Designation Application.
11. Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan
Specific elements of the CMP must be adopted into local government’s comprehensive plans. The Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan section included in this CMP focuses on existing provisions from comprehensive plans that support the Scenic Highway corridor; however, there needs to be direct language added to the local comprehensive plans that directly address and identify the Scenic Highway. The CAG must ensure that the following items are Incorporated into the Local Government Comprehensive Plans:
– A map displaying the Scenic Highway corridor – The Corridor Vision – Goals, Objectives, and Strategies related to the specific local government.
If a CAG is unable to get their local comprehensive plans amended prior to an application for designation then the CMP should include documentation stating that the local government comprehensive plan (s) will be amended to include specific elements of the CMP. Typically this is in the form of a signed resolution from each local government.
Response to FSHP Comment
This section has been revised to provide a better understanding of each county’s progress in adding direct language to the Comprehensive Plan.
A signed Resolution from Hernando County is included in this section. Signed Resolution from Pasco and Hillsborough Counties are included in Appendix F.
12. Action Plan
The Action Plan matrix was excellent. The layout is very reader friendly and the Actions and their corresponding timeframes were well thought out and realistic.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” viii Executive Summary of Action Plan
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: Gateway to the Nature Coast
This Action Plan is a compilation of planned and scheduled CAG activities resulting from creation of the Corridor Management Entity, adoption of a Corridor Management Agreement, and adherence to the group’s adopted Goals, Objectives and Strategies.
The plan is organized according to three categories: Administration and Coordination, Community Participation and Corridor Enhancements. Within each category the actions are listed with their respective Goals, Objectives and Strategies referenced, responsible parties within the CME, potential funding sources and partners, anticipated work products and time frames for completion.
Administration and Coordination
The immediate and most crucial action items are completion of the CME Partnership Agreements and, upon corridor designation, the transition from Corridor Advisory Group to Corridor Management Entity. When these are accomplished the CME can devote its time and resources to inclusion of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway into the Local Government Comprehensive Plans, and maintenance of the corridor’s scenic vistas.
Community Participation
The existing CAG and STAG have initiated an effective Community Participation Program. The CME will build on its established community relationships to provide corridor education, awareness, promotional events, and an increased level of partnerships.
Corridor Enhancements
The Suncoast Parkway, open to traffic in 2001, is an environmentally-friendly toll facility, compatible with the natural environment and surrounding communities. The Aesthetic Design Guidelines, the Suncoast Trail, and natural vegetative buffering combine typical highway elements with a pleasurable traveler’s experience. The CME’s action plan seeks to maintain the quality and quantity of the corridor’s intrinsic resources. The CME will work with FDOT to promote highway and trail safety, and planned highway and trail improvements.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” ix SHAC Comments and Responses
The following summarizes the responses to the Scenic Highway Advisory Committee (SHAC) review comments. SHAC review comments are provided in bold and the Corridor Advisory Group (CAG) responses are labeled Response to SHAC Comment.
SHAC COMMENT
1. The Eligibility Application focuses on recreation as the corridor’s main intrinsic resource. While this is an eligible resource, the Florida Scenic Highways Program Manual (Chapter 5) notes the criteria for recreation as follows: a. Recreational activities must be resource-based (i.e., dependent upon a particular element or combination of elements in the natural environment).
The SHAC agreed that the Suncoast Trail is a resource-based recreational amenity. b. Recreational resources must be identifiable as unique attractions unto themselves.
The SHAC expressed concern that travelers might not travel the Suncoast Parkway specifically to bike or skate on the trail, and that perhaps the Trail as a recreational resource is more of a community facility. The CAG needs to demonstrate that the trail is a byway traveler resource.
Response to SHAC Comment
The Suncoast Trail with its national recognition brings visitors via the Suncoast Parkway from Tampa Bay and beyond to Hernando County to enjoy the scenic rolling hills and to observe wildlife. The Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail are catalysts to the growth of tourism along Florida’s Nature Coast.
The Suncoast Trail is a byway traveler resource that is valued by the counties through which it passes. Pasco and Hernando counties are part of Florida’s Nature Coast, and their tourism themes identify them as part of the Nature Coast.
Quote from Herb Hiller, long-time Florida resident, traveler, writer and close observer of Florida tourism. “Florida’s Suncoast Trail offers more than just a good half-day’s outdoor recreation through Pasco and Hernando counties. The trail is a key component of what as early as 2010 could become one of the most sought-after recreational corridors for tourists from around America and abroad. Fewer than 50 miles still need to fall in place for a trail that will connect downtown St. Petersburg with St. Augustine. About the same number of miles remains to connect Titusville In Brevard County with St. Petersburg. Bike lanes are already in place below St. Augustine through Flagler County. When Volusia County figures out a route south from the Flagler line to Maytown, this will complete a more than 500-mile east-west central Florida loop. It won’t all be paved, of course, and some of the way may be alongside roads, but visitors (and locals, to be sure) will have themselves some 10 days to two weeks of outdoors recreation on exclusive, connected bikeways.”
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” x
Pasco County’s theme—”Its Only Natural”—emphasizes its outdoor, recreational connection to the Nature Coast. According to Diane Jones, Pasco’s Tourism Director, “The Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail have opened up tourism possibilities in our small towns to those who live outside the Tampa Bay area, yet wish to enjoy a day trip to Pasco County.”
Many European and British residents own homes in Pasco County. Because bicycling is such an integral part of travel within their homelands, they enjoy the Suncoast Trail for recreation and travel. Additionally, vehicles parked at the Suncoast Trailheads display license plates from many states other than Florida.
Hernando County’s theme is “Close To Home, Room To Roam.” The County’s web site states:
“With an average January temperature of 60 degrees, year-round outdoor recreation is the mantra in Hernando County. Hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, birding, and hiking are just a few of the many recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Championship golf courses, paved or unpaved bicycle trails, and the Croom Motorcycle Recreation Area attract visitors from far beyond the County borders.”
Since its opening the Counties and Florida’s Turnpike have promoted the Suncoast Trail as a unique attraction and tourism facility. In November 2002 trail advocates and experts from all around the country were introduced to the Trail at the National Trails Symposium. Trail planners, contractors, volunteers, engineers, land managers, administrators, media, trail user and trail advocacy organizations visited the Suncoast Trail booth to view the trail video and learn more about this outstanding new facility.
In 2002 the Florida chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society chose West Central Florida for the annual Charity Bike Tour event, solely to utilize the Suncoast Trail. Over 350 riders participated in the 2-day, 150- mile ride that began in Hillsborough County, taking the Suncoast Trail through Pasco and Hernando counties to Weeki Wachee for an overnight stay.
The Suncoast Trail is part of the Bike Florida Trails Tour that is scheduled out of Savannah, Georgia, which has brought 3 such tours here this year.
The Suncoast Trail adds to the byway travelers’ experience, as evidenced, in part, by the numerous awards and designations it has received.
Suncoast Trail Designated as a National Recreation Trail: In 2002, the Suncoast Trail was one of 26 trails across the nation to be added to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s National Recreation Trails System.
Suncoast Trail Designated as a Florida Greenway: In mid-2002, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, officially designated the Suncoast Trail as an integral part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails System. The designation plays an important part in furthering the establishment and interconnectivity of a statewide system of greenways and trails.
2000 Millennium Trail Designation: In mid-2000 the White House Millennium Council designated the Suncoast Trail as a Millennium Trail, in recognition of efforts to bring the community together to “Honor the Past—Imagine the Future,” by developing a trail that connects people to their land, history, and culture.
Suncoast Trail Logo Received American Trails Award: In 2003, the Suncoast Trail Logo won the “Signs and Trailheads” category of American Trails’ first photo contest under its National Recreation Trails Program.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xi
Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) 2003 Awards: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise received the 2003 “Supporting Agency of the Year Award” for the Turnpike’s vision in designing, funding, and constructing the Suncoast Trail as part of the Parkway Project. The “2003 Trails Manager of the Year Award” was also received on behalf of the Suncoast Trial Advisory Group (STAG) which is comprised of members of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties and the Turnpike Enterprise. The STAG was recognized for ongoing efforts to resolve trail issues, promote trail stewardship and safety, plan major events, and coordinate operations and maintenance efforts.
c. More than one recreational resource must be present when no other intrinsic resource(s) has been identified.
The Turnpike District put a lot of effort into the design of the corridor to make it aesthetically pleasing, however, the application does not present a great deal of information about the many scenic qualities offered by the Suncoast Parkway. This additional intrinsic resource should be highlighted.
Response to SHAC Comment
The Suncoast Scenic Corridor has more than one recreational resource that is present and other intrinsic resources (Natural Resources and Scenic Resources) have been identified in the Eligibility Application, and summarized below.
Recreational Resources
In addition to the Suncoast Trail, the traveler can experience the 8,000-acre Starkey Regional Wilderness Park.
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) allows passive recreation opportunities within the 10,000 acres of conservation lands (Serenova and Anclote River Ranch properties) that are adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail.
Just north of SR 52 is Crews Lake Park, a regional nature and recreation park facility, and one of the Suncoast Trail’s eight major trailheads.
In Hernando County travelers can view and visit Anderson Snow Park, one of the county’s newest multifunctional sports complexes.
Natural Resources
Byway travelers will experience, in perpetuity, within the view shed of the Suncoast Corridor the conservation lands managed by SWFWMD. The 6,800-acre Serenova property was purchased as part of the Turnpike’s environmental strategy to offset project impacts to uplands and wetlands. Included was the purchase of the 3,600-acre Anclote River Ranch located south of the 8,000 acre J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. The Serenova and Anclote parcels represent a contribution of over 10,000 acres of natural landscape to public ownership. Combined with the 8,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Park, a contiguous 28 square mile ecosystem and buffer is provided along a large portion of the Suncoast Parkway corridor in Pasco County, in the perimeter of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area. The CAG’s goal is to include additional future viewing areas for the byway traveler.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xii
Scenic Resources
When travelers leave the Veterans Expressway portion of Toll Road 589, continuing north on the Suncoast Parkway, they notice that they are leaving an urban expressway and entering a more rural or suburban road, which is very different driving experience. There are no billboards along the Suncoast Parkway.
Motorist traveling the Suncoast Parkway have a wonderful viewpoint for the above-mentioned natural resources along the southbound lanes in the 10-mile section between State Road 54 and State Road 52. The view from the planned Ridge Road Interchange includes the Serenova, while the view to the east focuses the byway travelers’ attention to the Bexley properties that include a working cattle ranch.
Wildlife viewing areas along the trail are also visible from the Suncoast Parkway.
The Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County bridges over 5 rivers/streams. Each bridge functions as a wildlife crossing, while providing scenic views along the Parkway (wetlands/cypress heads/lakes/ponds).
Views from the Parkway highlight the way the area looked many years ago, with agriculture/ranchlands/ citrus groves.
In Hernando County the rolling terrain and hills are strikingly different from the lower elevation areas at the south end of the Parkway.
Two wildlife (bear) crossings were placed north of Centralia Road in Hernando County. Culverts that traverse the entire Parkway are used by small and large wetland critters.
The 10-foot high chain link fence that keeps wildlife from crossing the roadway is also buried to prevent smaller animals from digging underground.
Retention areas along the highway are unfenced and irregular in shape, creating the look of a natural pond.
The 400-foot average road right-of-way allows for many areas of “no-clear” or limited clearing of native vegetation. The vegetation offers a buffer to block views that may interfere with the highway’s scenic qualities, while allowing views of adjacent natural lands, and wildlife viewing areas.
In the northern section of the Parkway travelers can view the Annutteliga Hammock with longleaf pine flatwoods and wire grass. The Annutteliga Hammock also contains expanses of sandhill, which are being preserved or restored.
The Corridor Advocacy Group recognizes the need for interpretive signage and scenic viewing areas and will include these items in the Corridor Management Plan Goals and Objectives.
d. The resource and user facilities must support an increase in visitors.
The SHAC agreed that the Suncoast Parkway Trail could support increased visitors.
e. Recreational resources must satisfy significant, exceptional, and distinctive Universal Criteria.
The CAG needs to demonstrate the resource is significant (regionally recognized as an amenity in more than one county); exceptional (outstanding in quality and composition within the landscape) and distinctive (representative of the part of the State in which it is located).
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xiii
Response to SHAC Comment
The Suncoast Parkway Corridor is significant—not only within the region and the state— but also internationally. In addition to the awards and designations previously discussed, the Suncoast Parkway in 2003 received its first two international awards for excellence. In 2003 the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) selected the Suncoast Parkway, a Florida’s Turnpike Project, for its most prestigious awards. According to IBTTA this project’s Aesthetic Design Guidelines represent the best example of excellence among the toll agencies of the world.
The Aesthetic Design Guidelines were conceived and implemented during the design phase of the Suncoast Parkway, when Florida’s Turnpike recognized the impact this 42-mile road would have on the natural environment and surrounding communities. In response to this concern, the Turnpike Enterprise developed and implemented the Aesthetic Design Guidelines to ensure that the Parkway be distinctive—compatible with the environment— and outstanding in quality and composition within the landscape.
The goal of the landscape treatment was to create a natural image through selective clearing to preserve existing vegetation and landscaping, thus providing a roadway that is visually and environmentally compatible with its surroundings. In addition, Florida’s Turnpike planted thousands of native plants to supplement existing vegetation.
Black vinyl-coated fencing blends into the surrounding landscape and allows an uninterrupted view of the countryside.
The distinctive Suncoast Parkway logo is found on most bridges, sound walls and trail facilities.
A consistent color and theme is carried through the highway and trail element design in an effort to blend with the natural environment.
Bronze mono-tube overhead sign structures, corten bridge beams, corten high-mast light, corten guardrail, corral rail barrier wall, tan MSE walls that incorporate the Suncoast Parkway logo and solar-powered lighting are all indicative of the approach taken to all standard highway elements.
In 2001 the Suncoast Parkway received two FDOT Major Interstate Awards for quality construction, and in 2002 The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recognized the Suncoast Parkway with an Award of Merit for outstanding achievement.
The Trail is recognized as an amenity by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. Each of these counties have plans to connect their current and future trails to the Suncoast Trail. Hernando County and Florida’s Turnpike recently completed the new SR 50 trailhead facility with $50,000 funding from F.D.E.P., Office of Greenways & Trails, and $200,000 from FDOT.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xiv
SHAC COMMENT
2. The travel speeds along the highway are very high and this seems to degrade from the quality or potential of the corridor as a scenic highway candidate. Is this an issue? How will a traveler enjoy the corridor or stop to visit the resources when traveling at a high speed? This concern should be addressed.
Response to SHAC Comment
The travel speeds on the Suncoast Parkway— while higher than some designated byways and comparable to other corridors— provide the byway travelers with many positive opportunities to experience a sense of place. In fact, travelers comment on the uniqueness of the roadway and the visual landscape. Sue Rupe, Hernando County’s Tourist Development Coordinator, coined the phrase “Scenic to the Senses” when referring to the Suncoast corridor.
Driving on the Suncoast Parkway evokes an unusual sense of intimacy with the natural environment, delivered largely through the absence of highly visible guardrails, fencing around retention ponds and towering light posts. The Aesthetic Design Guidelines include hardscape and landscape features that reflect the natural environment.
Traveling at highway speeds our visitors can leave the urban areas and experience the Florida of a bygone era, while viewing the unincorporated areas along the Suncoast Parkway. Views and vistas that reflect the changes in topography along the 42-mile drive include areas of “no-clearing,” native vegetation and abundant flora and fauna. The byway traveler is aware that the roadway includes straight, curving, rolling, flat, forested, riverine, urban and rural areas. There are no billboards along the Suncoast Parkway.
Customer service surveys consistently reflect that Suncoast Parkway travelers feel safe and secure while using the Suncoast Parkway. Florida Highway Patrol Troop K is dedicated to Toll Road 589.
The Suncoast Trail provides a unique opportunity for motorists to enjoy the bicyclists and joggers who exercise along the length of the Suncoast Parkway. FDOT has retained ownership of unused parcels along the Suncoast Parkway to provide additional buffering.
The Suncoast parkway is listed as the preferred route in website and print materials provided by tourism attractions in the vicinity. Brochures, pamphlets, and web sites promote the Parkway for easy access.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xv
SHAC COMMENT
3. A suggestion was made that if the project limits were expanded slightly, more intrinsic resources may be able to be incorporated into the application. Ms. Whately stated that the Program Manual states that resources should be visible or accessible from the scenic highway. This needs to be kept in mind if the project limits are expanded.
Response to SHAC Comment
The Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway (Toll Road 589) originate directly adjacent to Tampa International Airport, thus this roadway is rapidly becoming the preferred route for travelers arriving in West Central Florida at Tampa International Airport to access tourism destinations in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Local tourism attractions and major sporting events list the Suncoast Parkway in pamphlets, brochures, print media and websites. The following destinations and events are easily accessible from the Suncoast Parkway at specific interchanges:
Exit 14 – Van Dyke Road
Outback Steakhouse $1.6 million Pro-Am Golf Tournament is held at Cheval’s Tournament Players Club, which is adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway, north of Van Dyke Road.
In December 2004, The 25th Annual Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival, now one of the largest arts and crafts shows in Florida, was held at Hillsborough County’s Lake Park, easily accessible from Van Dyke Road.
Exit 19 – State Road 54
J.B. Starkey’s Flatwoods Adventures is one of the major tourist attractions for Pasco County. The tour takes visitors on a 2-hour excursion through the Anclote River Ranch, seeing first-hand the different ecosystems found on the ranch and the delicate balance necessary to maintain them. This attraction is also a Visit Florida member.
Numerous tourism events take place in the small towns that are easily accessible from the Suncoast Parkway, such as the Odessa Rodeo, the Land O’ Lakes Flapjack Festival, and the Chasco Fiesta in New Port Richey.
The Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River is easily accessible from SR 54. This river is a favorite among visitors for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The river runs right through the heart of downtown New Port Richey and into the James E. Grey Preserve. The Preserve is 80 acres of wetlands that is very new to the community.
Paradise Lakes in Land O’ Lakes is the largest clothing-optional resort in North America. Paradise Lakes is the second largest contributor to the Tourist Development Tax in Pasco County, and is just one of the clothing-optional resorts that call Land O’ Lakes home. One of the newer resorts, Caliente, has already been featured on national television, and is very popular among both national and international visitors.
Caliente Resort & Spa - Nudist resort (this is not clothing optional) is built on 98 acres, making this facility the largest in the area. This resort has 5 pools, and 50,000 - 60,000 out of state tourists visit Caliente. The International market is expanding this year. Tourists who stay at Caliente utilize the Suncoast Parkway when traveling from the airport and when driving down from the north. Caliente Resort directs their guests to area attractions via the Suncoast Parkway because the Parkway is a pleasant and beautiful road to travel.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xvi
The Annual Land O’Lakes Triathlon attracts individuals and teams from throughout the State and the Southeast, and the most popular place to train—due to safety and scenery— is the Suncoast Trail.
In Land O’Lakes is the Plantation Palms Golf Club, an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. During the winter months groups of golfers from Canada and northeastern United States enjoy this course. On U.S. 41 is another new golf course—The Groves.
The Land O’Lakes Flapjack Festival is an annual 3-day event held in November.
Exit 27 – State Road 52
The Pasco County Register of Historic Resources lists 287 sites as being historically important. Of that number, numerous are in close proximity to the Suncoast Parkway, including the Hacienda Hotel and Chasco Inn in New Port Richey, the original Aripeka Post Office in Aripeka, the Fivay Town Site in Bayonet Point, and the Anclote Cemetery in Holiday.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is the only state park on the central west coast of Florida with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Concourse, one block from the Suncoast Parkway, is prime land for a future tourist destination. Its proximity to the Parkway makes it desirable for large events.
Florida Estates Winery located on SR 52, east of the Suncoast Parkway, has directional signage on the Suncoast Parkway to promote the facility.
The annual Seafood Festival in Hudson is a popular Pasco event.
Exit 37 – Pasco/Hernando County Line Road and/or Exit 41—Spring Hill Drive
Hernando Cattleman’s Rodeo and BBQ Festival
Hernando County Fair
Family Motor Coach Rally (2500 motor coaches) is a 3-day event held at Hernando Airport, adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway.
Weeki Wachee Swamp Festival is a 2-day family festival with crafts and food.
The Swamp Stomp 2005 is a challenging canoe and bicycle race.
Heritage Pines Golf Course
Monthly Brooksville Bandshell Bash is marketed throughout the Tampa area.
Exit 46—State Road 50
Brooksville Raid Festival, Florida’s largest Civil War re-enactment is held at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation.
Arts, Crafts & Music Festival in the Park
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xvii
Weeki Wachee “The Only City of Live Mermaids” and Buccaneer Bay, a spring-fed water park, are located on US 19. Visit the web site at www.weekiwachee.com.
City of Brooksville with historic murals, canopy roads, museum and historic homes.
Silverthorn Golf Course is an 18-hole course visible from the Suncoast Parkway. Visit the web site at www.silverthornclub.com.
Terminus at US 98
World Woods Golf Club includes two World Class Championship Golf Courses designed by Tom Fazio. Visit the web site at www.worldwoods.com.
Founders Day Celebration is a week of festivities.
Chinsegut Nature Center – 408 acres – hosts many educational programs and hikes throughout the year. “Chinsegut,” and Alaskan innuit word for the Spirit of lost things.” Original owner used a looser translation: “The place where things of true value that have been lost may be found again.”
Withlacoochee State Forest
Withlacoochee River
Janet Butterfield Brooks Nature Preserve – best place to see sandhill. Hernando County is one of the few counties in peninsular Florida to be home to sandhill communities.
Tillis Hills
Croom Tracts of the Withlacoochee State Forest include horse and hiking trails.
Access to Citrus County natural attractions, rivers and springs, as well as the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and Withlacoochee State Forest can be found on the Citrus Chamber of Commerce web site at www.citruschamber.com.
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SHAC COMMENT
4. Preservation of the corridor’s animal habitat should be an issue raised in the application. There has been a bear habitat reduction in the area. Preservation of habitat could be discussed more thoroughly.
Response to SHAC Comment
The Suncoast Parkway traverses a diversity of habitat types throughout its 42 mile length. The right of way is adjacent to distinct established ecological communities based on geology, hydrology and topography. The native habitat types include pine flatwoods, longleaf pine – xeric oak, hardwood – conifer mixed forests, freshwater marshes, wet prairies, cypress associations and bottomland hardwood swamps. The project traverses several riverine systems including the South Branch, Sandy Branch, Anclote River, Five Mile Creek and the Pithlachascotee River.
As part of the mitigation plan for the Suncoast Parkway, over 10,000 acres of land were purchased adjacent to the roadway corridor and turned over to a public agency for the long-term preservation and management of native Florida vegetation communities. The vast majority of natural system upland habitat, such as pine flatwoods, oak hammock and xeric oak scrub, would have been almost certainly eliminated or severely degraded by development if not preserved as part of this project. When purchased, these lands were also adjacent to an already publicly-owned wilderness park totaling over 8,000 acres. Therefore, the combined acreage of land now in public ownership is over 18,000 acres or approximately 28 square miles.
Several listed wildlife species are known to occur or intermittenly occur on private and public land adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway, especially within the publicly owned lands. These listed animal species include, but are not limited to, the eastern indigo snake, Florida mouse, Florida pine snake, Sherman’s fox squirrel, short tailed snake, southeastern American kestrel, gopher tortoise, Florida scrub jay, Florida sandhill crane, and the Florida black bear.
Strategic wildlife underpasses are established along the corridor of the Suncoast Parkway based on important habitat types, known or expected faunal occurrence and future land use. The majority of these wildlife underpasses were established in conjunction with the major riverine systems mentioned above which are adjacent to the 18,000 acre plus conservation lands. The bridges over these rivers were extended into the uplands to allow for usage by wildlife during all seasons. Government agencies have since been using the wildlife corridors established by this project as part of the review of proposed future land uses. There are two other major wildlife crossings in the northern portions of the Suncoast Parkway that were strategically placed where present and future black bear movement along with other upland species is most likely to occur. The upland wildlife crossings are in the area of the known Chassahowitzka populations of black bears. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has purchased additional lands as part of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area to maintain a wildlife corridor for the black bear and other wildlife species that coincides with these northernmost crossings. Preservation of animal habitat will be included in the CMP Action Plan.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” xix
SHAC COMMENT
5. The application should more thoroughly discuss tourism potential, partnerships, and efforts. It should be stressed that many tourists come to the region and use the highway to access hunting, fishing, bird watching, etc. The application could tie into the “Gateway to the Nature Coast” theme.
Response to SHAC Comment
Florida’s Nature Coast Coalition, Inc. states, “The Suncoast Parkway is the Gateway and major connection to the Nature Coast Trail (U.S. 19). With the easy accessibility from the Tampa Bay area, drivers start to get the feel of what Florida’s Nature Coast has to offer as they travel along the Suncoast Parkway and view the rolling hills, wildlife, forests and agricultural areas. This parkway is like opening an invitation to visit and explore Florida’s Nature Coast. The Coalition promotes “Drive the Nature Coast” with an annual contest and use the parkway as a way to reach several of the destinations indicated on the Driving Tour.”
The Suncoast Corridor Advocacy Group will continue to seek partnerships, in addition to those already identified. The tourism potential for the Suncoast Scenic Corridor is becoming recognized and most of the tourist attractions cited in this report tie into “Gateway to the Nature Coast” theme. However, the CAG, will explore more coordination with the Nature Coast Coalition. Sue Rupe, Hernando County Tourist Development Coordinator and Suncoast CAG member, is also the CAG’s representative to the Nature Coast Coalition.
Brooksville (as provided by Hernando County’s Tourist Development Office)
Brooksville is a valuable tourism destination that is easily accessible from the Suncoast Parkway. With its Bed and Breakfast Inns, specialty and antique shops, and historic homes, Rogers Christmas House, and charming restaurants, this small city also has tourism activities throughout the calendar year. As the County Seat of Hernando County for more than one hundred years, Brooksville was originally known as Melendez and was settled about 1845. A map printed in 1855 shows the town of Melendez as being the Capital of Benton County, now Hernando County.
Fort DeSoto, a military fort established about 1840 to give protection to settlers from Indians, was located at the northeastern edge of present day Brooksville on Croom Road about one-half mile east of U.S. Highway 41. Fort DeSoto was also a trading post and a regular stop on the Concord Stage Coach Line which ran from Palatka to Tampa. The fort was built on top of a heavy bed of limerock, a fact which they were unaware of at the time, and this made it exceedingly difficult to obtain water, thus causing this location to be abandoned as a community site. As a result, in the early 1840’s the population shifted about three miles to the south where a community first settled by the Hope and Saxon families became known as Pierceville. About this time, another community about two miles northwest of Pierceville sprang up and was known as Melendez. Brooksville was established in 1856, and grew and developed from a consolidation of these two communities, and was incorporated October 13, 1880.
The City of Brooksville, as we know it today, was settled by four pioneer families: the Howell family which settled the northern part of town; the Jon L. Mays family which settled the eastern part of town; the Hale family on the west; and the Parsons family on the south. Brooksville is a full service city with a Council- Manager form of Government and an estimated population of 8,000. Located at the intersections of U.S. 41, U.S. 98, and Florida State Road 50 in Hernando County, Brooksville is about forty-five miles north of Tampa and fifteen miles east of the Gulf of Mexico and is nestled among beautiful, rolling hills. It is a thriving residential-commercial community which has experienced continuous growth while preserving its original charm. There are several modern medical facilities, including Brooksville Regional Hospital Inc., Oak
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Hill Community Hospital and Spring Hill Regional Hospital serving the area, a campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College located at the edge of the city, and a thriving, busy, business section with eleven shopping centers, with a regional airport located six miles south of the city. There are three city parks with walking trails, sports, and picnicking facilities, including a nine-hole golf course, an excellent library and many other desirable features. Brooksville and Hernando County are rich in southern hospitality, motivated by visions of tomorrow.
Brooksville is the Southern Belle of Hernando County. Its columned courthouse built in 1912 offering a visit to its restored courtroom. Brooksville has several homes listed on the National Register. Weeks Hardware built in 1913 is still a fully equipped and operating Hardware store that has been serving Brooksville for 92 years.
Sitting in the center of town is Hernando Park, host of many of the arts and crafts shows scheduled throughout the year. This park offers an outdoor band shell, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts and a children’s playground. The Heritage Museum, a seven-gable structure with gingerbread trim built in 1856. Guided tours that will inform and dazzle you with facts and stories about Hernando County history. Brooksville also offers “The Quarry” a par three golf course nestled in a reclaimed mine offering challenging holes and beautiful scenery.
In the vicinity of Brooksville, the County’s web site lists eco-tourism opportunities for all ages and athletic abilities. Whether bird-watching, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, or hiking and cycling there are locations and destinations, a visit to the Nature Coast will be rewarded. Hernando County’s brochure, “Historic Brooksville” gives the following directions: “The Tampa International Airport is 40 minutes from Brooksville on the Suncoast Parkway.”
Pasco and Hernando County web sites tout the scuba, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities along the coastal waterways and inland rivers. Crews Lake Park, visible and accessible from the Suncoast Parkway, has the largest natural body of water in Pasco County. It is home to may species of fish. The Great Florida Birding Trail is supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation. It is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Bird watching opportunities in West Florida can be found at www.floridabirdingtrail.com. For a variety of outdoor experiences, tourists can find a comprehensive list of recreational opportunities on public lands managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District on the website at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us. The management plan includes passive recreational opportunities in the vicinity of the Suncoast Parkway and Trail.
The Suncoast Corridor Advocacy Group’s action plan will address more potential opportunities for visitors and tourists to enjoy the outdoors in the vicinity of the Suncoast Parkway “Gateway to the Nature Coast.”
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CORRIDOR STORY
The Corridor Story is included in the Designation Application.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Table of Contents
Page
Florida Department of Transportation Signature Page ...... i Potential Letter from the Secretary Confirming Designation ...... ii Designation Application Form ...... iv Review of Suncoast Designation Application...... v Executive Summary of Action Plan ...... viii Scenic Highway Advisory Committee Comments and Responses ...... ix
Table of Contents
Corridor Advocacy Group Membership and Contacts ...... 1
Background Conditions Analysis ...... 5 Roadway/Right-of-Way Description ...... 5 Existing Land Use and Zoning ...... 8 Signage and Appurtenances ...... 10 Future Land Use ...... 1 1 Safety Issues ...... 1 3 Traffic Volumes and User Types ...... 1 5 Levels of Service ...... 1 6 Transportation Planning and Roadway Improvements ...... 1 7 Social and Economic Conditions ...... 1 8 Tourism and User Facilities ...... 1 9 Other Programs ...... 2 0
Intrinsic Resource Assessment and Designation Criteria ...... 24 Defined Methodology ...... 2 4 Corridor Limits ...... 2 4 Corridor Impressions Survey ...... 2 5 Field Inventory ...... 3 1 Universal Criteria Summary ...... 3 4
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Page
Resource-Specific Criteria ...... 3 8 Cultural, Historic, and Archaeological Resources ...... 3 8 Natural Resources ...... 38 Recreational Resources ...... 3 9 Scenic Resources ...... 42
Corridor Vision ...... 43
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group ...... 4 4
Corridor Story...... 47
Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Entity ...... 52 Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Entity Agreement ...... 5 3
Community Participation Program ...... 57 Suncoast Trail Advisory Group ...... 5 7 Suncoast Trail Guide/Trail Kiosks/Suncoast Trail Display and Video ...... 5 7 Suncoast Trail Marker Program ...... 5 8 Speakers' Bureau ...... 5 8 Publicity...... 5 8 Web Sites ...... 5 8 Protection Techniques ...... 5 9 Planned Elements...... 59
Suncoast Trail Community Involvement Plan ...... 61 General ...... 6 1 Program and Policies...... 6 1
Local Support...... 66
Protection Techniques...... 67 Summary of Findings ...... 6 7 Current Protection Techniques ...... 6 7
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Page Funding and Promotion ...... 70
Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan ...... 74 Policy Comparison Matrix ...... 7 5
Future Comprehensive Plan Amendments ...... 81
Partnerships and Agreements ...... 84
Suncoast Scenic Parkway Action Plan ...... 86 Administration and Coordination ...... 8 6 Community Participation ...... 8 7 Corridor Enhancements ...... 8 9
References Cited ...... 91
List of Tables Table 1 Pasco County Land Use Land Cover (LULC) ...... 9 Table 2 Owners of Large Parcels (Hernando County) ...... 9 Table 3 Crash History ...... 1 4 Table 4 Toll 589 Traffic Summary ...... 1 5 Table 5 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 1) ...... 25, 26 Table 6 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 2) ...... 26, 27 Table 7 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 3) ...... 2 8 Table 8 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 4) ...... 2 9 Table 9 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 5) ...... 3 0 Table 10 Quality Evaluation Summary ...... 3 0
List of Exhibits Exhibit 1 – Limits of Scenic Corridor Map ...... 6 Exhibit 2 – Sample Turnpike Work Program Documents ...... 1 7 Exhibit 3 – Limits of Scenic Corridor Map ...... 2 4 Exhibit 4 – Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) Vision Statement ...... 43
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Page Exhibit 5 – STAG Organizes Two Night Rides Per Year on the Suncoast Trail ...... 5 9 Exhibit 6 – Florida's Turnpike Enterprise Tracks Customer Satisfaction ...... 7 0 Exhibit 7 – Road Ranger Program Invites Customers' Comments ...... 7 1
List of Figures Figure 1: View from Caldwell Lane Bridge in Pasco County ...... 5 Figure 2: Drainage features blend into the natural surroundings ...... 5 Figure 3: Wildlife crossing in Hernando County ...... 7 Figure 4: Residential development adjacent to the corridor in Hillsborough County...... 8 Figure 5: Billboard located on SR 54 near Suncoast Parkway ...... 1 0 Figure 6: Weathered steel guardrail ...... 1 0 Figure 7: Light poles and signs contribute to the parkway’s distinctive look ...... 1 0 Figure 8: Veterans Expressway/Suncoast Parkway connection ...... 1 1 Figure 9: View from the Pithlachascotee Bridge in Pasco County ...... 1 1 Figure 10: Northbound Suncoast Parkway approaching US 98...... 1 2 Figure 11: Motorist aid call box ...... 1 3 Figure 12: Parkway and Trail separation at common bridge crossings ...... 1 3 Figure 13: Suncoast Trail pavement markings ...... 1 3 Figure 14: SunPass-only express lanes ...... 1 5 Figure 15: Suncoast Parkway in Hernando County ...... 1 6 Figure 16: Mainline toll plaza ...... 1 7 Figure 17: Recreation is important to residents of the West Central Florida region...... 1 8 Figure 18: Toll Road 589 access to Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg ...... 1 9 Figure 19: Turnpike receives IBTTA’s 2003 Toll Excellence Award ...... 2 0 Figure 20: Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) at Suncoast grand opening ...... 2 0 Figure 21: Suncoast Trail grand opening at SR 50 Trailhead ...... 2 0 Figure 22: Grant presentation by Office of Greenways and Trails to Hernando County...... 2 0 Figure 23: Suncoast Trail standard signage and designation ...... 2 1 Figure 24: Suncoast Trail designations ...... 2 1 Figure 25: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise management team ...... 2 2 Figure 26: Turnpike Annual Reports and newsletter ...... 2 2 Figure 27: SunPass promotion ...... 2 2 Figure 28: Sound walls with logo panels ...... 2 5 Figure 29: Wildlife seen from the Suncoast Trail and Parkway ...... 2 6 Figure 30: Wildlife viewing area along Suncoast Trail north of SR 52 ...... 27 Figure 31: Entrance to Crews Lake Park ...... 2 7
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Page Figure 32: Suncoast Trail connection to Anderson Snow Park ...... 2 8 Figure 33: Native vegetation enhances the corridor’s appeal ...... 2 9 Figure 34: Natural vegetation in median...... 3 0 Figure 35: The beauty of natural resources is seen from a trail in Crews Lake Park...... 3 1 Figure 36: Sunset over Serenova preservation property ...... 3 1 Figure 37: Crews Lake Park wetlands habitat ...... 3 1 Figure 38: CAG members Steve Diez and Tina Russo at Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead ...... 3 2 Figure 39: Trailhead at SR 54 ...... 3 2 Figure 40: Kiosk at Crews Lake Park ...... 3 2 Figure 41: Suncoast Trail at SR 50 bicycle/pedestrian bridge ...... 3 2 Figure 42: U.S. 98 Trailhead ...... 3 2 Figure 43: The Suncoast Parkway is a 42-mile scenic resource...... 3 3 Figure 44: The Suncoast Trail is visible from the parkway...... 3 4 Figure 45: Wildlife viewing area is visible from the trail and parkway...... 3 4 Figure 46: Vertical clearances at toll plazas/bridges accommodate recreational and emergency vehicles ...... 3 5 Figure 47: The corridor’s resources are significant, exceptional, and distinct...... 3 5 Figure 48: Pond at intersection of SR 52 and Suncoast Parkway ...... 3 6 Figure 49: A sample of the corridor’s natural and recreational opportunities and scenic beauty...... 3 6 Figure 50: CAG quarterly meeting ...... 3 7 Figure 51: Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club CAG members...... 3 7 Figure 52: Community support is evident...... 3 7 Figure 53: Common Suncoast Parkway and Trail crossing in Pasco County...... 3 9 Figure 54: Protection of water resources and wetland systems ...... 3 9 Figure 55: Rollerbladers access the Suncoast Trail from the Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead...... 3 9 Figure 56: Pets are welcome on the Suncoast Trail ...... 4 0 Figure 57: Safety Town at SR 52 ...... 4 0 Figure 58: Observation tower at Crews Lake Park ...... 4 1 Figure 59: Bicycling along the Suncoast Trail in Hernando County ...... 4 1 Figure 60: Visual and environmental compatibility ...... 4 2 Figure 61: Scenic vistas ...... 42 Figure 62: Nature, recreational, and travel opportunities ...... 4 2 Figure 63: Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) ...... 5 7 Figure 64: Suncoast Trail Marker...... 5 8
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Page Figure 65: Suncoast display at the 16th National Trails Symposium in November 2002 ...... 5 8 Figure 66: Bike Florida, Inc. and STAG representatives celebrate Suncoast Trail Marker installation .. 58 Figure 67: SR 50 trailhead facility ribbon-cutting ceremony ...... 5 9 Figure 68: The Suncoast Trail was the site of the “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 150” ...... 6 6 Figure 69: Opening of Suncoast Parkway – 2001 ...... 6 6 Figure 70: Hernando County Sheriff's Officers ride the Suncoast Trail ...... 84
Appendices Appendix A: Suncoast Parkway & Suncoast Trail Documents Appendix B: Suncoast Trail Issues Appendix C: Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando County Documents Appendix D: Florida's Turnpike Enterprise Documents Appendix E: CAG Documents and Work Products Appendix F: Completed Applications and Forms
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Background Conditions Analysis 5 Background Conditions Assessment
Roadway/Right-of-Way Description
The 42-mile Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 is part of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise’s statewide system of limited access tolled highways and Florida’s Intrastate Highway System. The four-lane parkway extends from the Veterans Expressway at Van Dyke Road in Hillsborough County (Milepost 14) northward completely through Pasco County and through a majority of Hernando County, terminating at US 98 near the Hernando/Citrus County line.
Open to traffic in 2001, the Suncoast Parkway corridor was constructed in mostly undeveloped, rural portions of the northern Tampa Bay area and does not pass through the incorporated limits of any cities or towns. A map of Toll Road 589 is included in Appendix Figure 1: View from Caldwell Lane Bridge A. The Limits of Scenic Corridor Map is shown as Exhibit 1 on the in Pasco County next page.
Property acquisition for the Suncoast Parkway corridor began in March 1996 and concluded in April 1998. More than 650 parcels were acquired, totaling more than 13,000 acres. All of the right-of-way was acquired in accordance with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act. The largest single purchase was a 6,800-acre tract along the west side of the corridor in central Pasco County. This $18.5 million parcel, referred to as “the Serenova parcel” was acquired by FDOT to help mitigate the parkway’s impacts on the predominantly rural, natural surroundings.
The Serenova parcel together with an adjacent 3,600 acres already purchased by The Trust for Public Land was subsequently conveyed to Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to manage and preserve. Both of these properties border the Starkey Wilderness Area, a natural preserve also managed by SWFWMD. With the Suncoast Parkway as the eastern boundary, this three- parcel mitigation area lies north of the rapidly developing metropolitan Tampa region. These properties are managed according to SWFWMD’s Plans for the Use and Management of the Figure 2: Drainage features blend into Starkey Tract and Addition, dated September 1990 and August the natural surroundings 1998.
A total of 29 bridges cross the Suncoast Parkway, a majority of which is located at local roadway overpasses in northern Pasco and southern Hernando Counties. The bridges are lengthier at the streams and rivers in southern Pasco County, where elevations are lowest. These bridges extend beyond the minimum length required in order to lessen environmental impact. Two 127-foot spans provide two separate wildlife crossings in northern Hernando County. Interchanges are located at Van Dyke Road, SR 54, SR 52, County Line Road/CR 578, Spring Hill Drive, SR 50, and U.S. 98. Accommodations have been made for future interchanges.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 6
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 7
The average 400-foot width of the Suncoast Parkway right-of-way accommodates two12-foot northbound and two 12-foot southbound travel lanes, the 12-foot paved multiuse trail, and the 64-foot median. Details of typical sections for the Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail are provided in Appendix A. The vertical bridge clearances along the Suncoast Parkway meet the minimum standard of 16.5 feet. Drainage features blend into the natural surroundings.
Though the Suncoast Parkway corridor is wholly owned by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, a number of partnering entities are also involved in providing this safe, efficient, attractive, and enjoyable transportation and recreation corridor. The corridor includes the 42-mile Suncoast Trail, which is operated and maintained by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. A sample Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is included in Appendix B. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) ensures a high level of security throughout the corridor and the Counties’ Sheriff’s Offices patrol the trail. Other entities include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and National Park Service, which bring the corridor national and statewide prestige and support.
The Suncoast Parkway is the Turnpike’s first facility to incorporate a multiuse trail as part of a limited-access highway project. Separated from parkway traffic by native vegetation along a majority of its route, the 12- foot-wide trail is contained within and along the west side of the parkway’s 400-foot-wide right-of-way, and is generally located between 40 feet and 120 feet west of the parkway’s southbound shoulder.
The Suncoast Trail crosses several rivers and wildlife crossings by means of specially designed bridge extensions that provide a common passage for parkway and trail traffic. Besides trail operations and maintenance, the three counties provide and manage additional trail amenities and coordinate special events.
Trail design experts have recognized the high level of safety that is provided along the Suncoast Trail at its crossings of interchange on- and off-ramps and other intersections. Also considered in the Figure 3: Wildlife crossing in Hernando County Suncoast Trail Design Guidelines were safe width, clearance, and slope protection criteria within a 30-foot-wide typical section. Both the Suncoast Parkway and the Suncoast Trail are paved with a total of more than 400 tons of bituminous asphaltic concrete. Called Superpave, which is short for superior performing pavement, the asphalt mix is a new advancement in pavement technology that offers the potential for improved pavement performance and life cycle.
The overall goal of the landscape treatment for the Suncoast Parkway was to create a natural image through selective clearing to preserve existing vegetation and landscaping, thus providing a roadway that is visually and environmentally compatible with its surroundings. “No-clear” and “limited-clear” zones were established during the construction process to preserve native vegetation. Separate landscape contracts were then awarded for reinforcement and revegetation of existing plant communities and new plantings, all utilizing native species. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recognized the Suncoast Parkway in 2002 with an Award of Merit for outstanding achievement.
“The CAG intends to maintain the Parkway’s and Trail’s aesthetic design guidelines through the Goals, Objectives and Strategies: 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1.4, 5.1.1 and 5.2.2.
The CAG acknowledges the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Act (referenced in this section), and acknowledge that they understand its effect on a designated corridor.”
TheCAG’s priority is to maintain and enhance existing partnerships and cultivate new partnerships (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2)
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 8
Existing Land Use and Zoning
The Suncoast Parkway corridor traverses the unincorporated areas of three counties. Beginning in the south at Veterans Expressway and extending northward, approximately four miles of the corridor lie within northern Hillsborough County, 20 miles extend through Pasco County, and 18 miles stretch almost completely through Hernando County. Land use along the corridor is governed by the Comprehensive Land Use Plans adopted by Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties.
The existing land use adjacent to the corridor is primarily Figure 4: Residential development adjacent to comprised of undeveloped, agricultural and conservation land, the corridor in Hillsborough County with some residential development. The land is classified as rural along a majority of the corridor, with sporadic development of residential subdivisions that are rapidly forming an urban/suburban mix. The existing land uses are classified as: undeveloped/vacant, agricultural, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, mining and public/ semipublic.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has the least amount of vacant land along the corridor, as development has already occurred adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway. Large residential developments abut the Suncoast corridor between Van Dyke Road, which represents the point at which the Suncoast Parkway and Veterans Expressway portions of Toll Road 589 meet, and northward to the Hillsborough-Pasco County line. These developments include the Lake Carlton Arms Apartments, the Cheval community, and the Tournament Players Club golf course. The Hillsborough County Future Land Use Map in Appendix C provides additional details on the County’s existing land use and zoning.
Pasco County
Pasco County has experienced little development along the corridor prior to construction of the Suncoast Parkway, as depicted in Timing of Development Pre-1970 to 2003, prepared for the Citizens Advisory Committee Workshops, 2003-2004 Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report. This map is found in Appendix C.
There are a number of large tracts located adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway corridor, including those held by several Bexley family corporations and trusts, James P. Gills trusts, and conservation lands owned by SWFWMD. The Bexley family recently contracted to sell an approximate 7,000-acre tract along the east side of the Suncoast Parkway. This tract is proposed to accommodate an 8,000-home development, which is in the early stages of the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review process. Wilson Miller, Inc., who is representing the Bexley property through the DRI process, is a member of the Suncoast Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG). The CAG will work with stakeholders (Strategies 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 4.1.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 5.1.1).
A list of adjacent property owners, including those holding 200 acres or more, was compiled for the CAG by Pasco County in May 2003. Pasco County has classified approximately 80 percent of the 12,705 acres located along the Suncoast corridor in terms of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) as shown in Table 1. Detailed LULC and Pasco County’s jurisdictional and nonjurisdictional land-related information is provided in Appendix C.
The CAG intends (Goals 1 & 3) to continue working with the County to consider adopting an Overlay Plan to increase buffering, open space and set backs.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 9
Type of Land Percentage (%)
Cropland and Pastureland 23% Upland Coniferous Forest 11% Longleaf Pine-Xeric Oak 10% Residential (Low Density) 10% Pine Flatwoods 9% Cypress 9% Upland Hardwood-Conifer Mixed 8%
Table 1 – Pasco County Land Use Land Cover (LULC)
Hernando County
With the rapid growth that is occurring in Hernando County, much of the remaining undeveloped lands along the Suncoast corridor are being converted to other uses, primarily residential development. As the population growth moves outward from Tampa and Hillsborough County, both Pasco and Hernando Counties will continue to experience the suburban growth trend, with increases in single family residential and some commercial and light industrial development.
Areas near the County Line Road/CR 578, Spring Hill Drive, and SR 50 interchanges have been designated for commercial uses. The Hernando County Airport, Industrial Park, and Rail-Park are all located near the Spring Hill Drive interchange.
Hernando’s existing land use, which is dominated by residential and undeveloped areas, is documented in the Existing Land Use Map, effective June 2003 and shown at the County’s Web site. Owners of parcels of 200 or more acres located adjacent to the Suncoast corridor are provided in Table 2 below. As provided to the CAG by Hernando County’s Planning Department in 2003, lists of properties and publicly owned lands adjacent to the Suncoast corridor are included in Appendix C.
Owners Number of Parcels and of Parcels Acreage Florida Mining and Materials Corporation 2 parcels totaling 735 acres Florida Crushed Stone Company 3 parcels totaling 827 acres Hernando County Government 200 acres for the landfill Hernando County Government 205 acres for the airport JSB Management Consulting, Inc. 243 acres
Table 2 – Owners of Large Parcels (Hernando County)
The CAG is currently reviewing appropriate Comprehensive Plan changes and additions to the Hernando County Evaluation and Appraisal Report. It is anticipated that the CAG and Hernando County will continue working together (Goals 1 and 3) to protect the integrity of the corridor. Florida’s Turnpike addresses corridor protection in its review of specific parcels and DRI proposals for properties adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway (Action Plan for Administration and Coordination, No.2).
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 10
Signage and Appurtenances
In 1984, the Florida Legislature added a provision to Chapter 479, Florida Statutes, prohibiting outdoor advertising billboards along new highways located outside an urban area. The Suncoast Parkway was constructed subsequent to 1984 and it is outside the urban area; therefore, no outdoor advertising billboards are allowed along this portion of Toll Road 589. Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties control billboards through their respective ordinances.
The Parkway’s traffic regulatory signs, Figure 5: Billboard located on SR 54 near Suncoast Parkway supports, guardrail, fence, and light poles are all consistent with the Suncoast Parkway Aesthetic Design Guidelines, which were developed to ensure that the new road would have a consistent overall image that would be compatible with the environment while still meeting FDOT requirements. Dark brown mono-tube sign structures and light poles contribute to the Parkway’s distinctive look, and signs are standardized and Figure 6: Weathered steel guardrail color-matched to the support structures to appear more organized and less obtrusive (Action Plan for Adminstration and Coordination, No.3).
Figure 7: Light poles and signs contribute to the parkway’s distinctive look.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 11
Future Land Use
Hillsborough County
Beginning in the south at Veterans Expressway and extending northward, the Suncoast Parkway is located within a four-mile segment through northern Hillsborough County. While representing only a small portion of the 42-mile corridor, the County has referenced scenic corridors within these limits in the Future Land Use Element of its Comprehensive Plan and has listed the Suncoast Parkway on its Scenic Corridors Map.
As stated in the Future Land Use Element, Objective E1-6, the County’s goal is to protect the existing scenic character of the Figure 8: Veterans Expressway/ designated roadway corridors. The policies that support this objective Suncoast Parkway connection relate to new development, landscaping, preservation of existing trees and natural features, and interconnections for open space corridors and environmental systems. Scenic Corridors are also discussed in the section titled “Additional Community Design Considerations.” The predominate land use classification of properties located along the Suncoast Corridor in Hillsborough County, as shown on the Future Land Use Map is Residential Al-1. The Future Land Use Map is included at the County’s Web site at www.plancom.org and Appendix C.
Pasco County
Pasco County’s Future Land Use Map, which is included in Appendix C, indicates that properties located adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway corridor are classified as follows:
Properties located west of the Suncoast corridor, between the Hillsborough-Pasco County line and SR 54, are classified as Residential–3 DU/Acre.
Properties located between SR 54 and northward to SR 52 along the west side of the corridor are classified as Figure 9: View from the Pithlachascotee Conservation, with DRI/MPUD located along the south side Bridge in Pasco County of SR 52 and DRI/MPUD with Retail/Office/Residential at the intersection of SR 54 and the Suncoast Parkway. An almost equal distribution exists between the Agriculture/Rural and DRI/MPUD uses along the east side of the Suncoast corridor within these limits.
Properties located between SR 52 and the Pasco-Hernando County Line are primarily Residential – 1DU/ Acre, with the remainder classified as DRI/MPUD and a very small segment of Agriculture. The Future Land Use Map indicates approved Mixed-Use at the future interchange at Ridge Road(Action Plan for Administration and Coordination, No.2, No.4, No.8).
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 12
Hernando County
Hernando County’s Future Land Use Map, which is included in Appendix C, was adopted by the Board of County Commission in May 2003 and includes the following classifications:
Property zoned Commercial is located at the Spring Hill Drive, County Line Road/CR 578, SR 50, and U.S. 98 interchanges.
Mining exists at two locations north of SR 50, between the Suncoast Parkway and U.S. 98. Figure 10: Northbound Suncoast Parkway approaching US 98 Residential parcels are located along an approximate nine-mile stretch on both sides of the corridor, between County Line Road/CR 578 and north to SR 50, and along a one-mile stretch near the corridor’s northern terminus at U.S. 98.
A total of approximately 15 miles along both sides of the corridor from just south of SR 50 to U.S. 98 are classified as Rural.
Planned Developments are located south of Spring Hill Drive, which include the Hernando County Airport, Industrial Park, and Rail-Park.
Public Facilities, which include the Hernando County Landfill and Recycling Center, are located along the east side of the corridor near U.S. 98.
While the Scenic Corridor application process came late into Hernando County’s Comprehensive Plan and EAR update, policy support was included in the Recreation and Open Space and Transportation Elements of the Plan. As currently adopted, the EAR includes discussion of the CAG’s scenic corridor designation, as well as a recommendation to modify the comprehensive plan to provide guidance for such a designation, as well as setback requirements and other screening techniques. The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners will consider additional language supporting the Suncoast Parkway Scenic Highway and the Scenic Highway’s Corridor Map during the September 20, 2005 meeting. The proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment are provided in Appendix C.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 13
Safety Issues
Safety, efficiency, and reliability are believed to be the three primary reasons why customers choose the Turnpike System over other facilities. These qualities are provided through patrols by the FHP and sheriffs’ offices; state-of-the-art design features, like tolling equipment that reduces noise and air pollution; and the counties’ attention to detail in their operations and maintenance of the Suncoast Trail and its amenities.
The Turnpike Emergency Response Plan outlines the requirements of the procedures for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to include but not be limited to hurricanes, major highway accidents, and/or nuclear accidents. Emergencies are covered wherever the Turnpike System would be utilized as a major evacuation route.
Solar-powered motorist-aid call boxes are located along the northbound and southbound lanes of the Suncoast Parkway. The radio-based voice and data call box system is designed to provide assistance to motorists for police or medical emergencies and mechanical/towing road service. Each call box is identified with a milepost marker and is ADA-compliant (Strategies 2.1, 2.2).
Figure 11: Motorist aid Black vinyl-coated chain link fence is installed along the entire east right- call box of-way line of the limited-access facility and along the west side of the parkway, between the travel lanes and the Suncoast Trail. In areas where wildlife is abundant, the standard six-foot high chain link fence is replaced by 10-foot-high wildlife fencing.
As mentioned previously, FHP and the sheriffs’ offices both provide security along the Suncoast Parkway and Trail. Emergency gates are located at intervals along the roadway to allow EMS vehicle access. While both the Suncoast Parkway and Trail can safely accommodate two-wheel-drive motor vehicles, the Trail is only open to the Parks and Recreation Department staffs of each of the three counties to regularly patrol the trail as part of their maintenance and operations responsibilities. A volunteer Suncoast Trail Ambassador program augments these efforts.
September 2003 marked Figure 12: Parkway and Trail separation at the second anniversary of common bridge crossings the opening of the entire 42-mileSuncoast Parkway, including all toll facilities. According to FDOT crash data, which is available for the years 1999, 2000, and 2001, there were five crashes on the Suncoast Parkway that resulted in fifteen injuries and one fatality. Additional information is included in Table 3 on the following page.
Figure 13: Suncoast Trail pavement markings
The Suncoast corridor meets Universal Criteria #3. The 42-mile roadway safely accommodates two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 14
CRASH HISTORY FOR SUNCOAST PARKWAY
1999 2000 2001 Total Percent Property Damage Only 0 0 0 0 0.0 Injury 0 0 4 4 80.0 Fatality 0 0 1 1 20.0 Total 0 0 5 5 100.0 NUMBER INVOLVED
1999 2000 2001 Total No. of Crashes 0 0 5 5 No. of People Injured 0 0 15 15 No.of People Killed 0 0 1 1 FIRST HARMFUL EVENT 1999 2000 2001 Total Percent Coll rear end 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll head on 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll angle 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll left turn 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll right turn 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll sideswipe 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll backed into 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll parked car 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/mv other road 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/pedestrian 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/ bicycle 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/ bicycle (bike lane) 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/ moped 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/ train 0 0 0 0 0.0
Coll w/animal 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/sign/sign post 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/utility pole/light pole 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/guardrail 0 0 1 1 20.0 MV h/fence 0 0 1 1 20.0 MV h/concrete barrier wall 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/bridge/pier/abut 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/tree shrub 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/constr barricade/sign 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/traffic gate 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/crash attentuators 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/fixed object above road 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV h/other fixed object 0 0 0 0 0.0 Coll w/moveable obj on road 0 0 0 0 0.0 MV ran into ditch/culvert 0 0 2 2 40.0 Ran off road into water 0 0 0 0 0.0 Overturned 0 00 0 0.0 Occupant fell from veh 0 0 0 0 0.0 Tractor/Trailor Jackknifed 0 0 0 0 0.0 Fire 0 0 0 0 0.0 Explosion 0 00 0 0.0 Downhill runaway 0 0 0 0 0.0 Cargo loss or Shift 0 0 0 0 0.0 Separation of units 0 0 0 0 0.0 Median crossover 0 0 0 0 0.0 All others 0 0 1 1 20.0 TOTAL 0 0 5 5 100.0 Table 3 – Crash History
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 15
Traffic Volumes and User Types
The Suncoast Parkway opened in two stages. The first 32-mile section, between the parkway’s southern terminus at the Veterans Expressway and SR 50, opened on February 4, 2001, and the northern 10-mile section, between SR 50 and northward to U.S. 98, opened on August 11, 2001. The corresponding sections of the Suncoast Trail were also opened; however, pedestrians, bicycles, horses, and nonmotorized vehicles are not permitted on Toll Road 589.
The Turnpike Enterprise monitors the characteristics of traffic along all of its facilities and began reporting on the Suncoast Parkway in Fiscal Year 2002. The Suncoast Parkway two-directional Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) Volumes for FY 2002 are provided in Table 4 below.
Toll 589 Traffic Summary Actual Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) Mainline Location FY 2002 FY 2003 % Growth Oak Hammock - Suncoast 3,000 3,700 23% Spring Hill - Suncoast 9,100 11,000 21% Anclote - Suncoast 12,200 15,100 24% Sugarwood - Veterans 28,100 32,600 16% Anderson - Veterans 44,500 49,000 10% TOTAL 96,900 111,400 15%
Table 4 – Toll 589 Traffic Summary
Although traffic volumes will continue to “ramp-up” in the coming years, certain trends are already apparent, including:
The reduction in travel time due to unanticipated delays and traffic congestion are key advantages for travelers’ use of the tolled Suncoast Parkway.
Current usage of the Suncoast Parkway from SR 50 into Tampa is primarily commuter traffic, with a typical commuter dominated travel pattern. Motorists travel into Tampa in the morning and return in the evening.
The Suncoast Parkway alleviates congestion on parallel roadways, like U.S. 41 and U.S. 19, and provides a limited- Figure 14: SunPass-only express lanes access corridor between northern Hernando County and the Tampa/Clearwater/St. Petersburg region via the connection to I-275 near the Tampa International Airport. Since congestion on alternative roadways is expected to grow significantly, the Parkway will remain a competitive route for interregional travel and long distance commutes in the coming years.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 16
Levels of Service
Traffic characteristics show that the Suncoast Parkway is operating at the highest Level of Service (LOS A). Projections for FY 2025, where LOS drops in the southern more urban areas, are based on a “no-build” and “no-improvements” forecast, which is highly unlikely for this roadway’s future. Current FY2003 LOS data and projected FY2025 LOS data for each interchange location are provided in Appendix D.
CAG analysis of the preceding sections, including Signage, Safety, Figure 15: Suncoast Parkway in Traffic Volumes and User Types, and Levels of Service, indicates Hernando County that the Suncoast Parkway has unique strengths and advantages, operating as a major new transportation corridor. The CAG intends to continue its focus through Goals, Objectives and Strategies 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, and 2.2.2.
CAG analysis of Background Conditions including Existing Land Use, Future Land Use, and Social and Economic Conditions indicates that the Suncoast Corridor also faces potential threats and special challenges related to development pressures because it is a new transportation facility. The CAG hopes to address these issues through Goals, Objectives and Strategies 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.2, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.2.3, and 5.1.1.
The Suncoast Corridor is a major gateway for the Tampa Bay area. The CAG understands the need to maintain the corridor’s quality, encourage community education, support and participation, economic development and tourism (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2).
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 17
Transportation Planning and Roadway Improvements
Discussion of regional planning issues are handled by the West Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Chairs’ Coordinating Committee (CCC). Staff from Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties comprise the CCC and this group has provided a resolution to support the Suncoast Parkway’s Scenic Highway Eligibility Application. The resolution is included in Appendix E. The CCC is planning future trail connectivity, as shown on the Regional Multi-Use Trails Map in Appendix A.
Aside from routine facilities, maintenance, and landscape projects, improvements to the Suncoast Parkway are not currently included in the Turnpike’s Five-Year Work Program (Appendix D). However, the Turnpike System Plan, which is the Turnpike’s long-range transportation plan, currently identifies the need for two future interchanges within the southerly 10-mile portion of the Suncoast Figure 16: Mainline toll Parkway. Accommodations were made for these interchanges in the plaza initial design of the Parkway.
The first of the two planned interchanges would be located at Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Hillsborough County. A need for this interchange is projected to occur between 2016 and 2020; however, the Turnpike has initiated a study to determine whether the facility would be feasible considering traffic projections and growth on other segments and the region in general. The feasibility of this interchange would also be dependent upon Hillsborough County’s plans to improve Lutz-Lake Fern Road (Action Plan for Corridor Enhancements No. 7, No. 8).
The second planned interchange would be located at the proposed Ridge Road in Pasco County. The proposed Ridge Road interchange is to accommodate an extension to the existing Ridge Road, located in western Pasco County. The Ridge Road Extension project is currently undergoing review in the United States Army Corp of Engineers’ permitting process. When constructed, the Ridge Road Extension will traverse, as a controlled access highway, the Serenova property, intersect with the Suncoast Parkway and terminate at U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. In 1997, Pasco County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Transportation Turnpike District, and the Florida Audubon Society entered into various agreements that preserved 385 acres in Serenova as mitigation for the Suncoast Parkway and created the Exhibit 2 – Sample Turnpike Work Program Documents necessary 105 acres of right-of-way for the Ridge Road Extension.
Although no roadway improvements are planned for the Suncoast Parkway, the current, five-year work program for FDOT District Seven includes additional lanes and improvements in the vicinity of the Suncoast Parkway
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 18 for SR 54, SR 52, SR 50, and U.S. 98.
Social and Economic Conditions
The Suncoast Parkway corridor is located within the Tampa- St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. According to the 2000 Census, the MSA has a total population of 2.4 million. The population of Hillsborough County, Florida’s fourth largest county, is approximately one million. Data contained on Hillsborough County’s Web site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org indicates that its population nearly doubled from 1970 to 2000 and increased by almost 20 percent between 1990 and 2000.
Figure 17: Recreation is important to residents Hillsborough County has a diverse population, which is of the West Central Florida region represented by a racial mix of approximately 2 percent Asian/ Pacific, 14 percent Black/Afro-American, 18 percent Latino/ Hispanic, and 63 percent White/Caucasian. About one-half of the population growth in the MSA between 1980 and 2001 occurred within Hillsborough County. Hillsborough County is the employment center for many wage earners who commute from surrounding counties. Opportunities for employment include jobs in finance, manufacturing, agriculture, retail/wholesale and tourism. Hillsborough County’s median household income in 2000 was $40,663.
Representing another fast-growing area of West Central Florida is Pasco County, which is located immediately north of Hillsborough and south of Hernando Counties. The 2000 Census showed that Pasco County had a population of 344,756 and that its demographics are quickly changing. For example, the median age of its residents has declined to 44.9 years, down significantly from 20 years ago when Pasco had one of the highest median ages in the nation. According to the Pasco Economic Development Council Web site at www.pascoedc.com, the population of Pasco County is approximately 95.9 percent White/Caucasian, 5.9 percent Latino/Hispanic, 2.3 percent Black/Afro-American, and 1.2 percent Asian/Pacific. Pasco County’s median household income in 2000 was $32,969.
Having experienced a seven-fold increase in population between 1970 and 2000, Hernando County is also a fast-growing area in West Central Florida. In 2000, the County’s population was 130,802 and median household income was $32,572. Hernando’s largest community is the unincorporated Spring Hill, with its more than 70,000 residents. The City of Brooksville, with a population slightly over 7,000, is the county seat. With a population of only 12, the only other municipality in Hernando County is Weeki Wachee, which was incorporated solely for the purpose of promoting the “City of Mermaids.” While many of Hernando’s residents are employed outside of its limits, the County’s Web site at www.co.hernando.fl.us indicates that jobs are available in healthcare, construction, dairy or cattle operations, production, distribution, limerock mining, retail, electronics, manufacturing, and tourism.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 19
The Counties’ Tourism Development and Economic Development entities are represented on the CAG ( Objectives 5.1, 5.2). Tourism and User Facilities
The Suncoast Parkway extends between the Veterans Expressway and US 98, connecting the Tampa metropolitan area with points up to 42 miles northward and beyond. The southern terminus of Toll Road 589 is only 15 miles from the Tampa International Airport (TIA), which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. TIA provides a gateway for millions of tourists who visit the Tampa Bay area attractions, including the nature and beach resorts along the Gulf of Mexico. Limousines and tour buses shuttle passengers daily to these destinations along the Suncoast Parkway. Besides Figure 18: Toll Road 589 access to Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg providing a safe and efficient travel choice, law enforcement, public information, and restroom services are provided at the parkway’s two mainline toll plazas.
Currently, there are no gas stations, lodging, or attractions along the Suncoast Parkway, and only a few gas stations in the vicinity of the corridor. However, as development in the Tampa Bay area expands northward, Pasco and Hernando counties are reviewing an increasing number of plans to add facilities in the corridor’s vicinity. The Turnpike’s business development, concessions, and marketing plans may include lodging, welcome centers, fuel, and retail centers. When warranted, concession signs that promote nearby attractions, restaurants, and fuel will be erected along the Suncoast Parkway (Action Plan for Administration and Coordination No. 3, No. 9).
Fun and relaxation can also be experienced by those traveling along the Suncoast Parkway, simply by visiting Crews Lake Wilderness Park, located just west of the parkway between SR 52 and County Line Road/CR 578. Crews Lake Park offers a variety of nature-based activities, including a bike and walking path, a sinkhole nature area, botanical garden, observation tower, and a 2.5-mile-long interpretive nature trail. This 113-acre regional wilderness park is open from dawn to dusk and offers a variety of water-based activities, including canoe access, a boat ramp, and fishing pier.
Surveys show that bicycling is one of the top recreational preferences for Floridians and visitors. The Suncoast Trail is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for bicycle club and team rides and long-distance training. In April 2002 the National Multiple Sclerosis Society selected the Tampa Bay area and the Suncoast Trail for its annual MS Charity Bike Tour Event. The 150-mile ride drew 350 cyclists and raised $125,000 to help people who have multiple sclerosis. The annual American Cancer Society Walk also took place along a portion of the Suncoast Trail in 2002. The trailheads and rest area facilities located along the trail are often used in these events for registration and refreshment stops.
A grand opening celebration of the Suncoast Trail was held in April 2003, where a number of adventure clubs, cycling tour companies, triathletes, and others attended, and have chosen the Suncoast Trail for nature/ outdoor excursions, an alternative training course, and a way to enjoy the outdoors. Trail users include long- distance cyclists, skaters, runners, joggers, and walkers. Whether they’re professional riders, families with small children, or seniors out for a stroll, trail users enjoy an ample variety of terrain and choices in distance and territory along the 42-mile corridor. The Suncoast Trail has become a catalyst for building additional recreational opportunities in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. A regional Multi-Use Trail Map, updated in May 2004 and published by the West Central Florida MPO’s Chairs’ Coordinating Committee, is includedThe Suncoast with the Suncoastcorridor meets Trail GuideUniversal in Appendix Criteria #6. A. A majority of the corridor exhibits the qualifying resources, which are and will remain continuous throughout the corridor.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 20
Other Programs
As of September 16, 2003, which marked the second anniversary of the initial opening of the Suncoast Parkway and Trail, a number of awards and designations were received in recognition of the positive impacts that the Turnpike Enterprise and its local partners have had on the state, national, and international communities:
IBTTA Votes Suncoast Parkway “Best of the Best” in 2003: The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) selected Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to receive its “2003 President’s Award of Excellence” for the Suncoast Parkway project. In his letter to Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, IBTTA’s President describes the President’s Award as “the most Figure 19: Turnpike receives prestigious of the IBTTA and represents the best example of IBTTA’s 2003 Toll Excellence excellence among the toll agencies of the world.” Award
IBTTA’S 2003 Toll Excellence Award: To become eligible for the President’s Award, the Suncoast Parkway project was first the winner of one-of-five major category awards, IBTTA’s “2003 Toll Excellence Award” in the category of social responsibility. Based on judging by the association’s award task force, the Turnpike’s Suncoast Parkway Aesthetic Design Guidelines entry was selected as “setting the standard of excellence” within the industry.
Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) 2003 Awards: When “BIKEFEST 2003-The National Rally for Cyclists gathered in Madison, Florida in October 2003, FBA invited Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, along with 600 cyclists, to its annual Figure 20: Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) meeting to accept two awards for the Suncoast Trail. at Suncoast grand opening
Mr. James L. Ely, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise received the 2003 “Supporting Agency of the Year Award” for the Turnpike’s vision in designing, funding, and constructing the Suncoast Trail as part of the Parkway project. The “2003 Trails Manager of the Year Award” was also received on behalf of the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG), which is comprised of members of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties and the Turnpike Enterprise. The STAG was recognized for ongoing efforts to resolve trail issues, promote trail stewardship and safety, plan major events, and coordinate operations and maintenance efforts.
Figure 21: Suncoast Trail grand Figure 22: Grant presentation by Office of opening at SR 50 Trailhead Greenways and Trails to Hernando County
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 21
FBA’s awards committee cited the Suncoast Trail grand opening at the SR 50 trailhead and overpass in April 2003 as an outstanding example of community partnership. One of the major partners present at the opening was the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails, which had presented a check for $50,000 to Hernando County for trailhead improvements. FDOT District Seven is also providing $200,000 in enhancement funds for this new facility.
Suncoast Trail Designated as a National Recreation Trail: In 2002, the Suncoast Trail was one of 26 trails across the nation to be added to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s National Recreation Trails System. Figure 23: Suncoast Trail Suncoast Trail Logo Receives American Trails Award: In 2003, the Suncoast standard signage and Trail Logo won the “Signs and Trailheads” category of American Trails’ first designation photo contest under its National Recreation Trails Program.
Since the Suncoast Parkway’s initial opening in early 2001, motorists have enjoyed an aesthetic enhancement on bridge end walls—a five-foot square panel cast with a recessed image of Andropogon ternarius, a native grass indigenous to the area. The logo was developed as part of the Turnpike’s Suncoast Parkway Aesthetic Design Guidelines in September 1993. The logo stands for the efforts that were put forth to preserve and enhance the natural landscape along the Suncoast corridor and to create a more pleasurable travel experience.
In mid-2000 the Suncoast logo served as a basis for the award winning Suncoast Trail logo developed by Mr. Jim Slaughter, Pasco Parks and Recreation Director and member of the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG). Jim’s graphic design skills captured the spirit of cooperation that exists between Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. The distinctive blue and yellow logo design is now featured on trail publications, maps and signs, staff caps and shirts, and trail markers.
Suncoast Trail Designated a Greenway: In mid-2002, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails officially designated the Suncoast Trail as an integral part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails System. The designation plays an important part in furthering the establishment and interconnectivity of a statewide system of greenways and trails.
2000 Millennium Trail Designation: In mid-2000, the White House Millennium Council designated the Suncoast Trail as a Millennium Trail, in recognition of efforts to bring the community together to “Honor the Past—Imagine the Future,” by developing a trail that Figure 24: Suncoast Trail connects people to their land, history, and culture. designations
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 22
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise: The 2002 Florida Legislature created Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, enabling the Turnpike to become more innovative in pursuing the best business practices found in the private sector, to improve cost-effectiveness and timeliness in project delivery, increase revenues, expand its capital program, and improve its quality of service. The intent of the Legislature is to operate Florida’s Turnpike System as a business to help meet the State’s growing transportation needs, while still being a part of Florida Department of Transportation. The Figure 25: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise model includes a new mission, vision, and corporate Enterprise management team values. Four business goals and 16 major initiatives set new standards for the entire Turnpike System, including the Suncoast Parkway.
In late 2003, Fitch Ratings upgraded Florida Turnpike’s Bonds from A+ to AA–. The agency reasoned that creation of the Turnpike Enterprise would result in a more efficient organization and improved project delivery, while maintaining good financial management practices. The Turnpike bonds sold in fiscal year 2004, as well as the existing Turnpike bonds that are outstanding, are now “double-A” rated by Fitch, Moody’s Investors Service, and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. The 2002 Turnpike Customer Satisfaction Figure 26: Turnpike Annual Reports Survey was sent to 450,000 and newsletter Turnpike customers and 37,000 responses were received.
A snapshot of the responses indicated that 92 percent would recommend Florida’s Turnpike System to family and friends, 88 percent are satisfied with the value provided through the SunPass system of automatic toll collection, and 86 percent rate road conditions as favorable, agreeing that Florida’s Turnpike roadways are well maintained.
SunPass, Florida’s electronic prepaid toll collection program, recently reached a milestone—the sale of the one-millionth SunPass transponder. SunPass customers now comprise approximately 50 percent of the overall traffic volume on Florida’s Turnpike. SunPass transponders are now sold in Publix supermarkets and Eckerd Drugs stores. Figure 27: SunPass promotion
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 23
Florida Statute 338.235, which grants concessions or selling along the turnpike system: “The department may enter into contracts or licenses for the sale of services or products or business opportunities on the turnpike system.” Creating partnership levels and partner marketing efforts will be a priority for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise.
The Suncoast CAG will, as tourism and development increase, take advantage of the Turnpike’s partnership opportunities to fund preservation and enhancement of the corridor (Objectives 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2). Additionally the CAG will work with the business community, state and local tourism departments, and potential public and private programs such as:
Florida Native Plant Society, Suncoast and Nature Coast Chapters Scenic Pasco, Inc. Preserve Pasco Southwest Florida Water Management District Tampa Bay Water Keep Florida Beautiful local affiliates Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails Bike Florida and local bicycle clubs.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Intrinsic Resource Assessment and Criteria 24 Intrinsic Resource Assessment and Designation Criteria
Defined ethodology
Corridor Limits
Representing a major portion of Toll Road 589, the Suncoast Parkway corridor has plenty to offer along its 42-mile alignment, which begins at the Veterans Expressway near Van Dyke Road in Hillsborough County and extends northward through Pasco County to U.S. 98 near the Hernando/Citrus County line.
The Suncoast Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) originally envisioned the scenic corridor as being comprised of the Suncoast Parkway and Trail. As the CAG continued its research into the Florida Scenic Highway Program’s eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria, it realized that the many publicly owned parks and recreation facilities contiguous to the corridor were also important intrinsic resources. Therefore, the limits of the scenic corridor were expanded to include these facilities, as shown in Exhibit 3.
The proposed Suncoast Scenic Parkway is unique because the entire corridor is comprised of public lands owned by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise.
The Suncoast Parkway, Suncoast Trail, county-owned parks, and land preservations are all clearly defined by fencing. The CAG determined that an accurate definition of the corridor limits would not be possible in terms of viewshed, but rather the identification of Exhibit 3 Limits of Scenic Cooridor Map the boundaries of these properties, as illustrated in the Limits of Scenic Corridor Map. The Suncoast corridor meets Universal Criteria #1. Resources are visible from the roadway and trail. Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 25
Corridor Impressions Survey
Several Suncoast Parkway patrons and residents of the local communities were asked to complete a Corridor Impressions Survey (CIS), which enabled public input on the Suncoast Parkway corridor from those who are not entirely familiar with the area and its resources. Several respondents provided input on their experiences and observations as bicyclists on the Trail.
The CIS results were summarized based on the CAG’s division of the 42-mile corridor into five distinct segments, each representing an area of the corridor located between two Suncoast Parkway interchanges. Beginning at the Parkway’s southern terminus, the limits of the five segments and general impressions are described and summarized below.
eneral ressions or egent
The southern portion of Segment 1 is the most urban section of the entire corridor. The average width of the corridor south of Lutz- Lake Fern Road is substantially less than that provided north of this point, which marks the southern terminus of the Suncoast Trail. Survey respondents noted the positive qualities of the Cheval community’s subdivision sound walls, which include panels with the standard Suncoast Parkway logo, the busy Suncoast Trailhead at Lutz-Lake Fern Road, and numerous sandhill cranes and waterfowl. Others noted the large pristine lake and cypress heads, oak tree hammocks, open pasturelands, and the meandering bike trail through Figure 28: Sound walls with logo the northern portions of Segment 1. panels
Several comments were made that indicated that negative impacts are occurring due to land development, including a new large apartment complex, subdivisions that are under construction, a dredge and fill operation, and lack of landscaping relative to that provided along other portions of the Suncoast Parkway. These comments appear to be based on the changing nature of the primarily rural corridor. Note that after the CIS was completed, the Turnpike Enterprise initiated a landscape contract to provide additional landscaping in the areas of the Van Dyke Road interchange and Cheval community, which includes thousands of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and ground covers.
Segment : Van Dyke Road Exit in ills orough to SR Exit in Pasco
SEGMENT 1 Exit 14 to Exit 19 – Van Dyke Rd. to SR 54
Suncoast Trail/trailhead 16 Wetlands/cypress heads/lakes/ponds 9 Open space/vacant lands/pasture 6 Golf courses 9 Sound walls with logo panels 11 Infrastructure/guardrails/black fencing 4 Residential development 5 Roadway maintenance/landscaping 2
Table 5 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 1)
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 26
Additional Comments (“P” = Positive, “N” = Negative)
P Rusty guardrail is good. Doesn’t reflect the sun. P Roadway components blend into environment. P Peaceful, calming N Housing development detracts from scenic view just north of Van Dyke Road. N Needs landscaping N High impact from development P Wading birds with their babies P The configuration of the trail and around big trees pleases me immensely.
Table 5 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 1 Continued)
eneral ressions or egent
The respondents’ impressions of Segment 2 indicate a high degree of enthusiasm about the area’s natural beauty. Comments were made on the unspoiled wooded areas, rivers, streams, wetlands, and open pasture. Though ownership and property limits are not readily distinguishable by the typical passerby, several of these natural resources are due to the Serenova, Starkey, and Anclote River Ranch preservation areas.
Comments were also made on the spotted deer, wild turkey, large wading birds, and alligators that were observed from the parkway and trail. The only negative comments received concern the Burma- Figure 29: Wildlife seen from Shave-style marketing signs for SunPass, and the tree clearing the Suncoast Trail and operation that was in progress along and immediately adjacent to Parkway the west side of the corridor north of the Pithlachascotee River, making room for a new subdivision.
Segment : SR in Pasco Exit to SR Exit in Pasco
SEGMENT 2 (Exit 19 to Exit 27 – SR 54 to SR 52)
Housing Developments 3 Suncoast Trail/trailheads 17 Wetlands/cypress heads/lakes/ponds/river crossings 14 Conservation lands/vacant lands/agricultural 15 Forests/trees 10 Wildlife (sandhill cranes, storks, alligators, turkeys, deer) 8 Infrastructure (fencing, toll plazas, signage, landscaping 9
Table Corridor Impressions Survey Segment 2)
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 27
Additional Comments (“P” = Positive, “N” = Negative)
N Cell tower N Weeds need trimming along the fence P Alligator in wetlands P Lovely SWFWMD conservation area P Example of how native Florida looked before development N Get rid of the Burma Shave signs for SunPass N SunPass advertising is inconsistent with proposed designation P So many birds in the trees P Scenery is beautiful. P Very calming ride P Trail with bikers is always enjoyable.
Table Corridor Impressions Survey Segment 2 Continued)
eneral ressions or egent
The results of the CIS indicate that there are fewer wetlands and forests between SR 52 and County Line Road, and that there are more uplands, planted pines, old citrus groves, pasture lands, and rural development within the limits of Segment 3. Also, there are many new mobile homes located adjacent to the Parkway north of SR 52.
Figure 30: Wildlife viewing area along Other features observed Suncoast Trail north of SR 52 in Segment 3 include the Spring Hill Mainline Toll Plaza, the top portion of a 300-foot-high incinerator stack to the west, and the entrance to Crews Lake Park on the east, which serves as one of the Suncoast Trail’s eight trailheads. Negative features were noted, including the condition of properties adjacent to the west side of the corridor that have junk and debris, including several wrecked or abandoned vehicles at mobile homes. Note that although the area known as Shady Hills is now predominantly rural, Pasco County has approved future Figure 31: Entrance to residential developments near the SR 52 interchange and along both Crews Lake Park sides of the corridor. It is expected that the area will look very different within a few years.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 28
Segment : SR Exit in Pasco to County Line Road/CR Exit in Pasco
SEGMENT 3 (Exit 27 to Exit 37 – SR 52 to County Line Rd./CR 578)
Forest/trees 5 Agricultural/ranchland/citrus groves 13 Mobile homes/housing 4 Infrastructure (toll plaza, guardrail, landscaping) 3 Suncoast Trail 12 Crews Lake Park 10 Ponds/lakes/wetlands 4 Wildlife viewing area/wildlife 6
Additional Comments (“P” = Positive, “N” = Negative)
N Least scenic segment N Junk P Family using Trail P Beautiful environment
Table Corridor Impressions Survey Segment 3)
eneral ressions or egent
Representing two of the corridor’s more significant recreational resources, the Anderson Snow Regional Park and Suncoast Trailhead at SR 50 are located generally at the southern and northern limits of Segment 4, respectively. Located approximately midway between these resources is the Powell Middle School entrance, just south of Powell Road. These resources are all located along the west side of the corridor and are visible from the parkway.
Suburban housing, a corporate business park, and Hernando Figure 32: Suncoast Trail connection to County’s wastewater treatment plant are all located along the east Anderson Snow Park side of the corridor. Though not accessible from the corridor, signs of Hernando County’s Airport/Industrial Park are visible to the east in the vicinity of Spring Hill Drive.
Respondents noted the lovely views through wooded areas, uplands, and rolling hills, especially north of Powell Road. The Suncoast Trail runs adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Silverthorn Country Club, where Florida’s Turnpike created an earthen berm with planted pine landscape buffer between the Trail and this golf course community.
The Suncoast Trail crosses SR 50 via an 800-foot-long bicycle and pedestrian overpass, which features a single-span bridge with ADA-compliant ramps. The distinctive landmark structure has been featured in local newspapers and brochures. There were no negative features noted in the CIS forms for Segment 4.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 29
Segment : County Line Road/CR Exit in ernando to SR Exit in ernando
SEGMENT 4 (Exit 37 to Exit 46 – County Line Road/CR 578 to SR 50)
Golf course and Silverthorn subdivision 7 Open spaces/natural lands/pasture 10 Forests/trees/natural vegetation 8 Anderson Snow Park 12 Suncoast Trail/trailhead 16 Water treatment plant 7 Wildlife (deer, birds, fox squirrel) 2 Infrastructure (landscaping/bridges/pedestrian overpass) 9 Hernando County Airport 3 Corporate business park 2 Terrain - rolling hills 2 Mobile home/housing 2 School 1
Additional Comments (“P” = Positive, “N” = Negative)
P Trailhead with beautiful pedestrian bridge P Rolling hills
Table 8 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 4)
eneral ressions or egent
The least developed portion of the Suncoast Parkway corridor is located along the 12-mile stretch between SR 50 and U.S. 98, where large forested areas and open pasture lands are combined with some of the corridor’s more rolling hills and distant vistas. Hundreds of acres along both sides of the corridor are owned by mining companies, and Hernando County’s landfill and recycling center are located adjacent to the corridor’s east side. Neither these facilities nor the mining operations are visible from the Suncoast Parkway.
Positive comments were made relative to the two wildlife crossings north of Centralia Road, the Oak Hammock Mainline Toll Plaza, forests, open range, and the bifurcated sections of parkway. Natural vegetation in the median and along the trail enhances the corridor’s visual appeal. Besides being scenic, this section of the Suncoast Trail is a challenging, strenuous test for bicyclists, rollerbladers, and Figure 33: Native vegetation enhances runners. Bicyclists from Tampa look forward to this stretch of the the corridor’s appeal Suncoast Trail. The trail and its northernmost trailhead at U.S. 98 are both major recreational resources within this segment of the corridor. The negative features of Segment 5, which were noted by most respondents, include the automotive junkyard located east of the corridor at Peach Orchard Road and the mobile homes and rural housing that abut some sections of the trail along the west side of the corridor.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 30
There is evidence that respondents had some difficulty in completing the quality evaluation of the entire corridor as indicated in Table 10. Five or more surveys were returned with this section omitted in part or entirely.
Figure 34: Natural vegetation in median Segment : SR Exit to US Exit in ernando
SEGMENT 5 (Exit 46 to Exit 55 – SR 50 to US 98)
Open space/agricultural/pasture 8 Suncoast Trail/trailhead 11 Terrain – rolling hills/vistas 16 Forest/trees/native vegetation 8 Ponds/lakes 2 Infrastructure (power lines, fencing) 1 Wildlife crossings and wildlife 3 Open mining lands – no mining activity 4
Additional Comments (“P” = Positive, “N” = Negative)
N Junkyard needs tree cover. P Least-developed segment P A bicyclist’s challenge P Great elevation change P Beautiful landscape, hills
Table 9 Corridor Impressions Survey (Segment 5) The 42-mile Suncoast Parkway corridor offers travelers the opportunity to use a state-of-the-art, aesthetically- designed toll facility and multi-use trail, while experiencing varied terrain, views of pasture lands, open spaces, largely undisturbed natural areas, wetlands, ponds and wildlife. The corridor is not static—it is ever- changing; and the CAG is aware that development and increased population now result in corridor impressions that are mostly positive and partially negative.
The Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail allow access to a variety of recreational resources, scenic experiences and natural areas. The CAG seeks to ensure that these transportation facilities will continue to serve as an important and scenic link between the region’s natural, recreational and educational assets.
Corridor Impressions Survey Quality Evaluation Summary
Vividness Unity High 18 18 Medium 2 3 Low 0 0
Table 10 uality Evaluation Summary Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 31
Field Inventory
The five segments and corresponding limits established for the Corridor Impressions Survey (CIS) were also utilized by the CAG in tabulating the specific elements of each of the corridor’s intrinsic resources. Noting that any cultural, archeological, or historic resources that may exist were not identified, the field inventories for the corridor’s natural, recreational, and scenic resources are summarized below. Figure 35: The beauty of natural resources is atural esources seen from a trail in Crews Lake Park
eg ent There are no natural resources identified between Van Dyke Road and SR 54.
eg ent This segment includes the Serenova, Starkey, and Anclote River Ranch preservation properties, which total approximately 20,000 acres. Together with the Bexley Trust properties, which total approximately 14,000 acres, these lands are in a natural, undeveloped state and are visible to varying extents from along the east and west sides of the corridor. While these extensive natural resource areas (SWFWMD properties) are not identified or delineated by signage for the traveler, they nevertheless form a lasting impression of natural Florida in this region. Pasco County has designated two trail rest stops as wildlife viewing areas north and south of SR 52. The CAG plans Figure 36: Sunset over Serenova preservation property to include in the CMP the placement of signs that will not obstruct the view of the scenery, yet will provide directions and help travelers understand the area.
eg ent A number of natural resources exist within Pasco County’s Crews Lake Park, including interpretive nature trails, natural scrub oak and pine hammocks, and wetlands habitat. Although only its entrance is visible from the Parkway, the Park is readily accessible to trail users and its entire limits are included as part of the Suncoast Parkway scenic corridor.
eg ent There are no natural resources identified between County Line Road and SR 50. Figure 37: Crews Lake Park wetlands habitat eg ent There are no natural resources identified between SR 50 and U.S. 98.
ecreational esources
The 42-mile Suncoast Trail, which is generally visible from along the entire length of the parkway, is considered to be the corridor’s most significant recreational resource. The trail connects a number of local parks and recreation facilities that are all located within the limits of the scenic corridor. Rest and interpretive areas and other trail amenities are continually being established or improved by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 32
eg ent The Suncoast Trail begins at Trailhead 1 at Lutz Lake Fern Road and extends northward to SR 54. Water coolers and trail maps are provided along this segment by Hillsborough County. A rest/interpretive area is planned at the Anclote South Branch. eg ent Suncoast Trailhead 2 is located at SR 54 in Pasco County. A future rest area is planned at the connection to the J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, which will serve as Trailhead 3 upon completion of the link FIgure 38: CAG members Steve Diez by Pasco County. The Wilderness Park and Tina Russo at Lutz Lake Fern offers camping, bicycling, hiking, Road Trailhead birding, and equestrian trails, and a recently discovered historic homestead site. Trailhead 4, which is not visible from the parkway, is located approximately one-half mile west at the entrance to Pasco’s Safety Town Youth Figure 39: Trailhead Center. An additional trailhead is at SR 54 planned on SWFWMD property as part of the future Ridge Road Extension.
eg ent The Suncoast Lakes development, located at the southwest quadrant of SR 52 and the Suncoast Parkway, is Figure 40: Kiosk at Crews required, as a condition of development, to dedicate a 5.6-acre Lake Park site for a future trailhead. Suncoast Trailhead 5 is located at Pasco County’s Crews Lake Park, which includes hiking trails, softball fields, primitive campsites, picnic pavilions, and accommodations for birding, fishing, and boating.
eg ent Suncoast Trailheads 6 and 7 are located in Hernando County at Anderson Snow Regional Park and SR 50, respectively. The Anderson Snow Park includes six soccer fields, two T-ball, one softball, and three baseball fields, picnic, and restroom facilities. Hernando County is in the process of improving the SR 50 Trailhead to include a Figure 41: Suncoast Trail at SR 50 building for restrooms bicycle/pedestrian bridge and a pavillion.
eg ent Trailhead 8 is located at U.S. 98 and marks the trail’s northern terminus. Improvements are planned as trail usage increases. The trailhead is not visible from the Suncoast Parkway.
Figure 42: U.S. 98 Trailhead
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 33
cenic esources
The Suncoast Parkway corridor blends with its natural surroundings to the greatest extent possible due to its development being based on aesthetic design guidelines. The guidelines were developed early in the process and were applied corridor-wide to help maintain the character of the natural landscape. The visual clutter commonly associated with highways was minimized while highlighting the positive and unique elements of the built environment. The corridor’s scenic resources are continuous throughout all five segments. Figure 43: The Suncoast Parkway is a 42-mile scenic resource Through a combination of natural and man-made features the 42- mile Suncoast Parkway and 42-mile Suncoast Trail offer an uninterrupted, unified corridor for travelers—a major gateway for Pasco and Hernando counties.
Retention areas along the highway are unfenced and irregular in shape.
The 400-foot average road right-of-way allows for many areas of “no-clear” or limited clearing of native vegetation. The vegetation offers a buffer to block views that may interfere with the highway’s scenic qualities, while allowing views of adjacent natural lands, and wildlife viewing areas.
Black vinyl-coated fencing blends into the surrounding landscape and allows an uninterrupted view of the countryside.
The location of the Suncoast Trail along the west side of the Parkway offers those traveling in vehicles an opportunity to glimpse cyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, and walkers enjoying their surroundings.
Wildlife viewing areas can be seen from the Parkway and the Trail.
Upon completion of Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail construction, Florida’s Turnpike planted thousands of native plants to supplement existing vegetation.
The distinctive Suncoast Parkway logo is found on most bridges, sound walls, and trail facilities.
The Suncoast corridor meets Universal Criteria #4. The corridor exhibits significant, exceptional, and distinctive features of the region it traverses.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 34
Universal Criteria Summary
Supported by its research, review, and assessment of the various natural, recreational, and scenic resources within the Suncoast Parkway corridor, the Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) believes the corridor meets or exceeds the requirements of the Florida Scenic Highway Program (FSHP). The CAG produced a video to show these resources. The CAG is delighted to present the Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” for consideration based on the following ten Universal Criteria.
ni ersal Criteria – esource s ust be isible ro road ay
The qualities, features, and benefits of the Suncoast Parkway (as the primary Scenic Resource) and the Suncoast Trail (as the primary Recreational Resource) are all visible and evident to roadway travelers and trail users, as are most of the corridor’s connections to other natural, recreational, and scenic resources. The SR 52 trailhead, although accessible and contiguous to the corridor, is the only recreational resource not visible from the roadway or trail.
ni ersal Criteria – he corridor ust tell a story that relates to its intrinsic resource s
The Suncoast Parkway’s Story, contained in this document, Figure 44: The Suncoast Trail is shows the Corridor in relation to visible from the parkway its intrinsic resources. It is a story of Central Florida’s steady Figure 45: Wildlife viewing area is visible from growth, juxtaposed with appreciation of its natural environment, the trail and parkway recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty. A trip along the Suncoast Parkway reveals a story that parallels the saga of West- Central Florida and the Tampa Bay locale. Connecting highly developed urban areas with newly emerging and rural quarters, the parkway engenders an appreciation of the natural environment with embracing the region’s potential for growth. Thus the Suncoast Corridor Story is one community connections, linking:
Coastal counties with their communities The economy of “old Florida”—citrus, cattle, agriculture—with the “new tourism” economy of Florida’s future Recreational resources along the corridor with those in the surrounding area Residents/commuters/seasonal visitors/tourists with their destinations Students with educational facilities, including K-12 , colleges and universities A major, limited-access transportation corridor with the natural environment Linking the movement of goods and services from the transportation hubs to the population centers The needs of a fast-paced society with the need for solace, a slower pace, and time with family and friends State-of-the-art technology with aesthetic design guidelines to bridge its scenic resources Corridor preservation with transportation progress; the newly-constructed roadway with the communities’ vision and participation plans for the region’s future Future economic and recreational development
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 35
ni ersal Criteria – he road ay ust be a ublic road that sa ely acco odates t o heel dri e auto obiles
The Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 is a paved, state-of-the-art, four-lane, limited-access, public roadway that is an integral component of Florida’s Intrastate Highway System. The parkway opened to traffic in 2001 as part of a 57-mile transportation corridor through West Central Florida. The parkway provides for emergency response vehicles at designated median crossover locations and gated Figure 46: Vertical clearances at toll plazas/ entrances to the Suncoast Trail. Standard clearances and hazard bridges accommodate recreational and protection measures are provided at all bridge overpasses, and vertical emergency vehicles clearances at the toll plaza accommodate recreational and emergency systems (EMS) vehicles.
ni ersal Criteria – he corridor ust e hibit signi icant e ce tional and distincti e eatures o the region it tra erses
Public support through established resolutions illustrate that the corridor’s resources are significant, regionally recognized, and valued by the surrounding communities. Management plans for the resources owned by Florida’s Turnpike, SWFWMD, and the counties demonstrate the long-term importance of the corridor’s resources to the region. Photos provided throughout the Eligibility Application help to document the intrinsic resources and visual experiences that enhance the travelers’ journeys through the corridor.
Providing new travel alternatives for West Central Florida, the Figure 47: The corridor’s resources are Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail are exceptional resources, significant, exceptional, and distinct and in terms of quality and composition within the landscape, they provide opportunities to enjoy the region through which the corridor traverses. The intrinsic resources are distinctive, as they reveal characteristics of this particular area of the state.
The Suncoast Trail in 2002 was one of 26 trails across the nation to be added to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s National Recreation Trails System.
In mid-2002 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails officially designated the Suncoast Trail as part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails System.
In 2000 the White House Millennium Council designated the Suncoast Trail as a Millennium Trail.
The 8,000-acre J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park is one of several major regional parks in Pasco county and home to the Starkey Environmental Education Center.
Crews Lake Park is one of Pasco County’s most beautiful lakeside park facilities.
Anderson Snow Regional Park in Hernando County offers opportunities for organized recreational activities such as soccer, baseball, T-ball and softball.
Serenova, Starkey and Anclote River Ranch properties, which total approximately 20,000 acres, are
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 36
managed by Southwest Florida Water Management District. These natural resource areas, resulting from an unprecedented environmental partnering process, lie just north of the rapidly-developing Tampa Bay area.
ni ersal Criteria – he road ay ust be at least one ile in length and i a ro riate ro ide access to the resource s
A majority of the intrinsic resources listed within the limits of the 42-mile scenic corridor are readily accessible from either the Suncoast Parkway or Suncoast Trail. The corridor improvements listed as currently underway, like Pasco County’s connection between the Suncoast Trail and the J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, were completed in 2004.
The corridor limits are defined as those contiguous publicly owned Figure 48: Pond at intersection of properties that contain the listed intrinsic resources, bound by a SR 52 and Suncoast Parkway southern limit of the intersection of the Suncoast Parkway and Veterans Expressway at Van Dyke Road (Milepost 14) and a northern limit of the intersection of the Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail at U.S. 98.
Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 connects with the Veterans Expressway in northwest Hillsborough County. Interchanges are located at Van Dyke Road (Exit 14), State Road 54 (Exit 19), State Road 52 (Exit 27), Pasco-Hernando County Line Road (Exit 37), Spring Hill Drive (Exit 41), State Road 50 (Exit 46) and US 98 near the Hernando-Citrus County Line. Future interchanges are planned at Lutz Lake Fern Road in Hillsborough County and Ridge Road in Pasco County. The Suncoast Trail Guide found in Appendix A lists points of interest, including recreational resources, and numerous access points located along the Trail.
ni ersal Criteria – a ority o the corridor ust e hibit the uali ying resource s hese resources should be as continuous as ossible or the resent and the uture
A majority of the corridor’s natural, recreational, and scenic resources are evident through the qualities, features, and benefits offered by the Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail. Together, the parkway and trail represent the spine of the corridor, which includes a number of contiguous properties that add to these resources. The corridor’s scenic beauty is most readily appreciated by the parkway motorist and trail user traveling this spine, and recognizing that a number of opportunities exist along the way to explore the region’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and Figure 49: A sample of the corridor’s visual experiences. natural and recreational opportunities and scenic beauty The Suncoast corridor falls under the FSHP scenic classification. The Suncoast Trail Guide, found in Appendix A, and the Limits of Scenic Corridor Map, shown as Exhibit 1, detail the location and type of features found along the corridor. The narrative in the section of this application titled “Resource-Specific Criteria,” describes the progression of features within each county that travelers would encounter as they drive the corridor. The Corridor Video illustrates the outstanding resources that the corridor has to offer its travelers.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 37
ni ersal Criteria – Corridor d ocacy rou C ust be organi ed to su ort the scenic high ay designation
The Corridor Advocacy Group was formed in September 2002, and has since remained focused on the task of documenting and preparing the information required for the FSHP’s Letter of Intent and the Eligibility Application. Members of the CAG sometimes work independently and in small groups and together meet quarterly in support of the Scenic Highway designation. A list of CAG officers Figure 50: CAG quarterly and members is provided. meeting
ni ersal Criteria – Co unity Partici ation Progra ust be de elo ed and i le ented
The CAG members are representatives of the communities’ private, government, and special interests. Community participation is documented in the CAG’s Community Participation Plan (CPP), in the various letters and resolutions of support, and the media coverage of local events.
Figure 51: Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club CAG members
ni ersal Criteria – trong local su ort ust be de onstrated
Since embarking on the FSHP application process, the CAG has received strong local support. The letters and resolutions of support, representing virtually all interests within the limits of the corridor, are provided in Appendix E.
ni ersal Criteria – Corridor anage ent Plan ust be de elo ed ith the endorse ent o local go ern ent s
Upon receiving FSHP approval of the Eligibility Application, the CAG will begin work on the Corridor Management Plan (CMP), which includes the creation of a Corridor Management Entity (CME). These steps will be documented during the Designation Phase of the FSHP process.
Figure 52: Community support is evident
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 38
Resource-Specific Criteria
The CAG is seeking Florida Scenic Highway Program (FSHP) designation for the Suncoast Parkway based on intrinsic resources being consistently apparent and of significant quality throughout a majority of the corridor limits. While all ten of the Universal Criteria are met, it is the natural, recreational and scenic resources that best exhibit the corridor’s current benefits and future potential.
During its Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study of the Suncoast Parkway, the Turnpike Enterprise developed and evaluated various alternative alignments and conceptual designs and identified the project’s social and environmental effects. The PD&E process included the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in August 1994, and documented the existence of FSHP resource-specific criteria.
The CAG has referred to the findings of the Turnpike’s PD&E Study and EIS prepared for the Suncoast Parkway corridor and local resources and publications in its research and assessment of the six specific resource types, which are discussed in detail below.
Cultural istoric and Archeological Resources
The Suncoast Parkway corridor does not include any National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or archeological properties. Also, as determined by the PD&E Cultural Resources Assessment conducted in 1990 and current dialogue with the Counties’ Tourist Development Councils, there are no cultural resources present in or along the Suncoast corridor. However, this may change as the corridor gains significance as a tourist destination and community landmark following FSHP designation.
The Historic Resource Survey of Central Pasco County, which was completed in August 2003, does not identify any historic structures within the limits of the corridor in Pasco County. SWFWMD’s Management Plan for the Starkey, Serenova, and Anclote properties references 21 prehistoric sites that have been recorded in the Florida Master Site File. Although the sites are classified as lithic scatters and artifact scatter, any future recreational uses of this property will be diverted away from these sites.
Natural Resources
Aside from the 156-mile extension of Florida’s Turnpike in January 1964, the Suncoast Parkway represents the Turnpike’s largest expansion project ever. Within a two-year period, Florida’s Turnpike acquired more than 13,000 acres along the proposed Suncoast Parkway corridor. The largest single acquisition was the Serenova property, an $18.5 million, 6,800-acre parcel located along the west side of the Suncoast Trail in Central Pasco County.
The Serenova property was purchased as part of the Turnpike’s environmental strategy to offset project impacts to uplands and wetlands. Included was the purchase of the 3,600-acre Anclote River Ranch located south of the 8,000-acre J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. The Serenova and Anclote parcels represent a contribution of over 10,000 acres of natural landscape to public ownership. Combined with the 8,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Park, a contiguous 28 square mile ecosystem and buffer is provided along a large portion of the Suncoast Parkway corridor in Pasco County, in the perimeter of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area.
The public may access Starkey Wilderness Park via the new trail connection with the Suncoast Trail at Trail Mile 6.7. and SWFWMD may permit public access at additional locations in the future. The CAG will support a future Ridge Road Trail connection should a Ridge Road Trail be constructed alongside the proposed Ridge Road Extension. Motorists traveling the Suncoast Parkway have a wonderful viewpoint from the planned Ridge Road Interchange and the southbound travel lanes between SR 52 and SR 54.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 39
Scenic turn-outs were not planned for the Suncoast Parkway, Toll Road 589; however, along the Suncoast Trail there are existing Wildlife Viewing Areas and rest areas along the length of the Trail. The CAG will seek additional viewing areas through future public-private partnerships with adjacent property owners.
Prepared in 1996 for Florida’s Turnpike, the Mitigation Plan describes in detail the native habitat within the Anclote River Ranch and Serenova properties. Both properties were conveyed to SWFWMD for long-term habitat management. The parcels happened to be situated along the southern section of the proposed parkway where wetlands are crossed by the Pithlachascotee and Anclote Rivers, which lie about three miles apart and flow east-west Figure 53: Common Suncoast Parkway through a series of floodplains and dense swamps. and Trail crossing in Pasco County The environmental partnering process that began in the planning phase of the Suncoast Parkway facilitated the preservation of these lands, which had previously been approved for development and are now part of a 20,000-acre public lands area. Since then, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties have each approved and funded Environmental Lands Programs.
In the Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report, the Conservation and Coastal Element Maps show conceptual conservation linkages connecting the Suncoast mitigation properties to other public lands.
Recreational Resources
The 42-mile Suncoast Trail is wholly located within the Suncoast Parkway right-of-way. The trail begins at Lutz Lake Fern Road in Hillsborough County and extends northward through Pasco County and almost entirely through Hernando County, terminating at the U.S. 98 Trailhead near the Hernando/Citrus County line. The Suncoast Trail provides for the following current and proposed links to the recreational, natural, and scenic resources located in each of Figure 54: Protection of water the three counties: resources and wetland systems Hillsborough County
Suncoast Trailhead at Lut Lake Fern Road: The trailhead at Lutz Lake Fern Road is the most heavily used trailhead along the Suncoast Parkway. Approximately 1700 users per week access the Suncoast Trail at Lutz Lake Fern Road. Hillsborough County is planning this trailhead as a future connection between the Suncoast Trail, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, and Pinellas Trail network.
Pasco County
SR Trailhead: provides residents in the fast-growing areas of Figure 55: Rollerbladers access the northern Hillsborough and central and west Pasco Counties with Suncoast Trail from the Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead convenient access to the corridor’s recreational resources.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 40
Future connection to Starkey Wilderness Park: Pasco County is currently constructing the 2.5-mile, 12- foot-wide trail to connect the J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park to a point on the Suncoast Trail located four miles north of SR 54. Scheduled to be completed by late summer 2004, the connection will be made via an existing seven-mile long trail within the 8,000-acre regional wilderness park and environmental education center in west Pasco County. In addition, a paved bike trail will be built along Starkey Boulevard, which will link the park to SR 54.
Serenova and Anclote River Ranch Starkey Preserve : These parcels of land were purchased by the Florida Department of Transportation and later conveyed to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) as mitigation for impacts during construction of the Suncoast Parkway. The Serenova and Anclote parcels are natural resources adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway that total approximately 10,000 acres. Together with the J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, there are approximately 18,300 acres of contiguous natural lands that are held in public ownership. In accordance with the Serenova land- use management policies, these properties may include future passive recreational opportunities.
SR 2 Trailhead onnection to oncourse ature enter Safety Town: Pasco County constructed a half-mile long trail along SR 52 to link a temporary trailhead at the entrance to the Concourse Nature Center/Safety Town to the Suncoast Trail. Representing one of eight trailheads serving the Suncoast Trail, Figure 56: Pets are welcome on the this facility will be upgraded and expanded by the County Suncoast Trail subsequent to the completion of FDOT District Seven’s SR 52 widening project. A private developer is planning an additional trailhead South of SR 52.
rews Lake Park: Pasco County’s Crews Lake Park is a regional facility that serves as a regional nature and recreation park, and represents another one of the Suncoast Trail’s eight major trailheads. Access to the park is gained from a short connection along Shady Hills Road and Crews Lake Drive. Crews Lake Park was completed and open for public use in 1990. The park covers approximately 111 acres, some of which includes a portion of the beautiful Crews Lake and the majestic 100-year-old Live Oaks along its shoreline. Amenities include four large picnic shelters, two large picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, a 300-foot fishing pier, a 60-foot-high observation tower, a large open playfield with multipurpose and grass volleyball courts, a boat ramp for nonmotorized boats, a - mile-long paved trail, three miles of hiking trails, lovely interpretive areas, and a primitive campground. Park staff is on-site at all times. Figure 57: Safety Town at SR 52
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 41
Hernando County
Anderson Snow Park: Anderson Snow Park is adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway and links to the Suncoast Trail just north of County Line Road/CR 578. Anderson Snow Park is a 50-acre park located adjacent to Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill. Representing one of Hernando County’s newest multifunctional sports complexes, Anderson Snow Park has become a major sports complex for baseball and soccer. Serving as home for the winners of the Dixie Youth League District Baseball Tournaments, the park has six soccer fields and two T-ball, one softball, and three baseball fields.
SR 0 Trailhead and icycle Pedestrian ridge: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails has awarded a $50,000 “starter-kit” grant in April 2003, and FDOT District 7 has provided $200,000 in enhancement funds to Hernando County for major Figure 58: Observation tower at improvements to the SR 50 Trailhead. The County is finalizing the Crews Lake Park architectural plans for a building to include restrooms and a pavillion. One possible alignment to the Good Neighbor Trail and Withlacoochee State Trail could begin at this trailhead.
Trailhead at US 9 : The Suncoast Trailhead at U.S. 98 provides access to the Suncoast Trail from northern Hernando and Citrus Counties. As shown on the Regional Multi-Use Trails Map (Appendix A), this trailhead is listed as a future conceptual corridor connection to points northward, also linking to the Withlacoochee Trail and Figure 59: Bicycling along the Suncoast Trail Cross Florida Trail. in Hernando County
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 42
Scenic Resources
The Suncoast Parkway corridor’s scenic resources offer a combination of natural qualities and man-made features that enable a pleasurable visual experience of the region’s uniqueness. During the design phase of the Suncoast Parkway, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise recognized the extent to which the project would impact the environment. To help reduce impacts on the corridor’s scenic vistas, Aesthetic Design Guidelines (ADG) were developed to maximize the extent to which the project’s design elements could be Figure 60: Visual and environmental brought into harmony compatibility with the natural surroundings.
The principle purpose of the ADG was to develop a consistent, overall design image, while creating a parkway that was unique, state-of-the-art, cost effective, memorable, safe, and compatible with the natural environment. Special features of the ADG include: Figure 61: Scenic vistas Areas of “no clearing” or “limited clearing” during construction to ensure preservation of native vegetation
Additional landscape contracts to enhance the corridor’s natural vegetation
Wildlife crossings and extended bridge spans that act as wildlife crossings accommodate wildlife and lessen environmental Figure 62: Nature, recreational, and travel impact opportunities A consistent color and theme is carried throughout the highway and trail element design in an effort to blend with the natural environment
A standard Suncoast Parkway logo denoting the beauty of a native grass species
Bronze mono-tube overhead sign structures, corten bridge beams, corten high-mast lighting, corten guardrail, corral rail barrier wall, tan MSE walls that incorporate the Suncoast Parkway logo, black light poles, solar-powered lighting, and black vinyl-coated fence are all indicative of the approach taken to all standard highway elements
The Suncoast Parkway and the Suncoast Trail have both received numerous awards and designations, which reflect careful planning and design of the Suncoast corridor.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Vision and Goals, Objectives and Strategies 43 Corridor Vision
Vision Statement
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) reviewed, amended, and approved the following Vision Statement at its quarterly meeting on September 26, 2003.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway“ to the Nature Coast” Vision Statement of the Corridor Advocacy Group
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) recognizes the Suncoast Corridor as a significant inter- and intra-regional asset that provides a safe and convenient multi-modal travel alternative with a number of intrinsic qualities that are well worth preserving. In 20 years and beyond, the CAG envisions a Suncoast Scenic Corridor that continues to be environmentally sound, rich in scenic and recreational resources, and widely recognized as one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive, economically sound, and locally supported transportation facilities.
Linking established and emerging areas of development in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties, the four-lane, limited-access Suncoast Parkway has maintained its distinctive aesthetic design, which was developed to ensure a memorable and consistent overall scenic image. Design of the Suncoast Corridor, which includes the Suncoast Parkway and Suncoast Trail, is based on guidelines that help to ensure its harmony with the surrounding environment and a visually pleasing experience for the traveler, recreationist, and nature seeker.
The 42-mile Suncoast Corridor provides a safe, convenient, and enjoyable opportunity for travel and outdoor fitness for West Central Florida, while helping to meet Florida’s transportation needs as a fully leveraged and financially sound transportation asset. The Suncoast Parkway provides outstanding service to the customers of Florida’s Turnpike System. Maintaining an important presence to help ensure a high level of safety and security, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is the official and preferred law enforcement agency for the Parkway and County Sheriff’s Offices provide security along the Trail.
Designated as a National Recreation Trail, Millennium Trail, and an important component of Florida’s System of Greenways and Trails, the Suncoast Trail enables non-motorized travel through a linear greenway of preserved native vegetation and topography while providing connections to an ever-increasing number of multi-use trails, recreation and nature parks, and other destinations. The Trail, which is located within the west side of the Suncoast Corridor, improves and enhances the quality of life for visitors and residents of West Central Florida.
In cooperation and partnership with community organizations, educators, resource agencies, developers, local governmental entities, and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, the CAG strives to maintain, preserve and protect the Suncoast Corridor. The CAG seeks to ensure that a Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” will continue to serve as an important and scenic link between the region’s natural, recreational, nature, and educational assets, which further enhances travelers’ experiences, increases eco- tourism opportunities, and helps to build a stronger economy.
Exhibit 4 – Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) Vision Statement Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 44 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Advocacy Group approved and adopted the following goals, objectives and strategies on June 17, 2005.
Goal 1: Preserve, maintain, and enhance the intrinsic resources of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s corridor while providing for efficient transportation through the corridor.
Objective 1.1 Support and encourage the corridor management plan.
Strategy 1.1.1 Coordinate with and support Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s ownership and responsibility for planning, maintenance and operation of Toll Road 589/Suncoast Parkway and all activities within the Parkway’s limited-access, right-of-way.
Strategy 1.1.2 Coordinate with and support Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties’ management, operation and maintenance of the Suncoast Trail, through Memorandums of Understanding with Florida’s Turnpike.
Strategy 1.1.3 Coordinate with and support Southwest Florida Water Management District’s jurisdiction and management plans for the Serenova and Anclote River Ranch properties, which are listed as recreational and natural resources for the corridor while providing for efficient transportation through the corridor.
Strategy 1.1.4 Identify and seek opportunities for grants and/or partnerships to enhance the recreational, scenic and natural resources within the corridor, in accordance with each partner’s stablished guidelines.
Objective 1.2 Enhance the communities’ sense of place and cohesion with the Scenic Corridor.
Strategy 1.2.1 Maintain the corridor’s native plants.
Objective 1.3 Support and expand the existing recreational resources.
Strategy 1.3.1 Promote and support a regional trails network through the West Central Florida Chairs Coordinating Committee Regional Multi-use Trails Program; as well as through the LRTP Bicycle Element of the MPOs and/or their Bicycle Master Plan.
Strategy 1.3.2 Support the policies and procedures of governmental entities, Florida’s Turnpike andSuncoast Trail Advisory Group, SWFWMD to provide access to recreational resources.
Strategy1.3.3 Work with adjacent developments to enhance connectivity to neighborhood multi- use trails, in accordance with established trail guidelines. Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 45
Strategy 1.3.4 Identify additional funding sources through public/private, partnerships for trail enhancements.
Goal 2: Maintain Suncoast corridor as a preferred destination for travelers and trail users, with safety as the primary concern.
Objective 2.1 Support Florida’s Turnpike efforts to provide transportation value in the form of safety, service and convenience for Suncoast Parkway customers.
Strategy 2.1.1 Promote safety for motorists in cooperation with Florida Highway Patrol, and local Sheriff’s offices.
Strategy 2.1.2 Promote trail safety in cooperation with Florida Highway Patrol, Local Sheriff’s offices, and Suncoast Trail Advisory Group.
Objective 2.2 Promote enhancement of intermodal transportation throughout the corridor.
Strategy 2.2.1 Continue to coordinate and communicate with the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group, the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committees of the respective counties, and FDOT Bicycle/ Pedestrian efforts.
Strategy 2.2.2 Continue to coordinate and communicate with the MPOs of the respective counties, the West Central CCC, and the Office of Greenways and Trails.
Goal 3: Encourage community support and participation.
Objective 3.1 Promote and expand community support.
Strategy 3.1.1 Support the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group’s Community Involvement Plan.
Strategy 3.1.2 Work with county and state agencies and local governments to coordinate and maximize efforts.
Strategy 3.1.3 Build community relationships by soliciting advice and input from stakeholders— local businesses, property owners, developers, and others.
Objective 3.2 Facilitate ongoing public involvement.
Strategy 3.2.1 Florida’s Turnpike conducts annual customer service surveys.
Strategy 3.2.2 The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group will initiate a Suncoast Trail user survey.
Goal 4: Promote and increase public knowledge of the corridor through education and corridor story.
Objective 4.1 Provide for marketing and promotion of the corridor’s unique attributes and opportunities.
Strategy 4.1.1 Florida’s Turnpike will continue to advertise the Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 as part of Florida’s Turnpike.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 46
Strategy 4.1.2 Work with counties’ tourism offices and Chamber of Commerce to develop corridor brochure and/or visitor guide.
Strategy 4.1.3 Utilize existing CME resources to provide corridor information.
Strategy 4.1.4 Maintain the Trail’s scenic viewing areas.
Objective 4.2 Educate residents and stakeholders.
Strategy 4.2.1 Promote Trail Programs, including Adopt-A-Trail, Trail Steward Program, and Trail-Mile Marker Sponsorship Program.
Strategy 4.2.2 Participate in communities’ event-planning activities.
Strategy 4.2.3 Work with FDOT, local and state agencies and groups.
Goal 5: Economic development and tourism.
Objective 5.1 Conserve intrinsic resources of the corridor while providing for economic development and tourism.
Strategy 5.1.1 Encourage developers, businesses and property owners to promote the scenic corridor.
Objective 5.2 Promote eco-tourism opportunities and economic development along the corridor.
Strategy 5.2.1 Provide and promote recreational trail events that enhance local tourism.
Strategy 5.2.2 Work with local and state tourism offices and Florida’s Turnpike to highlight the Suncoast Parkway as a scenic and convenient access for tourist attractions in the region.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 47 Corridor Story
Corridor is Linked by the Past
A trip along the Suncoast Parkway reveals a story that parallels the saga of West-Central Florida and the Tampa Bay locale. Connecting highly developed, urban areas with newly emerging and rural quarters, the Parkway engenders an appreciation of the natural environment while embracing the region’s potential for growth and economic development. Thus, the Suncoast Corridor Story is one of progress linked with preservation.
The Suncoast Parkway now links Pasco and Hernando counties with the Tampa Bay area to the south and Citrus County to the north. In the nineteenth century the territory now known as Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus was linked as a single county, named Hernando. The Florida 1884 post route map shown below depicts Hernando County extending southward to the Hillsborough County Line and northward to the Withlacoochee River, near present day Inglis, a town that is part of Levy County. It was not until 1887 that the legislature carved portions of the County of Hernando into Pasco and Citrus counties. Hernando County
Records indicate that settlements appeared in the 1840s. Bayport, a coastal settlement was a port for exporting lumber, produce and cotton. Although it had a brief period as the county seat, it was never incorporated and several years later the county seat moved to Brooksville. However, Bayport was the center for fishing, including red fish, sea trout, snapper, bass and sheephead.
Brooksville, now the county Seat, was settled by four families in 1845. At the time this settlement was named Melendez; however, by 1856 it was renamed Brooksville, in honor of Representative Preston Brooks. Many of the buildings from that period can be seen today as part of Brooksville’s living history. The May-Stringer Heritage Museum is an authentic 1856 home now listed on the national Register of Historic Places. The Russell Street Train Depot dates from 1885. The rolling hills and higher elevation made Brooksville a prominent area for hunting and fishing.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 48
In the early twentieth century, lumber and citrus were prominent in the area and the phosphate industry and limestone mining were beginning. By 1990, the County’s population had swelled to 11,205. Then, as now, most of the population was grounded by U.S. 19 on the west, the area where the Suncoast Parkway now traverses on the east, State Road 50 on the north and County Line Road on the south. The depression in the 1930s and World War II prevented further economic development.
In addition to Brooksville, Hernando County’s only other municipality is Weeki Wachee. With a population of less than 10, its only reason for incorporation in the 20th century was to appear on Florida maps to promote the Weeki Wachee “City of Mermaids.”
Today, Hernando is one of nine “Nature Coast” counties, yet it is also part of the high-growth Tampa Bay metropolitan area. While large tracts of public land have been – and will continue to be – preserved and utilized for public recreation, many areas of Hernando are experiencing rapid population growth. History of Pasco County (As Provided by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce)
Pasco County was created by the Florida legislature on May 12, 1887. Previously, it had been the southern end of Hernando County, commonly called the “clabber end” by early settlers. The new county was named in honor o f U.S. Senator Samuel Pasco. A referendum held in 1889 named Dade City as the county seat.
The Pasco County area was inhabited from prehistoric times and contains a large number of archaeological sites showing human occupation as early as 9000 B.C. When Spanish explorers passed through the area in the sixteenth century, it was inhabited by Indians of the Juskegan language group.
In the early 1700s, southern Creek Indians (called Seminoles) moved into the area. They were later joined by groups of escaped Negro slaves and remained until the first half of the nineteenth century when they were forcibly removed to Oklahoma or driven south to the Everglades. Among the Seminole Chiefs whose territories included parts of what is now Pasco County were Aripeka, Chipco, and Tiger Tail.
Following the massacre in 1835 of Major Francis Dade and his men by a Seminole war party under the command of Chief Alligator, a fort was built near present-day Lacoochee in Northeastern Pasco County and named in honor of Major Dade. The signing of the Treaty of Fort Dade in 183 ended the most active phase of the war, and the fort was abandoned in 1839. With the cessation of hostilities and the passage of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, a number of families settled in the area. In 1845, the fort Dade post office was established at “White house” plantation in what I snow Northeaster Dade City. About the same timethe Tucker family planted the first orange grove in the area at their plantation near Richland (ten called Tuckertown). In 1849 the U.S. Army rebuilt Fort Dade near the present site of Community General Hospital in Dade City. The fort was used as a refuge for settlers during the Third Seminole War after an Indian war party attacked the Bradley farm near what is now Darby community in central Pasco County. Two children were killed in the “Bradley Massacre,” the last Indian attack on a settler’s homestead east of the Mississippi.
Before the coming of the railroads in 1887, the principle communities in Southern Hernando County (present day Pasco County) were Dade City, Fort Dade, Chipco, Lake Buddy, San Antonio, Tuckertown and Hudson. The establishment of rail lines through the area made the production and shipment of oranges, tobacco, lumber, and naval stores highly profitable, and a substantial number of small towns developed throughout the county.
Most of the communities of the 1880’s and 1890’s disappeared when the virgin pine forests were cut down or after the “great freeze” of 1895, which severely damaged the citrus industry in the area. Tobacco became a principle crop for a period of around twenty years following the “great freeze.” The pine lumber and turpentine
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 49 industries developed more slowly and after 1923, centered around the Cummer Company in Lacoochee, a major employer in the area until 1960’s. Both pine and cypress are still being logged in Pasco County.
The principle communities are Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Port Richey, and San Antonio. Dade City was known as Fort Dade until 1881 when the Fort Dade Postmaster’s Commission was transferred to Fort Dade community a few miles west. Zephyrhills was established in 1911 as a retirement center for veterans of the Union Army. New Port Richey was founded in 1915 adjacent to the older town of Port Richey, established by Captain Aaron Richey in the 1880’s. San Antonio was developed as the center of the “Catholic Colony” by Judge Edwin Dunne in 1881. Holiday appeared as part of the extension development of the county’s west coast in the 1960’s.
In the era of the Second World War, the development of Pasco Packing Company (now Lykes-Pasco) and later of Evans Packing Company in Dade City gave the county two of the largest citrus packing plants in the world. The procedure for making orange juice concentrate was, to a large degree, developed at Pasco Packing Company.
The coastal portion of the county was largely undeveloped until the second half of the twentieth century when it became favored as a retirement area. In recent years, huge residential developments have appeared around U.S. Highway 19, causing the county’s population center to shift to the west coast.
Northern Hillsborough County and Central Pasco
In the nineteenth century most settlers in central Pasco relied on horses and the stagecoach for transportation. There was a stagecoach line that traveled from Tampa to Brooksville that served small pioneer communities that produced citrus, lumber and turpentine.
Prior to 1900 the railroads arrived and they soon replaced the stagecoach for transporting lumber, oranges and tobacco. Many of the small communities did not survive after the citrus freezes, especially the “great freeze” in 1895. The railroads that crossed the County included the Tampa Northern, the Atlantic Coast and Seaboard lines. The Tampa Northern Line connected Port Richey and New Port Richey with Tarpon Springs. Local roads were mostly dirt until some automobiles arrived in the area. It was the mid-1930’s before U.S. 41 was paved with concrete from Tampa to Land O’Lakes.
The area adjacent to the Suncoast Parkway had little or no concentration of development until the 1990s. In fact, by the mid-1950’s along the north side of State Road 54, from U.S. 41 west to Gunn Highway there was only one landowner. Mr. Bigby reportedly bought all the land in the Depression and he later began selling off slices at both ends. He sold the land in any amount that a buyer could afford to purchase.
By 1958 Dr. Octavio Blanco’s family purchased 100 acres from Mr. Bigby adjacent to the property that is now the SR 54 Interchange for Suncoast Parkway. There were very few neighbors. One neighbor, Mr. Prichard, the owner of Chiclets Gum, purchased 1000 acres at about the same time as the Blanco family. When Mr. Prichard moved here from New York in the 1960’s he built a mansion and brought with him some of the first Charolais cows imported from France. He was also responsible for getting the first telephone lines and mail service to the area.
At that time the rural area along the Suncoast Corridor had no name and only a small number of landowners, including the huge cattle ranches owned by Starkey and Bexley families. David Barnard owned 2000 acres on SR 54 closer to U.S. 41, which is now the Oakstead Subdivision. Isadore DeCubellis,
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 50 the son of pioneers in Pasco County, started a dairy farm on land that is now part of the Suncoast Parkway. Even today, in the twenty-first century, there are no incorporated areas along the Suncoast Parkway.
Between SR 54 and SR52, along the west side of the Suncoast Parkway, lies the Serenova. This property was purchased as part of the Turnpike’s environmental strategy to offset project impacts to uplands and wetlands. Included was the purchase of 3,600-acre Anclote River Ranch located south of the 8,000-acre J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. The Serenova and Anclote parcels represent a contribution of over 10,000 acres of natural landscape to public ownership. The significance of this achievement lies in the fact that the Serenova was a DRI in Pasco County. The purchase of this property addresses development pressures because this area cannot be developed in the future. Combined with the 8,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Park, a continuous 28 square mile ecosystem and buffer is provided along a large portion of the Suncoast Parkway corridor in Pasco County, in the perimeter of the high-growth areas of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan areas.
Construction of the Suncoast Scenic Highway
The 42-mile Suncoast Scenic Parkway is a newly-constructed, limited-access transportation corridor that is designed and operated to meet Florida’s present and future transportation needs. The facility’s design characteristics help to blend together motor vehicular travel with the corridor’s natural landscape, recreational opportunities, scenic and natural resources. The Suncoast Scenic Parkway enables our recognition of the area’s past accomplishments and preparation for the future.
In the very early stages of developing the Suncoast Parkway, Florida’s Turnpike embarked on an unprecedented environmental outreach program that identified potential problems and allowed stakeholders to be part of the solution. The program has had far-reaching impacts. As a result, Florida’s Turnpike purchased over 10,000 acres of pristine wilderness for mitigation of wetlands; constructed two wildlife crossings in northern Hernando County, preserved areas of natural vegetation, and provided landscaping that supplemented existing vegetation and provided visual buffering. The selection of native plant materials reinforced the natural character of the corridor.
The Suncoast truly embodies the meaning of a scenic travel corridor, constructed mainly in undeveloped, rural portions of the Tampa Bay area. The challenge was to design the Parkway in an environmentally friendly manner that allowed the Parkway to blend into the surrounding environment and natural landscape. Aesthetic Design Guidelines were developed to ensure a memorable and consistent overall image for this beautiful roadway and create a safe and pleasurable driving experience for the traveling public.
Included in the Suncoast Parkway corridor is the award-winning Suncoast Trail. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, Millennium Trail and an important component of Florida’s System of Greenways and Trails, the 42-mile Suncoast Trail enables non-motorized travel through a linear greenway of preserved native vegetation and topography while providing connections to an ever-increasing number of multi-use trails and recreational resources through West Central Florida. This 42-mile linear park is made possible through the strong partnership with Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. Although the Suncoast Trail is considered foremost as a recreation facility, its alignment and length provide a means for non-recreational trips, as neighborhoods are afforded a north-south connector through a developing urban system. This trail incorporates more than 20 access points, seven major trailheads, and 11 rest/ interpretiveareas. It provides permanent and safe egress between commercial, residential, and recreational land uses and offers its users a unique opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The Suncoast Trail abuts 10 miles of conservation area in Pasco County.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 51
The transportation potential provided by the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor exemplifies the state-of-the- art, creative solutions that are possible to meet and exceed the growing transportation demands for West Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area. By building new partnerships and providing sound transportation planning, it is possible to balance the challenges of rapid growth, land use regulation, and water management and conservation, with a transportation corridor that provides safe and convenient, environmentally sound, and scenic travel alternatives.
The key to fulfilling the vision of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor is for all stakeholders to recognize the benefits of blending needed transportation improvements and infrastructure with preservation of the area’s recreational and scenic resources and the natural environment. The Suncoast Scenic Parkway is, from both a visionary and realistic view, “the Gateway to the Nature Coast.”
Works Cited for Corridor Story
Cutler, Harry Gardner. History of Florida: Past and Present. Volume I. 1923. Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. A bit of History Land O’Lakes, n.d. _____, History of Pasco County, n.d. Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce. How Brooksville Got It’s Name, n.d. _____, Florida 1884 Post Route Map, n.d. Hernando County, “About Hernando County,” n.d. http://www.co.hernando.fl.us. Hernando County Tourist Development Office, Brooksville Information, n.d. MacManus, Elizabeth R and Susan A. MacManus. Citrus, Sawmills, Critters, Crackers. Tampa, Florida, 1998. St. Petersburg Times, “Isadore DeCubellis, 93, Horticulturist, Dairy Farmer,” February 18, 2005.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Corridor Management Entity 52 Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Entity
The Corridor Management Entity (CME) will be created through agreement by and between the Corridor Advocacy Group, the Counties of Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando, the Counties’ Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. The CME will be known as the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Entity.
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s 42-mile corridor is unique in that all lands within the corridor are owned, operated, and maintained by governmental jurisdictions. The above-listed public entities are trusted with management responsibilities and they are the caretakers for the corridor lands within their respective jurisdictions. Creation of the CME will not relinquish any authority, property rights, or management responsibilities of these public entities, regarding the lands within their jurisdictions.
The CME will serve as the caretaker of the scenic corridor by ensuring that the Action Plan is executed and that all corridor activities are monitored and implemented according to the Corridor Management Plan (CMP). The CME acknowledges that it will be an advocacy group created solely for these purposes.
The Corridor Advocacy Group decided that, upon official formation of the Corridor Management Entity, the CME will function with the current schedule of public meetings and the current delineation of roles and responsibilities of its two primary advisory committees—the Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) and the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG).
The CAG is already established and will continue to function as a committee, with a membership open to all those who are stakeholders in the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s designation and implementation. This committee will meet quarterly and the meetings will be publicly noticed and will be open to the public. The CAG will place its focus on the Community Participation Plan, and will bring matters to the attention of the CME with regard to publicity, tourism, economic development, community outreach, community education, funding and grant opportunities. The CAG will work toward local comprehensive plan amendments that include the Suncoast Corridor. The CAG will participate in data collection, project planning and regional planning for the annual reports and 5-year updates.
The STAG, already established, is composed of qualified trail representatives who are responsible for operating and maintaining the Suncoast Trail. The STAG meets monthly and duties include monitoring all trail issues, coordinating all trail events, establishing and maintaining community outreach programs, such as the Adopt- A-Trail Program, the Trail Ambassador Program, the Trail Mile-Marker Program, and coordination with state and national trail organizations on funding and other bicycle/pedestrian issues. The STAG will seek grants and partnerships to preserve and enhance the Suncoast Trail. The STAG is currently seeking status as a not-for-profit incorporated group.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 53
SUNCOAST SCENIC PARKWAY CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT ENTITY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this____ day of ______, 2005, by and between the Corridor Advocacy Group for the Suncoast Scenic Parkway, the Counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando, political subdivisions of the State of Florida, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Florida Turnpike Enterprise, a part of the Florida Department of Transportation, an executive state agency (hereinafter collectively called the “Member Entities”), to establish the Corridor Management Entity for the Suncoast Scenic Parkway.
The Corridor Advocacy Group for the Suncoast Scenic Parkway (hereinafter “CAG”) applied for the Florida Scenic Highway Designation. Prerequisites to designation as a Florida Scenic Highway were (a) preparation and submittal by the CAG of a Corridor Management Plan(hereinafter “CMP”), setting forth a vision and goals for the Scenic Highway and strategies to achieve such goals, and (b) institution of a Corridor Management Entity to facilitate and monitor accomplishment of those goals.
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s 42-mile corridor is unique in that all lands within the corridor are owned, operated and maintained by governmental jurisdictions. The above- listed public entities are entrusted with certain management responsibilities, and they are the caretakers for the corridor lands within their respective jurisdictions. Creation of the CME will not relinquish any powers or duties, property rights, regulatory authority, or management responsibilities of these public entities, regarding the lands within their jurisdictions. Additionally, the Suncoast Parkway is a toll road and a part of the Turnpike System. This Agreement is not intended, nor shall it be construed, to violate any bond covenants or the State’s pledge to the bondholders not to restrict certain rights of the Department contained in Section 338.229, Florida Statutes.
THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual benefits and obligations hereunto pertaining, the Member Entities agree as follows:
There is hereby created a Corridor Management Entity, named the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Entity (hereinafter “CME”), which shall initiate, coordinate, and monitor plans, strategies, programs and events set forth in the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor Management Plan (hereinafter referred to as “CMP”).
The CME will serve as the caretaker of this scenic corridor by ensuring that the vision and intent of the scenic highway program is accomplished within the corridor. The CME will ensure that the Action Plan is executed in a timely manner and that all corridor activities are monitored and implemented in accordance with the CMP. The CME acknowledges that it will be an advocacy group created solely for these purposes. The CMP is a dynamic document that shall be first approved and adopted by the CME, and may be changed at any time by the CME.
1
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 54
The CME will be comprised of interested and effected private citizens and organizations, businesses, non-profit or other organization members, and government representatives, within the area benefited by the Suncoast Scenic Parkway.
Upon execution of this Agreement, the CME will function in accordance with the existing schedule of public meetings, and pursuant to the existing delineation of roles and responsibilities, of the Corridor Advocacy Group’s two primary advisory committees – now named the Citizens Advisory Committee (hereinafter “CAC”) and the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (hereinafter “STAG”).
The Corridor Advocacy Group is already established and will continue to function as the Citizens Advisory Committee (“CAC”), with membership open to all stakeholders in the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s designation and implementation. Meetings will be held quarterly. All meetings will be open to the public and reasonable notice of the meetings will be given to the public.
The CAC, as the citizens advisory committee, will place its focus on the Community Participation Plan, and will bring matters to the attention of the CME with regard to publicity, tourism, economic development, community outreach, community education, funding and grant opportunities. The CAC will work toward local comprehensive plan amendments that include the Suncoast Scenic Parkway Corridor. The CAC will participate in data collection, project planning and regional planning for the Annual Reports and Five Year CMP Updates.
The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (“STAG”) is also already established and is composed of qualified trail representatives who are responsible for operating and maintaining the Suncoast Trail. The STAG will function as the technical advisory committee, and will continue to meet monthly. All meetings will be open to the public and reasonable notice of the meetings will be given to the public. STAG duties will include monitoring all trail issues, coordinating all trail events, establishing and maintaining community outreach programs, such as the Adopt-A-Trail Program, the Trail Ambassador Program, the Trail Mile-Marker Program, and coordination with state and national trail organizations on funding and other bicycle/ pedestrian issues. The STAG will be responsible for seeking grants and partnerships to preserve and enhance the Suncoast Trail. The STAG is currently seeking status as a not-for-profit, 501 ( c) (3), corporation.
Representation: Each Member Entity shall appoint representatives to serve on the CME, as follows:
CAC, the citizens advisory committee, shall have two representatives;
STAG, the technical advisory committee, shall have two representatives;
2
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 55
Each County shall have two representatives, with a member of the County Commission appointed by its Chairman, and/or employee(s) of the County staff (such as in tourism, planning, the MPO, or Parks and Recreation) appointed by the County Administrator, as suggested candidates.
Southwest Florida Water Management District shall have two representatives;
Florida Turnpike Enterprise shall have two representatives.
The representatives of each Member Entity shall serve at the pleasure of the representative appointing authority. Membership on the CME may be expanded or reduced by majority action of the existing Member Entities.
Technical Advisors: Each Member Entity representative shall provide technical advice in areas of planning, engineering, architecture, economic and environmental management, and other activities which may contribute to the mission of the CME, as may be appropriate to the representative.
Termination: Any Member Entity may dissolve its participation in the CME with a thirty (30) day written notice in advance of the termination to the remaining party(ies). The CME will terminate if and when no party remains legally active.
Partnerships: The CME may enter into formal partnership agreements to include various participating partners in the CME in addition to those identified as parties to this Agreement. Partnerships may be long term or activity specific in nature. These partners shall not be considered Member Entities for organizational and voting purposes, unless the CME votes to make them Member Entities.
Bylaws: The CME may adopt such bylaws and organizational rules as shall be necessary or appropriate for the organization and operation of the CME, including but not limited to provisions for the formation of designated Committees and the election of officers, and retention of employees or independent contractors in the CME’s discretion.
This Agreement will serve as a continuing contract and program to ensure appropriate implementation and consistency in carrying out the goals and objectives of the CMP.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
SIGNATORIES:
(CME Members)
3
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 56
X See Appendix F Date Corridor Advocacy Group Chairperson
X See Appendix F Date Hillsborough County Board of County Commission
X See Appendix F Date Pasco County Board of County Commission
X See Appendix F Date Hernando County Board of County Commission
X See Appendix F Date Southwest Florida Water Management District
X See Appendix F Date Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
4
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 57 Community Participation Program
Through a variety of strategies in its ongoing Community Participation Program, the CAG promotes community awareness, builds consensus, and fosters public involvement and support for the Suncoast Parkway corridor. The CAG holds all of its meetings open to the public and adheres to all Sunshine Law requirements. Minutes of all meetings and teleconferences and all correspondence are included in Appendix E. The various major components of the CAG’s Community Participation Program and a summary of community participation efforts to date are described below. It is anticipated that other program elements will be developed and implemented during the FSHP Designation Phase.
Suncoast Trail Advisory Group
The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) is a committee originally formed in early 2000 to discuss and coordinate requirements and procedures for opening the Suncoast Trail to the public. The STAG now addresses issues concerning the day-to-day trail operations and maintenance responsibilities of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, and the related interests of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. The STAG coordinates all issues related to the trail, including the planning of additional amenities and special Figure 63: Suncoast Trail Advisory events, management of sponsorship programs, and promoting trail Group (STAG) safety and stewardship.
The STAG meets monthly and also functions as a CAG subcommittee, with members of both committees attending the CAG quarterly meetings. STAG outreach programs, including “adopt-a-trail” and a trail marker program foster community support and involvement. Through the fitness and natural/scenic travel opportunities it provides, these programs help to highlight the trail as one of the corridor’s most significant recreational resources. In October 2003, the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) named the STAG as the “2003 Trails Manager of the Year.” The trail’s designations as a Millennium Trail, a National Recreation Trail, and a part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails system were cited by FBA as major accomplishments.
Suncoast Trail Guide/Trail Kiosks/Suncoast Trail Display and Video
Standard user-friendly, full-color trail guides and maps are distributed trail-wide by each of the three counties and Turnpike Enterprise. Copies are made available on a first-come, first served basis to local bicycle shops and other venues. The Suncoast Trail Map and Guide are included in Appendix A. The trail kiosks are installed and maintained by each of the counties.
A full-color display, mounted on an eight-foot by eight-foot display board, is available for all CAG events and promotional activities. Included with the full-color display is a continuous-loop video.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 58
Suncoast Trail Marker Program
The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) established a Suncoast Trail Marker Program in 2002. The engraved marble plaques featuring the Suncoast Trail logo are purchased by private- and public-sector sponsors, and are installed by the applicable county parks and recreation staff to denote mile marker locations, dedications, and memorials along the entire 42-mile trail. Each marker includes the name(s) of the person(s) and/or organization for which the marker is sponsored. The purpose of the program is to enable public involvement, funding, and support for trail-specific projects and special events. Figure 64: Suncoast Trail Marker Speakers’ Bureau
The CAG’s officers and members promote the Suncoast Scenic Parkway through ongoing presentations and discussion at local and regional levels. Mr. Steven Diez, CAG Chairman and Hernando County MPO transportation planner, maintains coordination between the CAG, the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group, the MPO’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Rails-to-Trails, and other organizations in developing additional connections to regional corridors and local destinations. Ms. Kathryn Starkey, CAG Vice Chairman and a member of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council, was a guest speaker at the Suncoast Trail Dedication at the SR 50 Trailhead in April 2003, and participates in a number of Figure 65: Suncoast display at the 16th other speaking engagements on behalf of the CAG. National Trails Symposium in November 2002
Publicity
Ms. Joanne Hurley, Community Relations Coordinator for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and CAG member, maintains a public information office for the Suncoast Parkway and Veterans Expressway. Ms. Hurley handles all requests for information and keeps a media distribution list for all news releases and meeting notices associated with the Suncoast Parkway and Trail. Samples of publicity are included in Appendix E. Figure 66: Bike Florida, Inc. and STAG representatives celebrate Suncoast Trail Marker Web Sites installation
Upon receiving the Florida Scenic Highway designation, it is anticipated that a corridor-specific link will be provided to the Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise web sites. Information on the Suncoast Parkway is currently available at www.floridasturnpike.com.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 59
Protection Techniques
At least four CAG members are currently serving on the Pasco County Citizens Advisory Committee for the Biannual Comprehensive Plan Review and Amendments and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). These members are ensuring that corridor protection language is introduced and included in the EAR. It is anticipated that the CAG and Hernando County are working together toward the same results relative to the Comprehensive Plan Amendments and the EAR process.
Planned Elements
Throughout the process of preparing the Florida Scenic Highway Program (FSHP) eligibility application, the CAG has stated that community participation is a major goal, and the group has demonstrated its importance through outreach and actions. However, the CAG recognizes that a successful, long-term scenic highway program will have at its core a consistent, well-organized community participation program that builds awareness, consensus, involvement, and support of the corridor.
Other anticipated elements of the Community Participation Program Figure 67. SR 50 trailhead facility ribbon- include: cutting ceremony.
Outreach to schools along the corridor with a “Safe and Scenic Schools” initiative. Informational fliers or brochures targeted to adjacent property owners. Partnerships with businesses near the corridor. Publicity for new trail connections and other user facilities as they occur. Coordination with local governments for corridor protections.
Exhibit 5 - STAG organizes two night rides per year on the Suncoast Trail.
The Suncoast corridor meets Universal Criteria #8. A Community Participation Program is currently being developed and implemented.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 60
Corridor Advocacy Group Meetings were held on:
September 27, 2002 March 21, 2003 June 27, 2003 July 29, 2003 - Committee Teleconference September 26, 2003 March 26, 2004 September 24, 2004 March 18, 2005 June 17, 2005 September 23, 2005 December 16, 2005
Special trail events were highlighted on the previous page.
Groups/entities that have been contacted to participate in the Community Participation include all those who are listed in the Suncoast Scenic Highway Corridor Advocacy Group Membership and Contacts and those entities who submitted letters or resolutions of support, and the following:
Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium (new sponsor for Trail Shelters) Tampa Bay Water Keep Hillsborough Clean and Beautiful Tampa Bay Partnership Bayonet Point Medical Center Keep Pasco Beautiful Hernando Crushed Stone Florida Mining Association Pasco Wildlife Native Plant Society
All meeting announcements, meeting sign-in lists, and agendas/notes can be found in Appendix E, following the Letters of Support. Refer to the September 23, 2005 materials for a sample of discussions on significant corridor issues.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 61 Suncoast Trail Community Involvement Plan
General
The Suncoast Trail Community Involvement Plan (CIP) was established by the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) in 2002. The overall goal of the CIP is twofold: to help build and maintain healthy and sustainable communities through various programs that engage the public’s participation and support for the Suncoast Trail, and to help Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties fund trail-specific maintenance, operations, and special events.
Proceeds from the CIP are managed by The Suncoast Trail Corporation, a non-profit entity operating in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law. Additional information is available from any member of the STAG and the Articles of Incorporation.
Programs and Policies
Local citizens, businesses, and interested agencies and adjacent landowners are all encouraged to participate in the CIP’s Adopt-a-Trail, Trail Ambassador, and Trail Marker, Water-Stop, and Trail Shelter sponsorship programs. The objectives and corresponding general policies of these programs are described below. The STAG reserves the right to amend the program policies as necessary to maintain the overall goal of the CIP and to ensure program consistency in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation.
Adopt-a-Trail Program
The objective of the Adopt-A-Trail Program is to enable local schools, churches, businesses and other civic- minded groups to assist in community building, while being recognized for their teamwork in helping to keep the Suncoast Trail a safe and attractive amenity. All Adopt-A-Trail volunteer groups are required to name a representative for contact with the STAG. General Adopt-A-Trail Program policies are as follows:
Responsibility: Adopt-a-Trail volunteer responsibility is limited to the removal of litter from the trail corridor and debris from the trail itself, which shall be coordinated with the county parks and recreation staff. The Adopt-A-Trail group representative is expected to provide feedback on trail conditions. The volunteer groups are recognized for their contributions through standard Suncoast Adopt-a-Trail signage posted within the limits of each of the adopted trail segments and other communications devices, as appropriate.
Safety: Adopt-a-Trail volunteers must exercise a high level of caution at all times, paying special attention to the travel characteristics of the trail’s various user types and yielding to all trail users, especially those traveling at a high rate of speed and/or those passing that require the full width of the trail. Volunteers must also be aware of the risks associated with the natural conditions encountered along the trail, including the weather, animals, snakes, insects, and other hazards. Safety precautions should also be taken in the retrieval and disposal of trash and debris, which shall be coordinated with county parks and recreation staff.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 62
Agreement Terms and Schedule: County parks and recreation staff determine the frequency at which the Adopt-a-Trail volunteers’ efforts are required based on existing conditions along the identified segments. The standard minimum term of the Adopt-a-Trail agreement is 18 months, requiring a minimum of one visit every two months or a total of 9 visits. The agreement term may be extended and, depending on the level of need, the frequency of visits may be adjusted.
Trail Ambassador Program
The Suncoast Trail represents the interests of several partners, including Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, the Turnpike Enterprise, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the National Park Service, and others. Trail Ambassadors are expected to act in the best interests of these entities and in accordance with the following major objectives and policies:
Promote Understanding and Appreciation: Trail Ambassadors must be generally familiar with the location of trailheads, local parks, major roadways, and other connections and destinations, and able to provide related information. Trail Ambassadors are expected to be courteous and professional in providing assistance to trail users through the distribution of trail guides, maps, and directions.
Ensure Safety and Well-Being: Trail Ambassadors must know the appropriate procedures and “do’s and don’ts” in case of emergencies, and courteously explain the trail rules in cases where questionable or illegal behavior or uses are observed. Trail Ambassadors are not responsible for rule enforcement, but are to report emergencies to Sheriff’s Offices and Rules of the Trail violations and other incidents to the STAG.
Monitor Conditions and Report Deficiencies: Trail Ambassadors monitor the conditions of the trail and its immediate surroundings to ensure that County, Turnpike, and other interests are upheld and that the safety and well-being of all trail users is a top priority. The Trail Ambassadors must keep the STAG apprised of the general trail conditions and report any deficiencies observed. Deficiencies may include damaged fence, dead or wounded animals, fallen trees and branches, unauthorized trail entrance or use, as well as any suspicious behavior.
Trail Marker Program
The objective of the Trail Marker Program is to provide a means for exhibiting private and public sector support for the trail through the sponsorship of trail-side markers that contain the Suncoast Trail logo, trail mile location, and name of sponsor or dedication. General Trail Marker Program policies are as follows:
Costs: The total current cost for materials, workmanship, and installation is $250.00 per marker. This cost is subject to change upon approval by the STAG. The Suncoast Trail, Inc. provides the cost of all materials necessary to construct and install the markers. The counties in which the markers are installed provide all labor and labor related costs.
Materials: All markers are constructed of an approximate 12-inch square, ½-inch thick marble plaque, engraved and highlighted in green. The plaque is set into concrete, cured, and the complete marker is carried to installation by the applicable county staff. Samples are available for inspection.
Text: The Suncoast Trail logo and numerical trail mile designation are both standard features on all markers. Additional text/print may include the name(s) of the person(s) or organization for which the marker is sponsored or dedicated. The STAG must approve any additional text/print or graphics.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 63
Location: Sponsors may choose any whole-numbered, un-sponsored trail mile between zero (0) and 41 or another location approved by the STAG, which generally includes trail and trailhead connections. Markers along the west side of the trail become available only after the corresponding marker to the east is not available. Markers are placed as near to the actual trail mile as practical, and are typically positioned within two feet of the outside edge of pavement and read from the direction of travel. Contact the STAG to inquire the availability of Trail Marker locations.
Limited Warranty: Wear and tear is expected due to weather and normal landscape maintenance activities. Should the markers become damaged beyond repair due to vandalism or another unforeseen cause, the sponsor has the option to replace it at a cost of $100.00. The period of time required for repair will be added to the original sponsored term. The county within which a damaged marker is located is responsible for the repair or removal of damaged or expired markers.
Life/Duration: Each Trail Marker is valid for a duration of five (5) years from the date of the original installation or subsequent renewal. Each sponsor is provided the first opportunity to subsequently renew its marker at a current cost of $250.00 each. Expired markers that are not renewed may be removed and made available for pick-up by the sponsor.
Trail Shelter Program
The objective of the Trail Shelter Program is to provide an opportunity for private and public sector organizations to exhibit their support for the community and the Suncoast Trail through their sponsorship of Trail Shelters. The Trail Shelter Program enables two levels of sponsorship:
Construction: Sponsors are recognized for contributing toward the cost of shelter construction, which includes materials and labor. A four-inch by six-inch brass plaque with either of the following sample inscriptions, which is dependent upon the contribution made, is applied in a conspicuous location:
This Suncoast Trail Shelter was made possible entirely through funds provided by:
XYZ Bicycle and Carriage Repair, Inc.
January 2005
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation, & Conservation Department
This Suncoast Trail Shelter was made possible through funds contributed by:
Performance Velocipedes
January 2006
Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department
Repair: Sponsors are recognized for contributing toward the cost of repair, which could include replacement of roof shingles and broken bench supports, removal of graffiti, etc. A four-inch by six-inch brass plaque with the following inscription is applied in a conspicuous location:
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 64
This Suncoast Trail Shelter is maintained using funds or materials provided by:
Cortezes Building Supply The Abraham Washington, Jr. Family Weeki’s Television Repair
January 2007 Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department
Water Stop Program
The objective of the Water Stop Program is to provide an opportunity for private and public sector organizations to exhibit their support for the community and the Suncoast Trail through their sponsorship of Water Stops along the trail, at locations determined by County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation staff. A Water Stop typically consists of a water cooler with a secure enclosure, a container for trash, and may include a dispenser for Trail Guides/Maps. Similar to the Trail Shelter Program, a four-inch by six-inch brass plaque would be installed to recognize the sponsor.
For further information on any of these programs, please contact:
Ms. Tina Russo, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation & Conservation: (813) 264.8511
Mr. Rick Buckman, Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department: (727) 834.3278
Mr. Steven Diez, Hernando County Planning Department: (352) 754.4057
Ms. Joanne Hurley, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise: (813) 558.1117
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 65
Suncoast Trail Community Involvement Plan Program Application and Renewal Form
The Suncoast Trail Community Involvement Plan (CIP) helps build and maintain healthy and sustainable communities through various programs that engage the public’s participation and support for the Suncoast Trail, and assists Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties in funding trail-specific maintenance, operations, and special events. ______
The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) appreciates your participation in any of the CIP programs offered below. This form will enable us to keep you informed of program status and renewal opportunities. Thank you for your continued support. For more information on the Suncoast Trail go to: www.floridasturnpike.com (click on System Roads, Suncoast Parkway) or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/
Name Date ______Address ______City State Zip ______Home Phone Work phone E-mail ______
Please indicate your interest(s):
% ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAM: Remove litter and debris and provide feedback on trail conditions.
% TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM: Promote understanding and appreciation of the trail corridor, ensure the safety and well being of trail users, and monitor conditions and report deficiencies.
% TRAIL MARKER PROGRAM: Sponsor trail-side markers that contain name of sponsor or dedication, the Suncoast Trail logo and trail mile location.
% TRAIL SHELTER PROGRAM: Sponsor construction and/or repair of trail shelters.
% WATER STOP PROGRAM: Sponsor construction and/or repair of water stops/equipment.
% TRAILGUIDE AND NEWS: Gather information, contribute stories, or assist in publishing.
% EVENT SUPPORT AND FUNDRAISING: Support special events and help in fundraising.
Please make checks payable to: Florida’s Nature Coast Coalition, Inc. and mail to: 38550 5th Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (www.naturecoastcoalition.com)
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 66 Local Support
Many in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties enthusiastically endorse the concept of a future Florida Scenic Highway designation for the Suncoast Parkway. A number of official resolutions and letters of support have been received, which are listed below and included in Appendix E.
Pasco Economic Development Council
Keep Pasco Beautiful, Inc.
West Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organizations Chairs’ Coordinating Committee
Hernando County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Scenic Pasco Figure 68: The Suncoast Trail was the site of the “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 150” Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization
West Pasco Chamber of Commerce
Hillsborough Greenways Program, Greenways Committee
Lutz Civic Association
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce
GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club
Best Western Weeki Wachee Resort Figure 69: Opening of Suncoast Parkway – 2001 Florida Department of Transportation, District 7
Florida House of Representatives, Representative David Russell, District 44
The Florida Senate, Senator Mike Fasano, District 11
J.B. Starkey, Jr. – J.B. Starkey’s Flatwoods Adventures
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 67 Protection Techniques
Summary of Findings
The proposed Suncoast Scenic Parkway is unique because the entire corridor is comprised of public lands owned by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. These public agencies will continue to operate, maintain, and provide protection techniques for all lands within the Suncoast Corridor. Therefore, the CAG will focus future efforts on cooperative partnerships and public education to promote protections for the Corridor’s viewshed, primarily dealing with lands that are privately owned.
The entire Tampa Bay area, including the Suncoast Parkway corridor, is experiencing unprecedented growth. Residential and commercial developments are rapidly occurring in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties, and these developments have the potential to negatively impact the corridor’s scenic vistas and the travelers’ experience. The CAG is diligently working, and will continue efforts, to address development issues through the Counties’ Comprehensive Plan amendments and Land Use regulations.
Ecotourism and economic development in this area are dependent upon the quality and quantity of the Corridor’s intrinsic resources and those resources that are easily accessible from the corridor. The CAG will continue to promote its theme: “Gateway to the Nature Coast”, in cooperation with state and local tourism offices and organizations.
Current Protection Techniques
The techniques currently in use by the counties and agencies responsible for managing the corridor’s intrinsic resources vary widely. Accordingly, the need to protect these resources is now being addressed in a variety of ways, ranging from Pasco’s and Hernando’s evaluation of their Comprehensive plans, to Hernando’s current regulations for protection of its scenic views and canopy roads, to Hillsborough’s existing scenic corridor overlay. Each organization has to varying extents begun to make special provisions in its regulations, codes, and plans to protect the corridor’s unique qualities and benefits.
The relatively small, three-mile portion of the corridor located within Hillsborough County is already referenced as a scenic corridor in the Future Land Use Element of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. In Objective E1- 6 of its Future Land use Element, Hillsborough County states its objective to protect the visual character of designated roadway corridors having existing scenic character. The policies that support this objective relate to new development, landscaping, preservation of existing trees and natural features, and providing connections between open space corridors and environmental systems. The Suncoast Parkway is also listed on the Hillsborough Scenic Corridors Map and is discussed in the Future Land Use section titled “Additional Community Design Considerations.”
Pasco County is now preparing the Comprehensive Plan’s Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). A Citizen Advisory Committee has been established to review, comment and recommend changes for each of the elements of the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, and four CAG members have been selected to serve on that Citizens Advisory Committee.
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The proposed changes to Pasco’s Future Land Use Goals, Objectives and Policies now include provisions for high quality, aesthetically designed roadways, scenic roadways protection, scenic corridor protection program and, specifically support for the Suncoast Parkway’s Scenic Road Designation. The proposed changes are included in Appendix C.
Hernando County’s Comprehensive Plan, in Chapter 11: Recreation and Open Space, addresses Scenic Preservation. Objective 7.04D is titled, “Establish Regulations Which Protect the Scenic Views along Publ++ic Road Rights-of-Way.” New proposed language for Hernando County Comprehensive Plan EAR Updates are not yet complete; however new language is proposed for Chapter 11: “The County shall develop land development regulations to prode standards at a minimum for setbacks, buffers, and protection of existing natural vegetation along designated scenic corridors. The standards may address building height and appearance, land uses, or other factors in order to protect the public benefits of designated scenic corridors. The stands shall be adopted by the end of 2008.”
It is anticipated that Hernando County’s Board of County Commissioners will adopt specific language in support of the Suncoast Parkway’s scenic highway designation, as well as support of the vision statement and corridor map, at a September, 2005 BOCC meeting.
Southwest Florida Water Management District provides land management and protection for the Anclote River Ranch, Serenova, and Starkey properties listed as Natural Resources for the Suncoast Scenic Corridor. SWFWMD’s website at www.floridamatters.org provides a comprehensive description of land use and land management plans.
The 42-mile Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 is part of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise’s statewide system of limited access tolled highway and Florida’s intrastate highway System. The Turnpike Enterprise is responsible for current and long term planning, operation and maintenance of the toll facility and all lands within its right- of-way.
In 1984, the Florida Legislature added a provision to Chapter 479, Florida Statutes, prohibiting outdoor advertising billboards along new highways located outside an urban area. The Suncoast Parkway was constructed subsequent to 1984 and it is outside the urban area; therefore, no outdoor advertising billboards are allowed along this portion of Toll Road 589. Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties control billboards through their respective ordinances.
Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties operate and maintain the Suncoast Trail, as well as those individual parks listed as Recreational Resources for the Suncoast corridor. In their Comprehensive Plans, the Counties’ Existing Land Use and Future Land Use designations include Parks/Forest/Conservation Lands, providing for a general range of potential uses and intents. The Proposed Trail Connection Guidelines are provided in Appendix A.
The environmental partnering process that began in the planning phase of the Suncoast Parkway facilitated the preservation of 10,000 acres of natural landscape to public ownership. Combined with the 8,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Park, a contiguous 28 square mile ecosystem and buffer is provided along a large portion of the Suncoast Parkway corridor in Pasco County, in the perimeter of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area.
The CAG will continue to work with the Counties to include appropriate language in support of the Suncoast Corridor as they update and amend their Comprehensive Plans. The Land O’ Lakes Community Plan specifically supports the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s designation. The Plan is included in Appendix C.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 69
Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties have approved and funded the region’s Environmental Lands Programs. In the Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report, the Conservation and Coastal Element Maps show conceptual conservation linkages connecting publicly owned lands, including the Suncoast mitigation properties. The CAG will monitor environmental lands purchases adjacent to the corridor.
During construction of the Suncoast Parkway, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise required that contractors leave extensive areas of “no clearing” or “limited clearing” to ensure preservation of native vegetation.
The CAG has initiated discussions with landowners who have property, and plans to large tracts of land adjacent to the Corridor. The CAG will encourage developers to consider buffering with native vegetation, to appropriately connect their multi-use trails to the Suncoast Trail, and to use the Aesthetic Design Guidelines that are part of the Suncoast Parkway’s corridor.
The CAG is currently seeking and will continue to seek partnerships to provide scenic gateways and viewing areas along the Parkway and the Trail.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 70 Funding and Promotion
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway corridor has recreational, natural and scenic resources— including public lands owned by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), parks that are owned and operated by the counties, the Suncoast Trail, and the Suncoast Parkway, a unique environmentally-friendly toll facility. With continued funding and promotion, these intrinsic resources can contribute to eco-tourism opportunities and economic development of the area.
Promotion of the Suncoast Scenic Corridor involves the cooperative efforts and strategies, and a variety of techniques of all members of the Corridor Advocacy Group and their respective organizations, utilizing a variety of federal, state, and other funding sources and partnerships.
The Suncoast Parkway CAG wishes to target residents and visitors who value recreational, passive eco-tourism opportunities; therefore the CAG has established the following specific objectives to effectively promote the Suncoast Parkway corridor:
Identify a variety of funding and promotional opportunities offered by federal, state, local and other sources. Build partnerships that maximize funding and promotion opportunities. Encourage and implement community- based initiatives based on volunteer time and labor. Seek in-kind services. Solicit private donations and sponsorships.
Although the Suncoast Parkway corridor is a relatively new facility and the public’s awareness of its transportation, recreation, natural, and cultural qualities and benefits is steadily increasing, there are a number of funding and promotional based opportunities that have already been identified, including:
The Suncoast Parkway/Toll Road 589 is included in the Florida’s Turnpike Marketing Plan. The plan’s objective is to clearly designate or “brand” the Suncoast Exhibit 6 – Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise tracks customer satisfaction Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 71
Parkway and the Turnpike Enterprise System; to retain current customers and attract new ones, to increase participation in SunPass and develop a consistent public relations message.
Toll Road 589/ Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway, are included in the Florida Department of Transportation’s Road Ranger Program.
Exhibit 7 – Road Ranger Program invites customers’ comments
The Suncoast Trail demonstrates that a unique and ongoing partnership can exist between a statewide transportation entity and local governments, as reflected in the mutually supportive relations that exist among STAG members. Besides the Trail’s operations and maintenance being provided by Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, the three counties also provide for future connecting trails, additional trailheads and other amenities, and promotional events. A copy of the proposed Trail Connections Policy is included in Appendix A.
Examples of promotional/marketing tools for the Trail include informational signage and kiosks, trail brochures and trail maps, trail events, and partnerships outlined in the Trail’s Community Participation Plan.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails designation of the Suncoast Trail as an official part of the statewide system of greenways and trails brought a $50,000 grant “starter-kit” to Hernando County to help enhance the State Road 50 Trailhead. FDOT District 7 also contributed $200,000 in State Transportation Enhancement Funds to Hernando for this project.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 72
Hernando County MPO Transportation Enhancements Priority List for FY 2005/06-2009/10 the Suncoast Trail/US98 trailhead/restroom as its third-highest priority with $75,000 identified for the project. This will allow the STAG to solicit private partnerships to complete this facility. Copies of the priority list and solicitation letter to Florida Crushed Stone, dated February 8, 2005, are included in Appendix B.
The Suncoast Trail Advisory Group (STAG) is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit corporation. The Community Participation Program, administered by this group, will help to enable the public’s funding and support for Trail-specific projects and special events.
In the future CAG will continue the strong partnerships that are already established and will seek additional funding and promotion opportunities, through:
The counties’ Tourism Development Offices and Websites National Scenic Byways Program Transportation Enhancement Funds Chambers of Commerce Keep Pasco Beautiful Scenic Pasco Keep Hillsborough Clean and Beautiful Southwest Florida Water Management District Tampa Bay Water Hillsborough County Conventions and Visitors Bureau FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails, Florida Recreation Development and Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants.
A timeline/schedule for promotional events and/or material production is shown on the following page.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 73
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Material Production
Presentation Display )
Corridor Website )
Corridor Brochure ) )
Fact Sheet )
Corridor Map )
Update Trail Map ) ) ) ) )
CME Contact List ) )
Kiosks’ Updates ) ) ) ) )
Highway Signs )
Promotional Events
Designation Celebration )
Schools’ Outreach ) )
Business Partnerships ) ) )
Summer Trail Ride ) ) ) ) )
Fall Trail Ride ) ) ) ) )
Adopt-A-Trail ) ) ) ) )
Trail Mile Markers ) ) )
Trail Shelter Program ) ) )
FDOT Safety Program ) ) ) )
Speakers’ Bureau ) ) ) 74 Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan
Planning in the corridor area is controlled by Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties for the portion of the project within each of the respective counties. Hillsborough County, as discussed in Protection Techniques, currently addresses scenic corridors in several elements of their comprehensive plan.
The Hillsborough Future Land Use Element, page 52, defines Scenic Corridor Land Use Overlay (s): “This category is used to designate road corridors within Hillsborough County which will be determined to have scenic qualities of local significance. The purpose of this designation is to preserve and enhance the aesthetic appearance of such facilities with concern for related buffering, landscaping of non-residential uses. Development in these areas is subject to the Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Future Land use Element and applicable development regulations. For additional information, please refer to Section VI. “Land Use Plan Categories of the Future Land Use Element.”
Pasco County and Hernando County Governments are currently preparing their Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) to review the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Rather than addressing Corridor Protection during the Designation Phase of the FSHP application, the CAG determined that this is an optimum time to bring forward Scenic Corridor Protection in each County’s list of issues raised by the community. In February 2004 the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s CAG submitted a copy of their vision statement to Pasco County and Hernando County to be referenced with other visioning plans as part of the communities’ values.
In Pasco County the issue of Scenic Corridor Protection was addressed in several Citizen Advisory Committee district sub-committees. As a result of the sub-committee discussions the Draft Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report Summary now includes the Suncoast Trail on the Map of Existing and Proposed Park Facilities and special reference in made to the Suncoast Trail and recreational trails connectivity throughout the County.
The major issues of a Scenic Corridor Protection Program are now contained within new amendment language in the County’s Future Land Use Goals, Objectives and Policies. The proposed language recognizes the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s designation in Goal 1, Objectives 4.2.5, 4.4.1, 4.6.4, 4.6.5, 4.6.6, 4.6.7, 4.6.8, and 4.6.9. A copy of Pasco County’s proposed language is included in Appendix C.
While the Scenic Corridor application process came late into Hernando County’s Comprehensive Plan and EAR update, policy support was included in the Recreation and Open Space and Transportation Elements of the plan. As currently adopted, the EAR includes discussion of the CAG’s scenic corridor designations, a recommendation to modify the comprehensive plan to provide guidance for such a designation, as well as setback requirements and other screening techniques.
It is anticipated that the comprehensive plan amendments in Pasco County and Hernando County will be adopted. However, in the following table the goals, objectives and policies that are contained within the current comprehensive plans of Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties are cross-referenced to the goals, objectives and policies of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s Corridor Advocacy Group:
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Policy Comparison Matrix 75 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
GOAL 1: Preserve, maintain and enhance the intrinsic resources of the Suncoast Scenic Parkway's corridor.
OBJECTIVE 1.1 Support TRANSPORTATION FUTURE LAND USE RECREATION/OPEN SPACE and encourage the corridor ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT management plan. OBJECTIVE 1.5: Provide for Policy 2.2.1 Maintain land OBJECTIVE 7.03C: Acquire and promote coordinated development regulations to lands and develop facilities for transportation planning, require the provision of walls, the recreation and open-space right-of-way protection, and fences, berms, landscaped, or uses from grants and other project implementation open space buffers which are sources. across jurisdictional sufficient to mitigate boundaries, to preserve the incompatibility between OBJECTIVE 7.04B: Encourage corridors for transportation adjacent land uses. This the additional purchase of open use, to maintain policy shall not be space lands by the State of transportation level of service interpreted to mean, where Florida and Southwest Florida for concurrency, to improve buffering requirements are Water Management District. coordination between land met, that compatibility has use and transportation, and been established between to minimize the adverse adjacent land uses. social, economic and environmental impacts of RECREATION/OPEN transportation facilities on SPACE ELEMENT the community. OBJECTIVE 1.1 Achieve and OBJECTIVE 5.1: Carefully maintain the level of service review all proposed new road standards for recreation and projects, road widening, and open space. other improvements with respect to residential and OBJECTIVE 2.1 Protection commercial neighborhoods of lands defined as open and environmentally space from incompatible land sensitive land so as to uses and maintenance of the minimize adverse impacts function and value of such thereupon, lands as resources for passive recreation. OBJECTIVE 7.1: Continue to implement and enforce land development regulations that require transportation system improvements that support and further the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Policy Comparison Matrix 76 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
OBJECTIVE 1.1 Support RECREATION/OPEN Policy 2.1.1 Define and OBJECTIVE 7.04D: Establish and encourage the corridor SPACE ELEMENT preserve as open space areas regulations which protect the management plan. designated as CON scenic views along public road OBJECTIVE 9: The County (Conservation Lands) on the rights-of-way. shall annually review Future Land Use Map, County-owned lands to jurisdictional wetlands, determine their suitability for including any associated open space, park or buffers which may be recreation facilities and established; significant prioritize them for such uses. habitats of threatened and endangered species; and any Policy 9.2: Incompatible uses species management areas for surrounding existing species of special concern. recreational sites and Where appropriate, utilize facilities shall be identified, such areas for passive and such uses shall be recreation. eliminated or mitigated through methods such as buffering.
OBJECTIVE 1.2 Enhance None found. None found. None found. the communities' sense of place and cohesion with the Scenic Corridor.
OBJECTIVE 1.3 Support TRANSPORTATION RECREATION/OPEN RECREATION/OPEN SPACE and expand the existing ELEMENT SPACE ELEMENT ELEMENT recreational resources. OBJECTIVE 3.1: Include OBJECTIVE 1.4: OBJECTIVE 7.01D: The appropriate bicycle facilities, Maximization of private County shall coordinate the trails, and sidewalks in all sector assistance in providing provision of public recreation planning, design, recreational opportunities to facilities and programs with those construction and meet current and future provided by other governmental maintenance activities related recreational demands. entities and the private sector. to transportation. OBJECTIVE 1.5: Provide OBJECTIVE 7.02C: Combine RECREATION/OPEN public access to all existing publicly owned resources to meet SPACE ELEMENT and future public recreational recreation needs. facilities, including saltwater OBJECTIVE 3: The county and freshwater beaches and shall provide protection and shores, through the Year enhancement of open spaces 2015. by public agencies and private enterprises.
Policy 3.11: A map designating recreational trails in Hillsborough County shall be developed, maintained and updated as trails are identified and approved by State, regional and local entities. Policy Comparison Matrix 77 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
Policy 3.12: The County, in cooperation with State, regional and local entities, shall ensure that no actions will be taken which will impair the use of designated recreational trails.
OBJECTIVE 4: The County shall develop a greenway system by implementing the Hillsborough Greenways Master Plan which identifies ways to interconnect recreation and conservation land.
Policy 9.1: The County shall explore multiple use opportunities on County- owned lands and opportunities for connections with the greenway system.
OBJECTIVE 13: The County shall continue to use all leisure financing techniques available for providing recreational opportunities.
GOAL 2: Maintain Suncoast corridor as a preferred destination for travelers and trail users, with safety as the primary concern.
OBJECTIVE 2.1 Support TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION Florida's Turnpike efforts to ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT provide transportation value in the form of safety, service OBJECTIVE 1.2: Maintain OBJECTIVE 1.1: Provide a OBJECTIVE 2.03B: Continue and convenience for existing transportation safe, efficient, and effective, to utilize design standards which Suncoast Parkway customers. infrastructure to ensure safe multimodal, transportation serve to reduce design-related operating conditions, and to system and implement within vehicle crashes. avoid costly reconstruction or five years the improvements replacement. identified in the Capital Improvements Element to OBJECTIVE 1.3: To reduce travel times and improve transportation reduce accident frequencies. system safety by reducing the countywide accident rate by OBJECTIVE 10.3: 5% 2010. Maximize customer comfort and safety. Policy Comparison Matrix 78 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
OBJECTIVE 2.2 Promote TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION enhancement of intermodal ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT transportation throughout OBJECTIVE 2.2: Increase the corridor. OBJECTIVE 1.3: Provide a OBJECTIVE 2.03C: The the use of alternative modes safe, convenient bikeway County shall consider sidewalks of transportation. system and the adequate and other pedestrian OBJECTIVE 3.1: Include provision of other bicycle improvements in the planning, appropriate bicycle facilities, facilities. design, construction or trails, and sidewalks in all reconstruction of urban planning, design, OBJECTIVE 1.4: Provide thoroughfares. construction and for the development of a safe maintenance activities related and convenient pedestrian OBJECTIVE 2.03D: Provide for to transportation. circulation system. bicycle facilities as an integral element of the plan process. OBJECTIVE 3.2: The OBJECTIVE 9.3: Improve County shall adopt policies connectivity of sidewalks and RECREATION/OPEN SPACE and design standards that bicycle facilities along ELEMENT provide safe, convenient and existing and future public enjoyable bicycle and transportation corridors. OBJECTIVE 7.05A: All pedestrian facilities to publicly-owned recreation increase the use of cycling facilities shall have multi-modal and walking for all travel access facilities as appropriate. purposes. OBJECTIVE 4.4: By December 31, 2003, the County will adopt measures to promote the increased use of alternative modes of transportation and the implementation of alternative work sites or alternative work hours.
GOAL 3: Encourage community support and participation.
OBJECTIVE 3.1: Promote RECREATION/OPEN TRANSPORTATION RECREATION/OPEN SPACE and expand community SPACE ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT support. OBJECTIVE 8: OBJECTIVE 4.1: Provide OBJECTIVE 7.01D: The County Public/private cooperative and maintain a coordinated, shall coordinate the provision of agreements shall continue to transportation-planning public recreation facilities and be used to complement the process with State, regional, programs with those provided by County’s system of park and and local agencies through other governmental entities and recreational facilities, and to the annual review of policy the private sector. alleviate neighborhood and documents and the district park deficiencies. attendance at annual Policy 7.03C(3): Community coordination meetings. organizations shall be encouraged to participate in the development of parks through volunteer "adopt-a-park" or other similar programs. Policy Comparison Matrix 79 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
OBJECTIVE 3.2 Facilitate TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION None found. ongoing public involvement. ELEMENT ELEMENT
OBJECTIVE 5.3: Provide an OBJECTIVE 6.2: Develop opportunity for public input an on-going public including neighborhoods, involvement process through businesses, and other surveys, discussion groups, interested groups in all interviews with passengers aspects of transportation and drivers, and public planning and workshops. implementation. RECREATION/OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OBJECTIVE 5: The county shall continue a public information campaign and database to educate the public and facilitate future programming.
GOAL 4: Promote and increase public knowledge of the Corridor through education & corridor story.
OBJECTIVE 4.1: Provide RECREATION/OPEN TRANSPORTATION None found. for marketing and promotion SPACE ELEMENT ELEMENT of the corridor's unique attributes and opportunities. OBJECTIVE 5: The County OBJECTIVE 6.3: Pursue shall continue a public marketing opportunities information campaign and through community data base to educate the associations and clubs. public and facilitate future programming. Policy 5.6: Marketing techniques and resources, such as radio, television, signage, and literature, shall continue to be used to improve public awareness of recreational programs, facilities and the natural resources that the County possesses to promote their conservation. Policy 5.7: The County shall continue to develop and circulate a quarterly events calendar to increase public awareness of planned events and activities. Policy Comparison Matrix 80 Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group and Local Government Comprehensive Plans
Suncoast Scenic Corridor Hillsborough County Pasco County Hernando County Advisory Group Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan
OBJECTIVE 4.2 Educate TRANSPORTATION None found. None found. residents and stakeholders. ELEMENT
OBJECTIVE 3.3: Assist in implementing the bicycle and pedestrian safety education programs to improve bike- handling skills, traffic skills, and observance of bicycle and pedestrian traffic laws, and promote safety for non- motorized travelers of all ages particularly adjacent and contiguous to schools.
GOAL 5: Economic development and tourism.
OBJECTIVE 5.1: Conserve None found. None found. None found. intrinsic resources of the corridor in a sustainable balance with economic development and tourism.
OBJECTIVE 5.2: Promote None found. None found. None found. eco-tourism opportunities and economic development along the corridor.
Notes:
**Policies were included where they assist in better explaining the objective.
Sources: Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of the Suncoast Scenic Corridor Advisory Group, July 2005. Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, Amended 2005. Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, Amended 2004. Hernando County Comprehensive Plan, Amended 2002.
81 Future Comprehensive Plan Amendments
The CAG recognizes that specific elements of the CMP must be adopted into local governments’ comprehensive plans, including :
A map displaying the Scenic Highway Corridor The Corridor Vision Goals, Objectives and Strategies related to the specific counties.
The CAG will not get each local comprehensive plan amended prior to submittal of the designation application. Therefore, a Summary by County follows: Hillsborough County:
Resolution – Pending for BOCC meeting on January 18, 2006. See Appendix F. Scenic Corridor Map – The Suncoast Scenic Corridor is now shown in the Comprehensive Plan’s Scenic Corridor Maps. Corridor Vision – To be submitted at the next available opportunity. Goals, Objectives, Strategies – To be submitted at the next available opportunity. Scenic Corridor Land use Overlay—Included in the existing Comprehensive Plan. Pasco County:
Resolution—Pending for BOCC Meeting in January, 2006. See Appendix F. Suncoast Scenic Corridor Map—included in the 2006, proposed comprehensive plan updates to be sent to DCA. Corridor Vision—language included in the Future Land Use Element of the proposed comprehensive plan updates to be submitted to DCA. See Appendix C. Goals, Objectives, Strategies—To be included in the proposed comprehensive plan updates at the earliest opportunity. Hernando County:
Resolution—Provided on the next page. Suncoast Scenic Corridor Map—included in the 2006, proposed comprehensive plan updates to be sent to DCA. Corridor Vision—To be included in the proposed comprehensive plan updates at the earliest opportunity. Goals, Objectives, Strategies—To be included in the proposed comprehensive plan updates at the earliest opportunity.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 82
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 83
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 84 Partnerships and Agreements
The Suncoast Scenic Parkway’s CAG is fortunate that working partnerships, as well as formal and informal agreements have, since inception, provided the foundation for the successful interaction of local governments, community groups and organizations, governmental agencies and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. Some of these were listed in the section titled “Funding and Promotion.”
Although there are numerous potential partnerships yet to be explored and the CAG intends to pursue many additional opportunities, the following are examples of successful, working relationships that have already furthered the Suncoast Scenic Figure 70. Hernando County Sheriff’s Parkway’s Goals, Objectives and Strategies, the Community Officers ride the Suncoast Trail Participation Program, Funding and Promotion, and Local Support.
Though the Suncoast Parkway corridor is wholly owned by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, a number of partnering entities are also involved in providing this safe, efficient, attractive and enjoyable transportation and recreation corridor. The corridor includes the 42-mile Suncoast Trail, which is operated and maintained by Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties. A sample memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is included in Appendix B.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) ensures a high level of security throughout the corridor and the Counties’ Sheriff’s Offices patrol the trail.
FDOT’s Road Ranger Program is available to travelers on Toll Road 589.
The collective efforts of the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group ensure that trail operation and maintenance issues are handled in a consistent and uniform manner throughout the length of the 42-mile trail. The STAG is currently drafting Proposed Trail Connection Guidelines, which is included in Appendix A.
The STAG worked with Hernando County Government to obtain private funding for the US 98 Trailhead. The letter to Florida Crushed Stone, Inc. is included in Appendix B.
CAG members served on the Citizens’ Advisory Committees for Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process in Pasco County, resulting in the language supporting the Suncoast Scenic Parkway.
STAG is drafting a Trail Users Survey. The survey’s data collection is tentatively scheduled for fall, 2005.
Objective FLU 4.4.1 in the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments states, “To protect the identity and insure the long-term viability of the County’s many diverse communities and neighborhoods, the County shall support community level planning.” The Land O’Lakes Community Plan, submitted for inclusion in the amendment process, supports the designation of the Suncoast Parkway as a Florida Scenic Highway. The Land O’Lakes Community Plan is included in Appendix C.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” 85
511 Traveler Information Service covers approximately 750 miles of select roadways in Tampa Bay, including Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway/Toll 589. The 511 system is convenient, saving motorists time and money. The service is provided free of charge and it is a joint effort between the Federal Highway Administration, Florida Department of Transportation and Mobility Technologies; Traffic Pulse Division.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Action Plan 86
SUNCOAST SCENIC PARKWAY ACTION PLAN Administration and Coordination
No. Action Goals, Objectives, Responsibility Potential Funding Product Time and Strategies Sources and Frame Referenced Partners 1 CME Partnership 1 through 5 CAG HiC, HeC, PC, Implement 2005 agreements SWFWMD, Vol. CMP 2 Amend Counties’ 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3 CME HiC, HeC, PC, Vol. Comprehensive 2005-2006 Comprehensive Plan Plan to reflect Amendments Scenic Highway’s Vision, Goals and Strategies 3 Coordinate and 1.2 FTE FTE FSHP Signs 2005-2006 monitor signage standards 4 Identify and apply 1.1.4, 1.3.2, 1.3.4 CME, STAG FDOT, OGT, NSB, Enhanced/ 2005-2015 for grants and/or HiC, HeC, PC, preserved parternships SWFWMD Resources 5 Revise CMP and 1 through 5 CME Volunteers, FTE Annual CMP Ongoing Action Plan Review, annually Renewal, Update 6 Prepare Annual 1 through 5 CME Volunteers, FTE Annual Report Ongoing Report to FDOT 7 Prepare 5-year 1 through 5 CME Volunteers, FTE Five-year CMP 2010 CMP update Update 8 Work with 1.3.3 CME, STAG HiC, HeC, PC, FTE Trail ADG 2005-2010 adjacent property Trail owners to enhance Connectivity bike/ped Guidelines connectivity to neighborhood, multi-use trails in accordance with established trail guidelines 9 Maintain the 1.2 FTE FTE Suncoast Ongoing Parkway’s Parkway ADG aesthetic design guidelines 10 Maintain the 1.2 STAG HiC, HeC, PC, FTE Suncoast Trail Ongoing Trail’s aesthetic ADG design guidelines 11 Plan and coordi- 1.1.4, 1.3.4 STAG HiC, HeC, PC, FTE, Annual or Bi- 2005-2010 nate Suncoast 2.2.1 Community annual Bicycle Trail cycling events 3.1.1 Sponsors, Bicycle Event 4.2.2 shops, OGT, Bike 5.2.1 Florida, Charitable Organizations
87
SUNCOAST SCENIC PARKWAY ACTION PLAN Community Participation
No. Action Goals, Objectives, Responsibility Potential Funding Product Time and Strategies Sources and Frame Referenced Partners 1 Develop and 1.1.4 CME, FTE HiC, HeC, PC, FTE, Website and 2005-2010 Maintain a Visit Florida, FDOT Web Links Corridor Website 2 Create corridor 1.3.4 CME, STAG Chambers of Public Ongoing promotional and 3.1.2 Commerce, FTE, Education printed materials 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3 Visit Florida, Materials for distribution, 5.2.2 Community such as corridor volunteers, STAG, brochure, fact SWFWMD, FDOT sheet, news articles, trail maps and guides, Power Point 3 Create a CME 3.1.3 CME, STAG STAG, volunteers, Mail and E- Ongoing mail/contact list 4.1.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 Chambers of Mail with annual Commerce distribution updates list 4 Hold regularly- 3.1.3 CME HiC, HeC, PC, FTE, Public Ongoing scheduled 4.2.2 SWFWMD Involvement advertised public 5.1.1 Opportunities meetings 5 Promote the 1.2 STAG STAG, FTE, Local Public Ongoing corridor’s logo Tourism Offices Awareness 6 Participate in 1.1.4 CME Volunteers Public Ongoing community 3.1.3 Involvement promotional events 5.2.1, 5.2.2 and activities 7 Promote Suncoast 1.1.2, 1.1.3 CME, STAG STAG, Bicycle Public Ongoing Trail Advisory 2.2.1 Shops, Charitable Involvement Group’s 3.1.1 Organizations, OGT, Community Bike Florida Participation Program, including Adopt-A-Trail, Trail Mile-marker Program, Trail Shelter Program, and other trail ambassador programs. 8 Provide & main- 1.3.2 STAG, HiC, STAG, HiC, HeC, Public Ongoing tain Informational 3.1.2 HeC, PC, PC, SWFWMD Education Kiosks 5.2.1, 5.2.2 SWFWMD Public Safety 9 Informational 2.2.2 CME Volunteers, STAG Public Ongoing Presentations to 3.1.3 Involvement Community Groups, Schools SUNCOAST SCENIC PARKWAY ACTION PLAN 88 Community Participation
No. Action Goals, Objectives, Responsibility Potential Funding Product Time and Strategies Sources and Frame Referenced Partners 10 Annual Customer 2.1 FTE FTE Public 2005-2015 Service Survey by 3.2.1 Involvement Florida’s Turnpike 4.11 Enterprise 11 Prepare and 2.2.1, 2.2.2 STAG STAG Public 2005-2010 conduct Suncoast 3.1.3, 3.2.2 Involvement Trail-cyclists’ Public Safety Survey
Action Plan Abbreviations ADG Aesthetic Design Guidelines CAG Corridor Advocacy Group CME Corridor Management Entity CMP Corridor Management Plan CPP Community Participation Plan FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FSHP Florida Scenic Highways Program FTE Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise GOS Goals, Objectives, Strategies HiC Hillsborough County HeC Hernando County LOI Letter of Intent MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization NSB National Scenic Byway OGT FDEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails PC Pasco County SHAC Scenic Highway Advisory Committee STAG Suncoast Trail Advisory Group SWFWMD Southwest Florida Water Management District VF Visit Florida
89
SUNCOAST SCENIC PARKWAY ACTION PLAN Corridor Enhancements
No. Action Goals, Objectives, Responsibility Potential Funding Product Time and Strategies Sources and Frame Referenced Partners 1 Place scenic 1 through 5 FTE, CME FTE Florida Scenic 2005- highway signs Highway Signs 2006 2 Maintain and 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.2, HiC, HeC, PC, HiC, HeC, PC FTE, 42 Mile Multi-Use Ongoing operate the 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4 FTE FDOT, OGT Trail, Preserved Suncoast Trail 2.2 and Enhanced Recreational Resources 3 Maintain 1.1.3, 1.1.4 SWFWMD SWFWMD, FDOT, Preserved and Ongoing Serenova and Enhanced Anclote River Viewshed, Ranch properties Preserved and Enhanced Natural, Recreational Resources 4 Maintain and 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.3.2 HiC, HeC, PC HiC, HeC, PC Preserve and Ongoing operate 3.1.2 Enhance Public recreational public 4.1.2, 4.1.3, Parks within the parks 5.2.2 Corridor 5 Promote roadway 1.1.1, 2.1.1 FTE, FDOT, FTE, FDOT, FHP Suncoast Ongoing safety for 4.1.1 FHP, CME Parkway/Toll Road motorists 589 6 Promote trail 2.1.2, 2.2.1 HiC, HeC, PC, HiC, HeC, PC, FTE, Suncoast Trail Ongoing safety 3.1.2, 3.2.2 Local Sheriff’s FHP, Local Sheriff’s Safety Offices, CME Offices Improvements 7 Support 1.1.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.4 FTE FTE, HiC Additional 2005- construction of 2.2.2 Roadway/Trail 2015 the Suncoast 3.1.2 Access Parkway’s Future 5.2.2 Interchange at Lutz Lake Fern Road 8 Relocate the Trail- 1.1.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.4 HiC HeC Trail Enhance- 2005- head at Lutz Lake 2.2.2 ment, Trail 2010 Fern Road and 3.1.2, 3.1.3 Connectivity to Future Suncoast 4.1.3 Upper Tampa Bay Trail Connection 5.2.2 Trail to Upper Tampa Bay Trail 9 Maintain the 1.1, 1.2, 1.1.4, 1.3.4 CME, HiC, HiC, HeC, FTE, Preserved and Ongoing corridor’s native 3.1.2 HeC, FTE FDOT Enchanced plants 4.1.3, 5.1.1, 5.2 Viewshed 10 Support the West 1.1.2, 1.3.1, 1.3.2 HiC, HeC, PC, HiC, HeC, PC, Regional Multi- 2005- Central Florida’s 2.2.1 FDOT FDOT Use Trails 2015 CCC Regional Network Trails Network & Planned Trail Connections as shown on the Regional Multi- Use Trails Map 90 11 Maintain Scenic 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.4 FTE, FTE, Public/Private Preserved and Ongoing Viewing Areas 5.1.1 Volunteers Partnerships Enhanced Viewshed References Cited 91 References Cited
References Cited
Federal Highway Administration, Administrative Action Final Environmental Impact Statement, Suncoast Parkway Project 1, 1994.
Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Suncoast Parkway Aesthetic Design Guidelines, 1993.
Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Suncoast Parkway Trail Design Guidelines, 1995
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Tentative Work Program FY 2003/4 – 2007/8, 2004
Hernando County, “Future Land Use Map,” n.d.
Hernando County, Evaluation and Appraisal Report (Draft), 2004.
Hillsborough County, “Future Land Use Element,” n.d.,
Pasco County, Historic Resources Survey of Central Pasco County (Draft), Janus Research, 2003.
———, Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report (Initial Draft), 2004.
———, Pasco County Evaluation and Appraisal Report Executive Summary, 2004.
Pasco Economic Development Council, “About Pasco County,” n.d.,
Pasco Environmental Lands Acquisition Task Force, Environmental Lands Acquisition Task Force Summary Report, 2003.
Southwest Florida Water Management District, A plan for the Use and Management of the Starkey Tract, 1990.
———, Plan for the Use and Management of the Starkey Addition, 1998.
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Community Guide to Planning & Managing a Scenic Byway, n.d.
Suncoast Scenic Parkway: “Gateway to the Nature Coast” Appendices