St. Petersburg Earns Trail Town Designation

St. Petersburg joined 22 other Florida cities to receive Trail Town status from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails. Officials marked the achievement at a Jan. 15 council meeting.

The program began in 2018 to recognize communities with significant trail investments. Mayor Ken Welch praised the achievement, according to the St. Pete Catalyst, stating it reflects "what we've known all along – St. Pete is a vibrant community where residents and visitors can enjoy our thoughtfully-designed trails, active transportation, arts and culture community and local businesses."

Cheryl Stacks, transportation and parking manager, explained to council members that the status would create opportunities to collaborate with FDEP and other recipients. She wants to grow eco-tourism. Stacks mentioned that "this could assist us in several grant pursuits, especially at the state level."

The city started pursuing recognition for its Pinellas Trail investments last year. This three-mile stretch passes through the Warehouse Arts, EDGE, Central Arts and Waterfront Arts Districts.

FDEP staff visited the trail with stakeholders in late November. After a Dec. 17 presentation, the Florida Greenways and Trails Council gave unanimous approval.

"We honed in on identifying arts districts, because there really is this kind of symbiotic relationship that exists between the arts and the trails," Stacks said.

The old rail corridor cuts through the Warehouse Arts District. It extends east toward the downtown waterfront and Demens Landing, where the state's Coast-to-Coast and Florida Gulf Coast Trails end.

Sunline Coalition requested the Trail Town status on behalf of the city. This nonprofit works to improve connectivity. "At Sunline, we believe the trail is more than a path – it's a place," said Chairperson Tara Hubbard.

Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. believes the designation will help small and minority-owned businesses. "I think about the economic benefits," he said. "I think about the health and wellness benefits, and then also the transportation benefits."

The state will provide Trail Town visitor "passports," signs and stickers. The next Florida Greenways and Trails Council meeting happens in April.