Pinellas Trail
Encyclopedia
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a pathway in Pinellas County
in the U.S. state
of Florida
. It stretches from Tarpon Springs
in the north to St. Petersburg
in the south, passing through the towns of Crystal Beach, Palm Harbor
, Dunedin
, Clearwater
, Largo
, Seminole
, Bay Pines
, South Pasadena
and Gulfport
. It is generally used for exercise and leisure
(such as walking
, jogging
, cycling
and inline skating
), but can also be used as an alternative to driving. Motor vehicles, other than wheelchairs are prohibited on the trail. The distance of the main trail currently covers 37 miles (59.5 km).
The Pinellas Trail was named in honor of Fred Marquis, former Pinellas County Administrator who served from 1979 until 2000. An average of 90,000 people use the Trail each month.
or jogging. At the same time, Pinellas County officials had the problem of what to do with a 34 mile (55 km) corridor of abandoned CSX Transportation
right-of-way. The Seaboard Air Line and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroads both served St. Petersburg and Clearwater. When they both merged into the CSX, CSX Transportation combined the best of the former rail routes to keep as a rail line and the remainder was abandoned. The Pinellas Trail is composed of the following railroad segments: former Seaboard Air Line to the east of Tarpon Springs, the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
which ran from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater. At Clearwater, the Trail used the former Seaboard Air Line through the western suburbs and into St. Petersburg. Recently, some former Seaboard Air Line track in an industrial area of western downtown St. Petersburg had been decommissioned by CSX Transportation
and converted to an eastward extension of the Pinellas Trail to downtown St. Petersburg.
On December 1, 1990, the first five mile (8 km) stretch of the trail opened linking Taylor Park in Largo to Seminole Park in Seminole. The trail’s popularity exceeded all expectations, and with the passage of the first Penny for Pinellas one-cent local option sales tax
, plans were made to connect the rest of the county. There are discussions about connecting the Pinellas Trail to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail
using former Seaboard Air Line track to northwest Tampa
through Cosme, Citrus Park, Odessa
and Tarpon Springs
In 2003, the trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail
in the National Trails System
by United States Department of Interior, National Park Service
.
The East Lake Road fragment is slated to be connected to the trail's northern terminus located along Keystone Road's northern side, approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) west of East Lake Road. Also slated for the East Lake Road section of the Pinellas Trail is to have it extend further southward passing near the Countryside/Westfield Mall. There are two new overpasses for crossing U.S. Highway 19. One is just south of Countryside/Westfield Mall, in the Enterprise Road area, and the other is on the north side of Gibbs High School property.
Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. It stretches from Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 21,003 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 estimates, the city had a population of 22,554....
in the north to St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...
in the south, passing through the towns of Crystal Beach, Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor, Florida
Palm Harbor is a census-designated place and an unincorporated community in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 59,248.-Culture:...
, Dunedin
Dunedin, Florida
Dunedin is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The population was 35,691 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 36,632...
, Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. In the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and in the east lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of...
, Largo
Largo, Florida
Largo is the third largest city in Pinellas County, Florida, USA and is part of the Tampa Bay Area. Centrally located, it is the crossroads of the county. As of the 2000 census, the City had a total population of 69,371. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau was...
, Seminole
Seminole, Florida
Seminole is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,890 at the 2000 census. As of 2007, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 19,195. St. Petersburg College has a campus in the city.-Geography:...
, Bay Pines
Bay Pines, Florida
Bay Pines is a census-designated place in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,065 at the 2000 census. The community is home to Bay Pines Veterans Hospital and Bay Pines National Cemetery.-Geography:...
, South Pasadena
South Pasadena, Florida
South Pasadena is a city located in southern Pinellas County, Florida, near St. Petersburg. The population was 5,778 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 5,745 .-Geography:...
and Gulfport
Gulfport, Florida
Gulfport is a city in Pinellas County, Florida and a suburb of St. Petersburg. The population of Gulfport was 12,527 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau was 12,740. Gulfport is part of the Tampa-St...
. It is generally used for exercise and leisure
Leisure
Leisure, or free time, is time spent away from business, work, and domestic chores. It is also the periods of time before or after necessary activities such as eating, sleeping and, where it is compulsory, education....
(such as walking
Walking
Walking is one of the main gaits of locomotion among legged animals, and is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step...
, jogging
Jogging
Jogging is a form of trotting or running at a slow or leisurely pace. The main intention is to increase fitness with less stress on the body than from faster running.-Definition:...
, cycling
Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...
and inline skating
Inline skating
Inline skating is a recreational sport practiced widely internationally. Inline skates typically have 2 to 5 polyurethane wheels, arranged in a single line. The in-line design allows for greater speed than roller skates and better maneuverability...
), but can also be used as an alternative to driving. Motor vehicles, other than wheelchairs are prohibited on the trail. The distance of the main trail currently covers 37 miles (59.5 km).
The Pinellas Trail was named in honor of Fred Marquis, former Pinellas County Administrator who served from 1979 until 2000. An average of 90,000 people use the Trail each month.
History
In 1983, a man whose son was killed while riding his bike helped form the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organizations Bicycle Advisory Committee. This committee, in conjunction with the Pedestrian Safety Committee, wanted a safe place to enjoy cycling, hikingHiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
or jogging. At the same time, Pinellas County officials had the problem of what to do with a 34 mile (55 km) corridor of abandoned CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
right-of-way. The Seaboard Air Line and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroads both served St. Petersburg and Clearwater. When they both merged into the CSX, CSX Transportation combined the best of the former rail routes to keep as a rail line and the remainder was abandoned. The Pinellas Trail is composed of the following railroad segments: former Seaboard Air Line to the east of Tarpon Springs, the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was an American railroad that existed between 1900 and 1967, when it merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, its long-time rival, to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad...
which ran from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater. At Clearwater, the Trail used the former Seaboard Air Line through the western suburbs and into St. Petersburg. Recently, some former Seaboard Air Line track in an industrial area of western downtown St. Petersburg had been decommissioned by CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
and converted to an eastward extension of the Pinellas Trail to downtown St. Petersburg.
On December 1, 1990, the first five mile (8 km) stretch of the trail opened linking Taylor Park in Largo to Seminole Park in Seminole. The trail’s popularity exceeded all expectations, and with the passage of the first Penny for Pinellas one-cent local option sales tax
Sales tax
A sales tax is a tax, usually paid by the consumer at the point of purchase, itemized separately from the base price, for certain goods and services. The tax amount is usually calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable price of a sale....
, plans were made to connect the rest of the county. There are discussions about connecting the Pinellas Trail to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is a paved multi-use, non-motorized, rail trail located in northwest Hillsborough County, Florida.The trail currently starts at Old Memorial Highway and heads north along the Channel A canal. It crosses underneath both a Linebaugh Avenue bridge and CSX railroad tracks then...
using former Seaboard Air Line track to northwest Tampa
Tâmpa
Tâmpa may refer to several villages in Romania:* Tâmpa, a village in Băcia Commune, Hunedoara County* Tâmpa, a village in Miercurea Nirajului, Mureş County* Tâmpa, a mountain in Braşov city...
through Cosme, Citrus Park, Odessa
Odessa, Florida
Odessa is a census-designated place in both Hillsborough County, Florida, and Pasco County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,173 at the 2000 census.- History :...
and Tarpon Springs
In 2003, the trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail
National Recreation Trail
National Recreation Trail is a designation given to existing trails that contribute to health, conservation, and recreation goals in the United States. Over 1,000 trails in all 50 U.S. states, available for public use and ranging from less than a mile to in length, have been designated as NRTs...
in the National Trails System
National Trails System
The National Trails System was created by the National Trails System Act The Act created a series of National trails "to promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation." Specifically,...
by United States Department of Interior, National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
.
Timeline
- 1888 The Orange Belt Railway arrives in St. Petersburg.
- 1910 The Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad arrives in Tarpon Springs.
- 1914 The Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad arrives in St. Petersburg.
- 1983 Railroad right-of-way purchased by Florida Department of TransportationFlorida Department of TransportationThe Florida Department of Transportation is a decentralized agency charged with the establishment, maintenance, and regulation of public transportation in the state of Florida. The department was formed in 1969. It absorbed the powers of the Florida State Road Department...
. - 1984 Pinellas Bicycle Advisory Committee proposes using the right-of-way as a bike route.
- 1988 Pinellas Trails Inc. forms, expands the idea to a linear parkLinear parkA linear park is a park that is much longer than wide. It is often formed as a part of a rails-to-trails conversion of railroad beds to rail trail recreational use...
and promotes public support. - 1989 The Pinellas Trail Project is approved by the Board of County Commissioners and they allocate $1.5 million to build a 15 mile (24 km) segment. County voters approve the Penney-for-Pinellas sales tax referendum with funding to complete 35 miles (56 km) of trail.
- 1990 Two Trail preview sites are built near Seminole City Park and at Curlew Road and Alt. 19 in Dunedin. Five miles (8 km) of the Pinellas Trail from Taylor Park to Seminole City Park are completed on December 1.
- 1991 The first Trail overpass opens over Ulmerton Road, Largo.
- 1992 Trail from Taylor Park to Ozona opens. The West Bay Drive overpass in Largo is completed.
- 1993 Trail from Seminole City Park to St. Petersburg opens. The Trail overpass at Orange Street and Alt. U.S. 19 opens.
- 1994 St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs sections of the Trail open.
- 1996 Park Boulevard overpass opens in Seminole.
- 1997 Seminole Boulevard and 113th overpasses in Seminole open. The downtown Clearwater section opens and construction on the Cross Bayou Bridge begins.
- 1999 The Friendship Trail Bridge (old Gandy BridgeGandy BridgeGandy Bridge is the southernmost bridge spanning Old Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg, Florida to Tampa, Florida. Almost three miles long, it is one of three bridges connecting Hillsborough County and Pinellas County; the others being the Howard Frankland Bridge and the Courtney Campbell...
) linking Pinellas County and Hillsborough CountyHillsborough County, FloridaAs of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
opens. - 2000 Cross Bayou Bridge opens in Seminole.
- 2001 Park Street overpass near Tyrone Boulevard opens.
- 2002 Central Avenue, 1st Avenue South and Pasadena Avenue overpass opens.
- 2003 Pinellas Trail designated as a National Recreation Trail in the National Trails System by United States Department of Interior, National Park Service.
- 2008 Pinellas Trail extends to Demens Landing Park in St. Petersburg from former southern terminus at 34th Street South at the north side of Gibbs High School.
- 2009 34 St S (US 19) overpass under construction which will connect recently opened segment from former southern terminus to Demens Landing; scheduled completion in 2010. An overpass presently located to the south at Gibbs High School is scheduled to be demolished as soon as the Pinellas Trail overpass over 34 St S is completed.
Trail terminal points
- Southern Terminus: The 2008 trail extension now allows riders to continue along the north side of Gibbs High School, through the industrial neighborhoods west of downtown Saint Petersburg, before passing next to both Tropicana FieldTropicana FieldTropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...
(home to Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
)and Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field (the former Rays' Spring Training site). Between the ballfields the trail threads itself through downtown St. Petersburg via a specially allocated and protected part of 1st Avenue South.
- Northern Terminus: Many users of this trail turn around at the east side of the U.S. 19U.S. Route 19 in FloridaU.S. Route 19 in Florida runs along Florida's west coast from an interchange with U.S. Route 41 in Memphis, Florida, south of Tampa, and continues to the Georgia border north of Monticello, Florida....
tunnel, believing that this is the northern end of the trail. It is not. The trail extends southward next to U.S. 19 for a short distance before turning east, bordering the Tarpon Glen Motor Home Park. The trail turns south on North Jasmine Avenue and then east on Melon Street before terminating at Keystone Road.
- East Lake Road Section: There is a seemingly forgotten section of the trail found along East Lake Road. With a southern terminus located at John Chesnut Sr. Park in Palm Harbor it extends northward to Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs.
- Elfers Spur: The Elfers Spur of the Pinellas Trail opened on June 15, 2004. Extending for 0.75 miles (1.2 km) and crossing the Anclote RiverAnclote RiverThe Anclote River, running for near Tarpon Springs, Florida flows westward towards the Gulf of Mexico from its source of creeks and springs inland. The river is home to a variety of fish and wildlife. Anclote River is home to the sponging and fishing industries of Tarpon Springs...
, it connects the mainline trail in Tarpon Springs to the North Anclote River Nature Park.
- Progress Energy Extension: Currently under construction, the Progress Energy Extension of the Pinellas Trail will extend for 20.6 miles (33.2 km) to connect the existing trail with the Friendship Trail and Gandy BridgeGandy BridgeGandy Bridge is the southernmost bridge spanning Old Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg, Florida to Tampa, Florida. Almost three miles long, it is one of three bridges connecting Hillsborough County and Pinellas County; the others being the Howard Frankland Bridge and the Courtney Campbell...
.
- Downtown Extension: The Downtown Extension of the Pinellas Trail opened on 12 July 2008. Extending for 2.1 miles (3.4 km), it routes from 34th Street to the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg.
- Future Extensions: The Pinellas Trail is planned to have extensions connecting its East Lake Road segment to the current northern terminus, as well as an extension along the Pinellas BaywayPinellas BaywayThe Pinellas Bayway System is a series of bridges on two Florida State Roads in Pinellas County, Florida. It is a toll road complex maintained and operated by the Florida Department of Transportation. It also is compatible with the SunPass ETC system currently in used on all other FDOT-owned toll...
to Fort De Soto ParkFort De Soto ParkFort De Soto Park is located just outside the city of St. Petersburg, Florida. This park, operated by Pinellas County, is made up from five offshore keys, or islands lying to the city's south-southwest: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and the main island, Mullet...
.
Future
When completed this unique linear park will convert approximately 47 miles (76 km) of unused railroad easement and other rights-of-way into a trail for runners, bicyclists, walkers, skaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.The East Lake Road fragment is slated to be connected to the trail's northern terminus located along Keystone Road's northern side, approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) west of East Lake Road. Also slated for the East Lake Road section of the Pinellas Trail is to have it extend further southward passing near the Countryside/Westfield Mall. There are two new overpasses for crossing U.S. Highway 19. One is just south of Countryside/Westfield Mall, in the Enterprise Road area, and the other is on the north side of Gibbs High School property.
Grade separations
The trail currently has 9 bridges: (From north to south)- Alternate U.S. 19U.S. Route 19 Alternate (St. Petersburg, Florida)Alternate U.S. Route 19 is the former section of U.S. Route 19 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Holiday.Beginning at the intersection of 4th Street N Alternate U.S. Route 19 is the former section of U.S. Route 19 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Holiday.Beginning at the intersection of 4th Street N...
(just north of Curlew Road). - West Bay Drive (between mile markers 15 & 16).
- Ulmerton Road (just north of mile marker 14).
- 78th Avenue North/Park Boulevard (between m.m. 10 & 11).
- 113th Street (just south of m.m. 10)
- Seminole Boulevard (nearly at m.m. 9).
- Park Street
- 38th Avenue North (#7 & #8 both framing the Lighthouse Shopping Center Wal-MartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
).
- Central Avenue/1st Avenue South/Pasadena Avenue (a very long, relaxed "L" shaped bridge).