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The Legacy Connection
September 2022

 

North Port Connector Opening
Friends of The Legacy Trail is looking forward to the grand opening of the Legacy Trail North Port Connector on September 9. The completion of this trail marks the end of Sarasota County's construction work on extending the Legacy Trail to downtown Sarasota and creating the connector to North Port. One can now ride from North Port all the way to downtown Sarasota, making this lengthy route a dynamic contribution to the region's overall trail system.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 1045 Calera Street in North Port, at the entrance to Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. The tree-lined trail offers a rare opportunity for riders, joggers, walkers, and others to enjoy some of the finest natural areas in Florida. Parking is available on-site, but we're hoping people show up on their bikes to celebrate and christen the trail. The grand opening will also be livestreamed on the county's Facebook page. More information below.
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Pompano Trailhead Now Open
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies on July 8 officially opened the new Pompano Trailhead on the Legacy Trail. The new trailhead is located near the north end of the Legacy Trail (see map) and provides much needed parking and other amenities. It also includes 12 new lighted pickleball courts. Thank you business member Brett Koppes for this great video of the new park and trailhead.


From the President

By Louis Kosiba
President
Friends of The Legacy Trail

Support the Sarasota County One-Percent Sales Tax

Since 1989, Sarasota County has levied a one-percent sales tax, which can be used only for local infrastructure improvements. Seventy-five percent is allocated to the county and its municipalities (Longboat Key, North Port, Sarasota, Venice). Twenty-five percent is allocated to Sarasota County schools. This sales tax has a sunset provision, meaning it will expire on December 31, 2024, unless it is renewed for 15 years. (It was extended twice before.) On the November 8 general election ballot, Sarasota County voters will be asked whether this tax should be continued.

As required by state law, proposed uses of the sales tax monies must be identified in advance of a vote. Sarasota County is earmarking nearly $80 million for its parks and recreation system, including funds for a Nathan Benderson Park connector trail, a bicycle and pedestrian improvement program, a safe routes to schools program, and a Legacy Trail connectivity program. The City of North Port is committing money for a Legacy Trail Connector trailhead and Warm Mineral Springs improvements, such as trails, bridges, and picnic shelters. The City of Sarasota will use the funds for the Bobby Jones Nature Park and a potential "North Legacy Trail." All of these governmental bodies receiving revenue have plans to improve parks and/or streets and sidewalks.

At its meeting on July 11, the Friends of The Legacy Trail Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution supporting continuance of the sales tax. That resolution states, in part, that because these projects would directly benefit the Legacy Trail and its connectors, and enhance destinations our membership would utilize and enjoy, the Board supports the one percent sales tax.

If you are a Sarasota County voter, please consider the merits of the one-percent sales tax extension and vote accordingly on November 8. Thank you.

Annual Tour de North Port 
The 12th Annual Tour de North Port
“It’s the Green Pumpkin!”
Sponsored by People for Trees 

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Registration is now open for this fun, organized, on-road scenic bicycle ride with routes of 15, 35, or 65 miles that travel through some of North Port’s most beautiful natural settings, featuring the Florida pine flatwoods and the parks that border Myakkahatchee Creek, with each route having its own color-coded road markings. Tour de North Port is not a race.

The event includes breakfast, a catered lunch, delicious desserts (including not-to-be-missed homemade pies), fully-stocked rest stops with homemade snacks, and full mobile support-and-gear (SAG) vehicles. Pre-registration online by October 21 is $50, day-of is $55. Groups of six or more, $45 each. 

The first 400 to register will receive a free ride t-shirt and goodie bag. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. for check-in and breakfast, with group starts beginning at 8:00 a.m. from Imagine School, 2757 Sycamore St., North Port. Early pick-up for registration packet/t-shirt and check-in available on Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., during the Taste of North Port Food & Fall Fest at the City Center Green (4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port). In-person registrations will also be accepted during this time, for $50. For online registration and more information, go here or visit People for Trees, or contact Alice White, (941) 468-2486, treelady12001@yahoo.com.

Proceeds benefit the efforts of People for Trees, a local nonprofit native tree advocacy group, educating the public about the importance of maintaining and protecting our native tree canopy since 1997.

Friends of The Legacy Trail will have an information table at the event.

(Photo by Matt Houston/Sarasota Herald-Tribune)


Seeing Something Dangerous or Illegal Happening on the Legacy Trail? 

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has been wonderfully responsive to recent calls regarding Legacy Trail safety and security issues. (Motorcycles and golf carts are not allowed on the trail.)

Add These Numbers to Your Contacts
Non-emergency: (941) 316-1201
Emergency: 911
General Information / Inquiries: (941) 861-5800
To speak with a deputy and make a report over the phone between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.: (941) 861-4260

Thank you Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Thanks especially to Deputy Cathy Duff for keeping Friends of The Legacy Trail informed.

Florida Gulf Coast Trail
As we've mentioned in previous newsletters, former Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines is now the Florida Gulf Coast Trail (FGCT) program director at the Trust for Public Land (TPL). Both Hines and TPL were involved in the campaign to create the Legacy Trail Extension and North Port Connector. Hines is currently focusing on the development of the FGCT that will run from St. Petersburg/Tampa to Naples (see a portion of the proposed routes in the map below).

Hines reports that he is seeking support from the public and local businesses to help build the momentum for the Florida Gulf Coast Trail. TPL has had success in other parts of the country when passionate individuals and grassroots efforts are involved with large-scale projects such as the FGCT. This helps build greater public enthusiasm and encourages local, state, and federal officials and agencies to get involved and help make the FGCT happen. Please feel free to reach out to Charles Hines directly (charles.hines@tpl.org) if you'd like to get involved.

Stay tuned for updates on the potential for this exciting regional trails system.

T-Shirts Now Available Online
Our popular Friends of The Legacy Trail t-shirts are now available for sale online during the summer months (when we're not at our information table on the Legacy Trail).

All shirts are 100 percent polyester, breathable, moisture-managing interlock fabric with a UV protection/UPF 50+ and will not shrink when washed.
 
The women’s v-neck t-shirts are available in safety yellow, dark raspberry, and light aqua in either short-sleeve or long-sleeve. They are slightly fitted, run true to size, and are available in sizes small – 2XL.
 
The men’s shirts have a crew neckline and are available in safety yellow and neon green. The crew-neck shirts have a more relaxed cut. They run true to size and are also available in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve. Most colors are available in sizes small – 2XL.
 
Please note: Due to supply chain limitations, some colors and styles may not be available. Buy your t-shirt here.
This has been a summer of milestones!

On July 8, we opened our long-awaited Pompano Trailhead. This trailside park features 12 lighted pickleball courts, restrooms, a half basketball court, a playground, a pavilion, a small community building, and an opportunity for mobile vending. 

In just a few days we will celebrate the grand opening of the North Port Connector — the final leg of our "race to completion!" This paved Legacy Trail–like experience will provide North Port residents the opportunity to connect to all that Sarasota County has to offer. We can't wait!

In other news, by the time you read this email, you should start to see the original wayfinding signs on the Legacy Trail disappear, and our newly-branded wayfinding signs get installed.

UPCOMING TRAIL CLOSURE
We have tentatively scheduled our annual sidearm mowing for September 19-30. Due to the scope of work, the trail will be closed in the area where the sidearm mower is working. This will help us get the work done faster. There will be very intermittent openings that users can wait for, or they will need to reroute. During the active work dates, we will send out daily trail notices to update the tentative location of the work. Please plan your ride or commute accordingly. Sign up here for our Legacy Trail notices and to receive maintenance updates.
 Do You Park Here?
Please be courteous of local businesses and do not park in their parking lots to access the Legacy Trail. For parking, please consult the map below, which can be found in greater detail on FLT's website here.
Stay in the Know!
A reminder that Sarasota County has a designated web page for Legacy Trail updates. You can sign up to receive periodic email announcements about extension progress. Questions about the project can be sent to capitalprojectsmeeetings@scgov.net.

LIMITED:
Parking at Culverhouse Nature Park

Culverhouse Nature Park will be under construction for park improvements through the summer and will have very limited parking. Please utilize a different trailhead for parking. See below for additional Legacy Trail parking locations.

Ashton Trailhead: 4301 Ashton Road, Sarasota
Legacy Trail Access - McIntosh Road: 7905 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
Laurel Park: 509 Collins Road, Laurel
Nokomis Riverview Park: 251 Riverview Drive S., Nokomis
Nokomis Community Park: 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis
Legacy Park: 395 E. Venice Ave., Venice

CLOSED:
Osprey Junction Trailhead

Osprey Junction Trailhead will be under construction for park improvements until the fall and will be closed during this time. Please utilize a different trailhead for parking. See below for additional Legacy Trail parking locations.

Ashton Trailhead: 4301 Ashton Road, Sarasota
Legacy Trail Access - McIntosh Road: 7905 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
Laurel Park: 509 Collins Road, Laurel
Nokomis Riverview Park: 251 Riverview Drive S., Nokomis
Nokomis Community Park: 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis
Legacy Park: 395 E. Venice Ave., Venice
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Thank You to Our Business Members

New member. Jetty Tech is a new rental company in Nokomis with a fleet of high quality electric bikes. Located in the Palm Square Plaza adjacent to Albee Road. 
New member. Guinness, Irish cider, and American craft beers in a cozy bar with music and a red telephone booth, located just off the Legacy Trail on Ringling Boulevard.
Thank you for supporting our business members because they support us!

A complete list of business members and their business cards can be found
here. Businesses can join here.

Do You Want What We Want?
Consider Joining Us!
Your Membership Makes Us Stronger!
Just $15 for Individuals, $20 for Families.
Join Here.
Thank You.

Please note: This newsletter is in its off-season schedule. We are now running on a bi-monthly schedule until November (July, September, November).
 
📝 Stories from the Trail 📝

Friends of The Legacy Trail wants to hear from you!
Have a good trail story to tell? Want to share what the trail means to you? We will be running some of these stories in our upcoming newsletters. Submit your stories (200 words or less) to news@friendsofthelegacytrail.org.

A GREAT GIFT!
Get Your Own Square Foot on the Trail!
Donate to Our Square Foot Campaign!
Total Amount Raised to Date: $117,955
Total Donations to Date: 859 
THANK YOU!
All Donations Improve
the Legacy Trail and Its Connectors.

Copyright © 2022 Friends of The Legacy Trail. All rights reserved.
Friends of The Legacy Trail is a 501(c)(3). Our mission is to support, promote, enhance, and protect the Legacy Trail and its trail connectors, now and for future generations.

This newsletter is edited by Sharon Donovan.

Our mailing address is:
Friends of The Legacy Trail
P.O. Box 792
Osprey, FL 34229

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