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Friends of The Legacy Trail Board President Louis Kosiba was recently appointed to the Nathan Benderson Park Board of Directors where he will represent cycling interests. The cycling community is welcome to contact Louis with their ideas for this park. He can be reached at louiskosiba24@gmail.com.
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Safety Improvements at Legacy Trail Road Crossings
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Sarasota County has made a change to the HAWK signal light sequence at Legacy Trail road crossings that significantly improves safety at intersections using this type of signal. The change was recommended by Friends of The Legacy Trail and is supported by recommendations of the National Association of City Traffic Officials (NACTO).
Previously, vehicles were informed they could proceed cautiously with a flashing red light while trail users were still viewing a countdown of time remaining to cross the intersection. This was contrary to typical intersections, where countdown timers convey to pedestrians or cyclists that they have the right of way.
Based largely on recommendations and research by FLT, the county has now changed these signals to maintain the solid red indication for motorists to stop throughout the full countdown interval, as recommended by the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. With this change, these intersections become consistent with typical intersections, where pedestrians or cyclists have the right of way during the full countdown.
This change currently affects the crossings at Sawyer Loop Road, Proctor Road, and Webber Street. When the final segment of the trail opens on March 3, the signal at Bahia Vista Street will also include this modification. Crossing signals at Beneva Road and Tuttle Avenue will be standard red lights.
FLT thanks the Sarasota County commissioners and staff for following through with this recommendation. This change will make the Legacy Trail safer for all.
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Click on the image above to view a video about the changes to the HAWK signals. As with any new intersection, please use caution and take the time to familiarize yourself with the system.
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Be the First to Know What's Happening
Follow Us on Social Media!
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As we count down the days to the grand opening on March 3 of the third and final segment of the the Legacy Trail extension, it’s thrilling to think how far we’ve come. When I first started as a trail coordinator, I was a one-(wo)man show. I spent most of my time working on trail maintenance, coordinating volunteers, and managing contracts. We’ve seen so much change over the last five years.
The Legacy Trail not only has grown in length, it has grown in management, projects, funding, users, grants, access, amenities, and more.
When I would be out on the trail, I remember people stopping to chat and saying they just moved here from XYZ because of the trail. That always really surprised me. But now I get it. Not everywhere has a recreational trail, very close to the heart of town, spanning the entire county. The community has put a value on an amenity that truly enhances quality of life. An amenity that brings to light the value of health, alternative transportation, recreational opportunities, wildlife, education, and more.
How amazing that we all get to be a part of something so big. Be a part of something that has an effect on so many different people in our community.
Thank you for all of your work toward making Sarasota County, and the Legacy Trail, an amazing place to live, work, and play.
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CLOSED:
Registration for Tour de Parks Is Now Closed
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We have reached the maximum number of riders that we can accommodate at the Tour de Parks scheduled for March 20 and registration has been closed.
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CANCELED:
Moonlight Bicycle Ride on the Legacy Trail
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The moonlight ride that was scheduled to meet at the Osprey Junction Trailhead parking lot on March 18 has been canceled.
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LIMITED:
Parking at Culverhouse Nature Park
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Culverhouse Nature Park will be under construction for park improvements until 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
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CLOSED:
Osprey Junction Trailhead
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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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The seasonal Friends of The Legacy Trail information table is now open on most Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Located on the Legacy Trail at the Bay Street intersection, you'll find t-shirts and other merchandise for sale as well as information on trail development, FLT memberships, FLT's square foot campaign, and more. Stop by and see us!
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The Friends of The Legacy Trail t-shirts have a new look this season! Thanks to Mike Brod of Sarasota, the winner of our design contest, our new shirts feature a fun and creative design showcasing people running, biking, walking, and playing along a scenic trail. Our FLT logo is on the front of the shirts. We are hearing great feedback on our new color choices. Please note that our signature FLT bright yellow safety color will always remain available. All the women's and men's shirts are available in both a short and long sleeve style and are available for sale at our information table (see above) every Saturday morning (weather permitting). If there is a change, it will be posted on our social media sites. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
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Be the First to Know What's Happening
Follow Us on Social Media!
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Thank you to Our Business Members
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At first glance, he looked as though he was wearing a tall walking boot perched on the end of one foot. Perhaps a broken foot, atop a mass of duct tape. Yet here he was riding confidently on his e-trike on a sunny but cool February day along the Legacy Trail. We chatted. Richard explained he configured his e-trike to mitigate chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, an extremely painful condition caused by misfiring nerve endings. He pointed to his left foot in the boot. "Vibrations trigger intense pain. It’s worse on my left foot, so I wear a boot propped up on additional padding. I’ve also got padding under my right foot. I love riding on the trail in part because it has a very smooth surface," he said. He then proceeded to show me some wildlife pictures he’s taken along the trail. "I’m a nature photographer. I have an instagram account [backyard_birder_indiana] with my pics to showcase the beauty of birds and help raise money and awareness for CRPS research." He said he’s been riding the trail from Venice for many years. "I used to be a multi sport athlete. Not anymore," he said. "This really helps me keep a positive attitude about life. I LOVE riding on the trail with the sun and wind on your face." Best wishes, Richard, and thanks for sharing your journey and inspiring others.
— Story and photo by Roger Normand
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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.
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📝 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.
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A GREAT GIFT!
Get Your Own Square Foot on the Trail!
Donate to Our Square Foot Campaign!
Total Amount Raised to Date: $111,135
Total Donations to Date: 821
THANK YOU!
All Donations Improve
the Legacy Trail North Extension.
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