Elected officials from Pasco County and from municipalities on the county’s east side met in a joint session earlier this month to discuss projects within their individual jurisdictions and to talk about topics of mutual interest.
The future path of the Orange Belt Trail was a topic of considerable conversation.
Pasco officials have been talking about creating a recreational trail from Trinity to Trilby, linking communities such as Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Dade City along the way.
The recreational trail will mostly follow the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor, but not precisely.
The trail is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, but also could incorporate sections intended for equestrian use.
Sam Beneck is leading the planning efforts for Pasco County.
He told those gathered at the joint session: “On the Orange Belt Trail, we are underway with our public outreach portion. We’ve been getting really strong response from folks, moving that PD&E (project development and environment) study forward.
“We expect that we’ll have another public meeting here, late spring, early summer. We’ll show alternatives that have been developed, based on that public involvement, and then by about this time next year, we would bring a completed study to the board, with the conclusions and that alignment.
“We do have a couple of segments that are progressing independent of the study, such as along Trinity Boulevard, where there’s no controversy, no acquisition necessary and where the county really needs to have a pedestrian facility.
“We’re also underway with the Withlacoochee State Connector Trail. There’s a segment that aligns with Morningside. We’re also using Coastal Design to connect the pieces there, so that can be ready to go when that roadway project is built and the north segment is under design with Florida Design Consultants, not quite ready to turn that over to right-of-way acquisition. “We’re still trying to minimize our impacts. We only have, maybe, three landowners we would impact, and as little impact as possible would help expedite that project. We know that’s another one that’s been a long time in process.”
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that the alignment of the Orange Belt Trail, on the east side of Interstate 75, is more complicated than it is on the west side of I-75.
“I know there was some angst at one of our kickoff meetings of what that alignment might look like,” Starkey said.
She continued: “When I put on the state map about 15 years ago, when I was on the State Greenways and Trails Council, we just pinged the abandoned railroad corridor line. And I know that some of that property has since been sold. So, we just want to make sure that people on the east side know that it’s not a literal line, but the goal is, once we get across (I-) 75, to make sure it finds its way to the Withlacoochee State Trail.”
Starkey continued: “But we’re not going to be coming over anyone’s house or driveway or anything like that. It’ll be more of a challenge, once we get to the east side, to figure that route out, but it’s not the intent to be condemning anyone’s property. But the goal is to get it to the Withlacoochee State Trail, in the best way possible.”
Beyond the sheer recreational value, the trail also could open the door to some economic opportunities, Starkey added.
“It will greatly benefit your restaurants and shops and communities, similar to what the (Pinellas) trail did for Dunedin,” she said.
So, if the trail doesn’t come directly to a downtown area, the county and city could work together to develop a spur, she suggested.
Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano noted that he visited the Boulder, Colorado area, where he saw a remarkable trail system.
“It’s driven their whole economy,” he said.
He also noted the success of the Pinellas Trail.
He said his mother used to live in Dunedin and he took her to lunch at a restaurant near the trail.
“I can’t tell you how many bikers would stop, sit have lunch,” Mariano said.
To help facilitate small business opportunities and encourage amenities for trail users, Starkey said Pasco is looking to develop an overlay zoning district along the trail. It would allow certain kind of businesses to easily locate within its confines.
“Coffee shops. Ice cream shops. Small mom-and-pop entrepreneurial opportunities that trail users would enjoy. It’s a great opportunity for small business.
“I know our family opened up a little market and coffee shop in a barn, along the Starkey Trail — Starkey Gap Trail. We get trail-riders in from all around the country, into our place.
“The other day we had folks from the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a whole group of them, come in on their bikes. They were all in from Tallahassee,” Starkey said.
“We suggest that you guys think of that, when it comes through your town,” Starkey added.
Vincent D’ Ambrosio, the mayor of St. Leo, said “We appreciate the county and the county commissioners for your efforts to bring trails and pathways to St. Leo community.
“Regarding the Orange Belt Trail, we are aware that the old railroad bed now routes through established private property. We’d be happy to assist with educational efforts and offer feedback about any alternative routes.
“If the trail ends up being routed along the existing State Road 52, we feel that would be a great tie-in with that, and with the Town of St. Leo.
“In other words, we support the trail coming through St. Leo and we’re happy to work with you on that trail,” he said.
Starkey said that even if the Orange Belt Trail didn’t go directly into St. Leo, efforts can be made to establish a spur to make a connection.
Timing for the Orange Belt Trail project will depend upon available funding, through grants and other sources. Those interested in learning more can visit OrangeBeltTrail.com.
Published February 15, 2023
