FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 13, 2017
Governor
and Cabinet Approve Acquisition to Expand Scenic Central Florida Trail
~Land purchase will link existing sections of the Shingle Creek Regional
Trail~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet approved the
acquisition of a 1.3-mile connection to the Shingle Creek Regional Trail (SCRT).
The 35.2-acre parcel will join two distinct segments of the SCRT and will
provide greater recreational access to the picturesque Shingle Creek Watershed
and Lake Tohopekaliga.
"Strategic acquisitions like
this one are
vital to making a
positive impact on communities while preserving our natural resources," said
DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "The department is looking forward to partnering with local communities to expand our trail connections
to allow even more Floridians and
visitors to enjoy Florida’s beautiful natural landscapes through our nationally
renowned system of trails."
The
SCRT offers numerous ecotourism opportunities to the public, supporting hiking,
cycling and wildlife observation over wetlands, through orange groves and along
waterways. Once the two segments are joined, the SCRT will provide a more than 30-mile connection between the metropolitan areas of Orlando and Kissimmee while offering access to the surrounding ecosystems.The SCRT is one of only two
trails in Florida that have been recognized nationally by the
Department of the Interior through the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative
that supports enhancements of urban parks and green spaces.
Mayor Jose Alvarez, City of Kissimmee, said: “Creating passive recreational spaces, while also
preserving Florida’s natural resources, is an important element for emerging cities across the nation. The approval for the acquisition of additional land
by Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet not only helps expand the SCRT in the
City of Kissimmee, but shows the commitment the State has to providing
residents and visitors access to green spaces and ecotourism opportunities.”
“As Florida’s oldest conservation organization, Audubon is
proud to support this great project that both preserves natural lands and
provides recreational opportunities in Central Florida,” said Julie Wraithmell,
interim executive director of Audubon Florida. “Saving Florida’s special places
connects people to our natural treasures and inspires future generations to
continue protecting them.”
“This
acquisition will provide important benefits to the residents and businesses in
the city of Kissimmee and Osceola County,” said John Newstreet, president and
CEO of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce. “Projects like the Shingle Creek Regional Trail help connect our community and improve our quality of life.”
“The
Florida Greenways and Trails Council is proud to support this important acquisition
to expand a priority trail,” said Sarrah Glassner, chair of the Florida
Greenways and Trails Council. “This connection will help connect people in
Central Florida and provide them with incredible opportunities for healthy
recreation.”
“The
Greenways and Trails Foundation is excited about this acquisition that will
connect Floridians with scenic trails and natural lands,” said Dale Allen,
president of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation. “We look forward to
working with the department on future opportunities to expand Florida’s
greenways and trails network.”
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