FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Designates Vilano Beach as Florida's
Third Trail Town

~Town recognized for outstanding efforts to welcome trail users~

DEP representatives and trail advocates join Villano Beach officials with Trail Town signage.

VILANO BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently celebrated the town of Vilano Beach as Florida's third Trail Town. Designated by DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails, a Florida Trail Town is a community along or near a long-distance non-motorized recreational trail, offering restaurants, shops and lodging for hikers, bicyclists, skaters, joggers, equestrians and paddlers.

Vilano Beach, a community in St. Augustine, has made strides over the past 10 years to welcome trail pedestrians and cyclists, adding signage and safe access to many downtown amenities.

“Vilano Beach has done a great job making the town attractive and safe for trail users,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “The town’s trails and amenities will attract people from all over the country, setting an example for other communities to follow.”

Visitors can enjoy access to the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, which will compose 3,000 miles of trails connecting Maine to Key West when completed. Additionally, Vilano Beach and the Vilano Town Center are situated along the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, creating an ideal location for long-distance paddlers to stop for lodging and food.

DEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails encourages interested communities to conduct self-assessments to gauge their strengths and weaknesses in relation to nearby trails and users. Trail Town candidates fill out an application and are considered for approval by the legislatively established Florida Greenways and Trails Council. Designated Trail Towns are featured on the Office of Greenways and Trails website and given metal signs to place at trailheads and town gateways, along with stickers for businesses to display in windows.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. 

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/217433a