It officially opened in December, 1990. The Pinellas Trail was created along the CSX Railway corridor from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The Pinellas Trail Loop will connect that ‘linear park” to the newly designed connection along the east side of the county for a 75 mile “oval/loop” that will offer the first, rail-to-trail “Loop” in Florida and in the United States. The Pinellas Trail Loop will become the western terminus of Florida’s 250 mile “Coast To Coast Connector Trail” across the state to Brevard County.
The Friends Of The Pinellas Trail (originally Pinellas Trails, Inc.) is the citizens’ organization that has been representing the citizens of Pinellas County in the public/private partnership relationship with Pinellas County government administration. The Pinellas Trail is recognized by the National Rails to Trails organization in their Hall of Fame and has received many awards. The relationship developed by The Friends Of The Pinellas Trail andthe Pinellas County government and local municipal government agencies is a national model for communities across the country planning their trail projects. The citizens’ organization raises funding for: the amenities on the trail (benches, water fountains, litter receptacles, bicycle racks and tables); The Trees For The Trail Fund; and support for the Auxiliary Rangers, who volunteer to assist on The Pinellas Trail. “Friends” also support the Keep Pinellas Beautiful “Adopt A Mile” program on the trail.
Check out their Facebook page: Friends Of The Pinellas Trail and their website: www.friendsofthepinellastrail.org
For additional information to volunteer and/or make a contribution, contact: Scott Daniels, Vice President, Friends Of The Pinellas Trail at 727-480-3515.