Support Safe, Connected Multi-Use Trails in St. Johns County

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and the City of St. Augustine Beach Commission

Don’t lose the connection. Add safer, continuous routes for cyclists, walkers, and runners.

This project is being funded through the Florida SUN Trail Program. Please sign and share

Community support helps ensure it moves forward safely and reflects the needs of the broader community.

Supported by:
• St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance
• A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, All-American Road
• East Coast Greenway Alliance

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WE, the undersigned, including residents, visitors, and those who use multi-use paths throughout St. Johns County, support the development and completion of a safe, connected multi-use trail system from the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean.

This long-planned system is designed to connect communities across the region, including Crescent Beach, Butler Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and the City of St. Augustine.

Safe, accessible trail networks are not a luxury. They are essential infrastructure that benefit residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.

Significant portions of this system are already in place or funded. However, without completing the remaining segments, particularly through St. Augustine Beach, the system cannot function as intended.

This segment is not just another project. It is a critical connection point that determines whether the broader network succeeds or remains fragmented.

Why this matters:

Safety
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians and cyclists. Connected multi-use trails provide safe, separated spaces for people to walk, bike, and recreate without competing with vehicle traffic.

Connectivity
Disconnected paths limit usefulness. A continuous system allows people to safely travel between neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and waterfront areas without relying solely on cars.

Economic Impact
Trail users support local businesses. Communities across the country have seen increased activity at restaurants, shops, and services along well-designed trails.

Quality of Life
Trails promote health, outdoor activity, and access to the natural beauty that defines our region, from river to sea.

Our Position

We support thoughtful trail development that:

Prioritizes safety for all users
Includes clear design plans and communication
Minimizes disruption to local businesses during construction
Maintains access to homes and businesses
Reflects input from the full community

Call to Action

We respectfully ask local officials, planners, and community leaders to:

Move forward with completing the connected trail system
Prioritize the St. Augustine Beach segment as a critical link
Provide clear, accurate information to the public
Work collaboratively to address concerns while keeping the larger vision intact

Closing

Connected trails are an investment in safety, health, and economic vitality.

This is about creating a system that works for the entire community.

This petition is supported by the following organizations:
• St. Johns River-to- Sea Loop Alliance
• A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, All-American Road

Sponsored by

To: St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and the City of St. Augustine Beach Commission
From: [Your Name]

To: St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and the City of St. Augustine Beach Commission

This letter is submitted in support of completing the connected multi-use trail system in St. Johns County, including the critical segment through St. Augustine Beach.

This project is part of a long-planned effort to improve safety and connectivity across the region. The intent is to create a continuous system linking communities including Crescent Beach, Butler Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and the City of St. Augustine.

Key portions of this system are already funded or in place. Without completion of the remaining segments, particularly through St. Augustine Beach, the network cannot function as intended.

This segment represents a critical connection point. Without it, the broader system remains fragmented, limiting both safety and usability.

Safe, separated infrastructure is essential. Florida continues to rank among the most dangerous states for pedestrians and cyclists. Connected multi-use paths provide a safer alternative by reducing conflicts with vehicle traffic.

In addition to safety, connected trails support local economies and enhance quality of life. Communities across the country have demonstrated that well-designed trail systems increase activity at local businesses and create accessible outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike.

It is understood that concerns exist regarding design, access, and construction impacts. These are important considerations and should continue to be addressed through clear communication and thoughtful planning.

At the same time, delaying or preventing completion of this segment would undermine the effectiveness of the larger system.

For these reasons, continued progress on this project, with a focus on completing the connection through St. Augustine Beach, is strongly encouraged.

Thank you for your consideration.