Alternative Text Description for Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays the Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network across the state of Florida. The map shows existing, partially funded, programmed, and unfunded segments of paved multiuse trails designed for bicyclists and pedestrians, physically separated from vehicular traffic. The network represents high-priority linear corridors and connections of statewide and regional significance forming a comprehensive connected system throughout Florida.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire state of Florida, from the panhandle region in the northwest extending south to the Florida Keys. Major cities labeled on the map include Pensacola, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Coast, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, and identifiable areas near Everglades National Park, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, and Dry Tortugas National Park. The map shows Florida bordered by the Gulf of America to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Straits of Florida to the south. Georgia and Alabama are visible along the northern border. Notable geographic features include the Coastal Plain in the north, Apalachicola National Forest in the panhandle region, and the southern peninsula extending into the Keys.

KEY INSIGHTS

The SUN Trail Network reveals a more developed trail system in the northern panhandle and central Florida regions, with significant concentrations around major metropolitan areas. The network shows extensive unfunded gaps throughout much of Florida, particularly in the panhandle and along portions of the Gulf coast. Existing trails are most prominently located in the central and southern peninsula, with notable clusters near Orlando, Tampa, and along the southeastern coastal region. The trail network exhibits a linear pattern following major transportation corridors and connecting urban centers. The southern tip of Florida and the Keys area show a mix of existing and partially funded segments. Overall, the map reveals that much of the proposed statewide trail network remains in the unfunded gap stage, indicating significant future development needs to achieve full connectivity.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network

This layer represents the statewide network of paved multiuse trails for bicyclists and pedestrians, showing the current implementation status of different trail segments.

Existing Trails

Appearance:

Displayed as teal or dark green linear features on the map.

Distribution:

Existing trails appear primarily in central Florida around the Orlando and Tampa regions, with notable segments along the southeastern coast near Palm Coast and Palm Bay. Additional existing segments are visible in southwestern Florida near Fort Myers and in the southern peninsula approaching the Everglades region. Scattered existing trail segments appear in the panhandle region.

Notable locations:

The highest concentration of existing trails is in the central Florida corridor between Tampa and Orlando. The southeastern coastal area from Palm Coast to Palm Bay shows a significant stretch of existing trail infrastructure.

Spatial patterns:

Existing trails tend to cluster around metropolitan areas and follow linear corridors that connect urban centers. These trails often appear in relatively short connected segments rather than continuous long-distance routes.

Partially Funded for Pre-Construction Trails

Appearance:

Displayed as purple or dark blue linear features on the map.

Distribution:

Partially funded trails appear throughout Florida with notable concentrations in the central peninsula region, around Jacksonville in the northeast, and along portions of the Gulf coast. Segments are visible in the panhandle near Pensacola and along the southeastern coast.

Notable locations:

Significant partially funded segments connect areas between Orlando and the central peninsula. The Jacksonville area shows multiple partially funded trail segments. The southwestern coast near Fort Myers and extending south toward Naples shows several partially funded corridors.

Spatial patterns:

Partially funded trails often appear as connecting segments between existing trail sections, suggesting strategic planning to link completed portions of the network. These trails follow similar corridor patterns to existing trails but fill gaps in the network.

Programmed/Funded Trails

Appearance:

Displayed as orange or yellow-orange linear features on the map.

Distribution:

Programmed or funded trails appear in scattered locations throughout Florida, with less extensive coverage than other categories. Notable segments appear in the central peninsula region and in isolated locations along both coasts.

Notable locations:

Small programmed segments are visible near Orlando, in the southwestern coastal region, and in southern Florida near the Everglades. The panhandle region shows minimal programmed trail segments.

Spatial patterns:

Programmed or funded trails appear as relatively short segments, often positioned to fill specific gaps between existing or partially funded trails. These segments are less continuous and more dispersed throughout the state.

Unfunded Gap Trails

Appearance:

Displayed as red or bright red-orange linear features on the map.

Distribution:

Unfunded gaps represent the most extensive category, appearing throughout the entire state. Particularly long unfunded segments dominate the panhandle region, extending from Pensacola eastward past the Apalachicola National Forest. Significant unfunded gaps appear along the Gulf coast, through interior regions of central and northern Florida, and throughout the southern peninsula.

Notable locations:

The northern panhandle shows extensive unfunded trail corridors. Long unfunded segments extend through interior Florida between the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The Big Bend region of Florida's Gulf coast shows substantial unfunded gaps. Southern Florida from Lake Okeechobee south through the Everglades region contains significant unfunded trail proposals.

Spatial patterns:

Unfunded gaps often represent ambitious long-distance corridor proposals connecting major regions of the state. These segments frequently follow regional boundaries and appear designed to link existing or planned trail clusters. The unfunded category reveals the aspirational scope of the complete SUN Trail Network vision.

Overlapping Patterns

Throughout the map, different trail status categories often connect sequentially, with existing trails transitioning to partially funded sections, then to programmed segments, and finally to unfunded gaps. This pattern suggests a phased implementation approach where certain corridors are being developed progressively from existing infrastructure outward. Areas with multiple trail status types in close proximity indicate active corridor development and planning priorities.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The SUN Trail Network represents a synthesis of trail planning efforts from municipalities, counties, transportation planning organizations, and other public and nonprofit entities throughout Florida. The map focuses on high-priority linear corridors of statewide and regional significance rather than all existing or proposed trails in Florida. The trails shown are paved multiuse paths physically separated from vehicular traffic, typically 12 feet wide but varying from 8 to 14 or more feet depending on constraints and usage. This visualization emphasizes the connectivity of the statewide network and illustrates both the progress made in trail development and the substantial work remaining to achieve complete network connectivity. Users should understand that trail segments shown as unfunded gaps represent long-term planning goals that may require years or decades to secure funding and complete construction.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

The data is derived from the Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS) Priority Land Trails Network, overseen by the Office of Greenways and Trails, modified by removal of corridors not envisioned as paved trails. The data represents a synthesis of trail planning efforts from municipalities, counties, transportation planning organizations, other public agencies, and nonprofit entities throughout Florida.

Data source layer name: SUNTRAILNETWORK_JAN26

Definition Query:

No definition query or filter criteria was provided for this map view.

Scale Information:

The map shows a statewide view of Florida, providing an overview of the entire SUN Trail Network. At this scale, individual trail segments are visible, but detailed local features and precise routing are generalized.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

The data reflects trail network status as of January 26, based on the data source layer name.

Limitations:

This dataset does not include all existing, proposed, and conceptual trails in Florida, but focuses specifically on high-priority linear corridors and connections of statewide and regional significance to form a comprehensive connected system. The data excludes greenway corridors not envisioned as paved multiuse trails. Trail status classifications may change as funding is secured or projects advance through planning and construction phases.

Map Coverage:

The map covers the entire state of Florida from the panhandle region in the northwest to the Florida Keys in the south, bounded by Alabama and Georgia to the north, the Gulf of America to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Straits of Florida to the south. Portions of southern Alabama and Georgia are visible for geographic context.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.