On November 7 at 6 pm at the Historic Venice Train Depot a meeting will be held of citizens interested in forming a Chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks for the Venice to Sarasota Rails-to-Trails. The main topic at the meeting will be organization of the Chapter. A Chapter (non-profit organization) would support and promote the Rails-to-Trails, provide volunteers to work on projects for the County on the Trail, raise funds for enhancement of the Trail, work toward protection of the Trail corridor, and cooperate with the County in establishing and operating a volunteer ‘community watch’ bike patrol for the Trail. Education about the Trail and amenities along the Trail as well as information to enhance user enjoyment and safety would also be areas of service by the Chapter.
Come out and get in on the ground floor of this Rails-to-Trails support group.
*Information taken from Sarasota Rails to Trails presentation to the County Commissioners budget meeting in August. Project phases:
Dona & Roberts Bay bridges must be replaced. To save money new bridges will be installed and old ones left in place. Permits for environmental aspects extends the time frames for building the new bridges. Coast Guard Permit - 1 year after submittal, Army Corp of Engineers - 1 year after submittal, SWFWMD - 6 to 9 months after submittal. Permits have been submitted concurrently. Commissioners approved additional funding for the two bridges and timeframe for building the two bridges will be in 2008.