| Tamiami
Trail Scenic Highway
Windows
to Gulf Coast Waters, Manatee to Myakka Rivers
History:
In December 2003, Tamiami Trail (US-41) was officially designated
as a Florida Scenic and Heritage Highway by the State of Florida.
The designation incorporates a corridor of (69.7 miles) from
the north Manatee to the south Sarasota County lines. An unveiling
event was held in the City of Sarasota on January 29, 2004
when a caravan of antique cars drove the entire designated
corridor stopping for each jurisdiction's ceremony.
A
Corridor Management Entity (CME) was formed, consisting of
seven local government entities and representatives from the
private sector. The CME is tasked with implementing the Tamiami
Trail Corridor Managment Plan, to protect, preserve and enchance
the Trail thereby enhancing the traveler's experience.
Due
to the immense area the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway covers,
it was decided by the primary CME to have each jurisdiction
along the corridor form their individual CMEs. Thus the City
of Sarasota Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway Committee was born
and is responsible for the City of Sarasota's portion of the
Trail.
Our
Mission: The
Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway Committee was designed as a partnership
between public and private entities to identify and promote
opportunities for beautification, cultural and historic preservation,
safety enhancement, economic development, and pedestrian and
recreational use along the Tamiami Trail as it extends through
the City of Sarasota to enhance the traveler's journey.
Historical
Significance: The
nine foot wide Tamiami Trail completed in 1919 through Manatee
County connecting Tampa to Miami. In 1923 Florida Legislature
designated the Trail as a state highway. Human
habitation along the Trail dates back 12,000 years. There
are many areas of archaeological importance along the Trail
as well as natural wonders, historical & architectural
sites which represent our area's rich culture & heritage.
Current
Projects:
Scenic Highway Newsletters
Scenic
Highway Newsletter Fall 2006
Scenic
Highway Newsletter Spring 2007
Designation
Benefits:
- Community
Recognition & Civic Pride
- Community
Vision
- Integration
of Program & Funding Resources
- Resource
Protection
- Economic
Development
- Increased
Tourism
Tamiami
Trail Scenic Highway Committee Officers:
- Jake Hartvigsen, Chairman
- Thorning Little, Vice Chairman
- Susan Montgomery, Secretary
Other
members are business and community leaders who share a vision
for the improvement of the Tamiami Trail.
The
Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway Committee is working diligently
to improve the Trail and preserve its intrinsic resources.
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