LAKE COUNTY – There’s good news on the horizon for Lake County’s pedestrians and cyclists: Plans for the Wekiva Trail Extension, a planned 11.5-mile rails-to-trails pathway, are moving forward.
Railroad company CSX Transportation has recently indicated its intention to collaborate with Lake County, the City of Tavares, the City of Mount Dora, and the Trust for Public Land on selling unused train tracks. These tracks can be utilized to develop a multimodal travel corridor connecting downtown Tavares and downtown Mt. Dora, benefiting local community members, tourists, and businesses.
“The Wekiva Trail Extension will ultimately make Lake County a safer place to travel and play,” said Lake County’s Engineering Director Jeff Earhart.
“This will be great for everyone who wants to get outside and exercise,” said Leslie Campione, Lake County Board of County Commissioners chairman. “The Wekiva Trail Extension will be an asset for Lake County’s residents and visitors, and there are huge economic benefits for downtown districts and businesses near trails such as this.”
Negotiations with CSX are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, clearing the way for the trail’s development. This project is significant for many reasons, including the following:
Between 2020 and 2024, there were 289 pedestrian and bicycle crashes along the Wekiva Trail corridor, and there were 14 fatalities.
- According to a 2022 Florida Department of Environmental Protection survey, 88% of respondents said trails are their top outdoor recreation activity.
The Wekiva Trail Extension is expected to cost about $53 million. Lake County and its partners hope to secure grants to cover more than 50% of the cost.
Since 2000, Lake County has invested $36 million to create 38 miles of trails. Trails have been proven to create new jobs, increase property values in adjacent areas, attract economic growth, and boost tourist spending.
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Lake County offers small-town character combined with the amenities of a major metropolitan city. It is centrally located in Florida and home to more than 420,000 people. The County has a total area of 1,157 square miles and features more than 1,000 lakes and rivers. To learn more, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov.
