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Bayshore trail improvements
There’s a push to make the Bay Area more walkable and connected and the city of Clearwater is getting ready to upgrade part of the journey from Clearwater Beach to Tampa. FOX 13’s Jennifer Kveglis reports.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - A major pedestrian route designed to help connect Clearwater Beach to Tampa is nearing completion, with the $15.3 million Courtney Campbell Causeway pedestrian overpass on track to open by the end of the year.
As construction continues near Bayshore Boulevard and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd, the city of Clearwater is already planning improvements to the 1.6-mile Bayshore Trail that will link directly to the overpass.
City officials say the trail runs from Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard north to the Safety Harbor line and serves walkers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Proposed upgrades
Clearwater’s Parks and Recreation Department recently applied for a Recreational Trails Program grant through the Florida Department of Transportation that could help fund several amenities, including:
- Trash cans
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains
- Dog waste stations
- Signage
Leaders are also considering building a trailhead near the new overpass featuring bike racks, benches, and additional gathering spaces.
What they're saying:
"It’s connecting intergovernmental parks, really," said Mark Parry, Clearwater Parks & Rec senior division program manager about the new pedestrian network.
Neighbor Sandee Geres said the trailhead could give visitors from Clearwater Beach or even Tampa a convenient place to park and access the trail.
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Addressing aging infrastructure
Some proposals focus on repairing the trail’s aging boardwalk near Drew Street, which officials say has been damaged by rising tides and weather.
"One of our long-term goals was to remove that boardwalk part, raise it, and replace it," a city representative said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Plans also call for replacing exercise stations at Cooper’s Bayou Park.
What's next:
City leaders are continuing to gather community input as they pursue grant funding and refine plans for the trail upgrades.
If approved, the enhancements would complement the new overpass and further expand pedestrian and cycling connectivity across the region.
The Source: This story is based on reporting from a City of Clearwater community meeting, interviews with city officials and residents, and on-scene coverage by FOX 13 News.