The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century.

Kent Cleveland, the Chief Park Ranger, describes life on the trail as anything but routine.

The trail is part of the larger Pinellas Trail Loop, stretching 75 miles throughout Pinellas County.

“Our main duties as park rangers are ensuring safety and security,” Cleveland explained. “We maintain cleanliness, watch for hazards like fallen branches or trees that could endanger pedestrians or cyclists.”

The trail’s inception was spurred by tragedy. 

“In 1983, a young cyclist was struck while commuting,” Cleveland recalled. “His father, Bert Valery, was inspired to create a safe path for commuters. He discussed his idea with the county administrator at the time, Fred Marquis.”

The recreation project found its initial path along 34 miles of disused railroad tracks, once part of the Orange Belt Railroad, owned by Peter Demens, a co-founder of St. Petersburg, for whom Demens Landing Park is named. 

This rail line operated under various owners until the 1980s when it was transformed into the trail we know today.

“The first segment opened in 1990, from John Taylor Park to Seminole City Park, covering five miles,” Cleveland noted. “From a simple railroad to a five-mile trail, its development into what we see today has been phenomenal, largely thanks to volunteer groups and the dedication of many over the years.”

In 2007, the Pinellas Trail was celebrated by being inducted into the National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

Daily, the trail sees between 5,000 to 7,000 people.

Plans are in place to extend the trail by another 10 miles, aiming for a total of 85 miles, with aspirations to connect it to the proposed “Coast-to-Coast Trail” spanning across Florida.

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(Image credit: Pixels)