St. Petersburg has been designated an official Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in recognition of investments made along the Pinellas Trail.

The designation, announced December 17, applies to the portion of the Pinellas Trail running through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront. St. Petersburg becomes the 23rd city in Florida to receive the Trail Town designation.

“We’ve made those investments in our community,” said Cheryl Stacks, the city’s transportation manager. “We really see it as an opportunity to kind of improve the quality of life, improve the economy for our residents.”

The city earned the designation for providing amenities including emergency markers, trail courtesy reminders, access to restaurants and retail, bike racks, and public restrooms along the trail route.

Andrea Osorio, owner of Carupano Kitchen in the Foodie Labs, said cyclists frequently stop at her business. “These are people who have been riding for minutes, hours, and then they stop by,” she said. “They get a bite to eat, they use our bathrooms, they get something to drink, and just rest for a little bit with the AC.”

Council member Corey Givens Jr., whose district includes part of the trail, said it supports small businesses in the Warehouse Arts District and allows visitors to access them without driving.

Stefan Koch, who traveled from Michigan to ride the trail, said he believes the designation is warranted. “The trail has a lot of great infrastructure and is well-maintained,” he said.

The Trail Town designation comes with a state program that will promote the Pinellas Trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants. Stacks said St. Petersburg is working on a permitting process to allow businesses east of 34th Street to develop private access points to the trail.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com