Coast to Coast Summit Makes History

Trail history was made in October.  The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation (FGTF), and FDOT hosted more than 140 planners,  business owners, elected officials, and trail enthusiasts in Winter Garden where ideas were exchanged about making the Coast to Coast  Connector (C2C) American’s best recreational trail.

While there are many C2C champions, there is none more devoted than Senator Andy Gardiner.  Armed with passion and a repudiated resolve, he helped to secure $18 million to complete the 250-mile recreational trail.  That is why the room’s energy hit a high note when Linda Chapin, former Orange County Mayor and founder of Bike/Walk Central Florida, and Dale Allen, president of FGTF, presented him with 2014 Legislator of the Year. The day started with updates from Samantha Browne with OGT, Jim Wood, Director of Office of Policy Planning for FDOT, former Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, and a representative from each MPO touching the 250 mile C2C trail.  Topics ranged from funding and trail schedules to priorities and opportunities.  Shelly Lauten, Partner at TriSect, facilitated and gained consensus on the top priorities – such as establishing a leadership structure to address questions and make decisions regarding the trail.  Visit the OGT website for the presentations.

Speaking of high energy, the C2C video made its debut and received tremendous praise.  If you missed it, check it out at the FGTF website.  There we go again, making history.