Celebrating a Major Milestone in Safety, Connectivity, and Community Impact

 SARASOTA, Fla. – It’s official — the long-awaited Legacy Trail overpasses at Bee Ridge and Clark Road are now open, offering a safer and more seamless journey for Sarasota’s 650,000+ annual trail users. These impressive structures, each spanning approximately a quarter mile, eliminate challenging crossing points between bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicle traffic. It’s not just a win for safety — it’s a milestone for mobility, recreation, and community connection that’s worthy of celebration.

 The upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony promises to be as memorable as the project itself. Against a striking backdrop featuring a 12-by-18-foot American flag and scenic views of the Legacy Trail, the event will open with Sarasota’s own Fire Department Honor Guard and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by acclaimed local vocalist Shantel Norman. The program will include a dynamic project video featuring commentary from Friends of the Legacy Trail and Sarasota County officials — capturing the collaboration, community pride, and vision that brought this transformative initiative to life.

Media are encouraged to attend and cover this landmark event.
For interviews, photo opportunities, or early access arrangements, please contact FDOT’s Public Information Director, Janella Newsome.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, July 21
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: 4379 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
  (North side of the Legacy Trail Bridge at Clark Road/SR 72)

 Background

With the growing popularity of the Legacy Trail and an increasing need to enhance safety and user experience, FDOT began construction on two pedestrian and bicycle overpasses — along with intersection improvements — in November 2023. The $13 million-dollar project was a significant infrastructure effort that spanned multiple years and brought together key partners including Sarasota County, the Trust for Public Land, Friends of Legacy Trail, and the Sarasota/Manatee MPO. FDOT is currently evaluating additional bridge crossings to further expand the trail’s safety and connectivity benefits.

About the Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail is an 18.5-mile paved, multiuse recreational trail stretching from north Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot. It follows the corridor once used by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and later CSX. In 2004, Sarasota County and the Trust for Public Land acquired the right of way and transformed it into one of the region’s most beloved public assets, drawing hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year for cycling, walking, and outdoor recreation.

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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities