Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail Guide

Book excerpt: Florida's Coast-to-Coast Trail Guide is a guidebook designed specifically for the 250-mile dedicated bicycle/pedestrian trail that provides an uninterrupted cross-Florida trail from Titusville to St. Petersburg. The trail (over 80% complete and to be completed by 2025) already attracts not only local cyclists and walkers, but also out-of-state cycling enthusiasts. This book provides readers with a broad background of the communities through which they will travel. Although maps are included, this is not a detailed "how-to" guide, nor does it provide extensive lodging, camping or restaurant information; much of that information changes frequently and can be easily obtained via online searches. Instead, this book focuses on interesting cultural and natural aspects of the route. By highlighting the local flavor of small towns, the beauty of natural Florida, as well as local historical events, this book will introduce readers to the uniqueness of Florida. Distinctive features covered in the book include the Greek heritage of Tarpon Springs, Winter Garden's thriving downtown based on its citrus and bass-fishing past, Titusville's role in space exploration, and St. Petersburg’s lively waterfront and flourishing art scene. Also covered is the natural world of beautiful freshwater springs, moss-shrouded oak trees, and migratory birds found in protected areas along the trail such as Gemini Springs Park, Brooker Creek Preserve and the Green Swamp. In addition, readers will be introduced to important historical Florida figures such as civil rights leaders Harry T. and Harriett V. Moore and Russian entrepreneur and railway builder Peter Demens.