A proposed bike path may extend much farther than Anna Maria Island.
During the March 14 meeting of the Island Transportation Planning Organization at Holmes Beach City Hall, David Hutchinson of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization discussed funding for the project.
According to Hutchinson, the plan for an islandwide bike path was presented to the Florida Greenways and Trails Council.
The council is in charge of determining priorities and distributing $25 million in state funds annually to build and maintain multi-use trails through the Sun Trails Program.
“They were very impressed,” Hutchinson said.
The council’s priority is a coast-to-coast multi-use trail. Another priority is establishing regional trails.
According to Hutchinson, the Anna Maria Island trail plan is among the top seven trails to be prioritized for funding, which could mean an $8 million share of the $25 million in annual funds.
To be eligible, the path must be a multi-use paved trail and extend beyond the island. Hutchinson recommended connecting to a regional trail — a Pinellas County trail to the north and the Naples trail to the south.
Lynn Burnett, engineer for the three island cities, suggested an alternative funding source, the county revenue from beach concessions.
She also said if the trail is established, the look, including signage, should be consistent in all three cities.
To build the island trail, rights of way would need to be incorporated in the path and a way to get cyclists around dangerous S-curves should be developed before approaching Manatee County.
“We’ve been kicking around ideas with no real progress,” said Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson. “We need to have some real conversations, at least in the city of Holmes Beach. Look at what applies to various sources of funds.”
Burnett suggested next steps: In Holmes Beach, she suggested a community meeting. In Anna Maria, the issue of constructing a multi-use trail needs to be addressed by commissioners and community members. In Bradenton Beach, commissioners also need to discuss the project.
Claudia Carlson, who headed up the bike path project in Anna Maria, said maps are in development in the meantime using existing streets and paths in each city. The Anna Maria map has been completed and is available to the public.
“We’re ready to take this show on the road,” Carlson said.
The ITPO will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.