Not the whole story Charlie brown! The original concept for the Pinellas Trail was the brain child of Albert L. Valery, who following the death of his son from an accident, wanted a safer place for bicyclists and pedestrians to walk and ride. As a result of his initiative, the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization, authorized the formation of a bicycle advisory committee in 1983 in which Albert L. Valery became it's first chairman. His idea for the trail, in turn, was championed by a few Pinellas County Political figures including Barbara Sheen Todd and Fred Marquis. Upon dedication of the first length of the trail it was decided by the Pinellas County board of commissioners to name it after Fred Marquis, a former county administrator rather than after Albert L. Valery. For the record, most of the county commissioners at the time had no interest in a bicycle trail but rather wanted the abandoned CSX rail line to be used for a new high-speed rail system. It was only after the trail became so popular that the Pinellas County Commissioners extended their full support. In fact, Barbara Sheen Todd was one of the few county commissioners who from the very beginning saw the potential in the trail and it's success was due to her hard work and support.

@PinellasGov

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for expanding on the Pinellas Trail story! It's always great to hear from our residents.

@chalivalery5306

2 жыл бұрын

This information should have been included in this video and story. My Father in Law, Bert Valery and Mother in Law, Patricia Valery lost their son, my husband's brother, on Bellaire Bridge in 1983 due to a vehicular collision with Little Bert while he was riding his bike. Bert Valery was an integral founder of this trail so the community would have a safe walking and riding trail and not get killed by vehicles. He really deserves a lot more credit that is not really recognized for his role of key element that many enjoy in our beautiful community. Many walkers and bikers are safe because of the heartfelt, dedicated work of Albert Valery. Thank you to the individual above for your comment in including my Father in Law, Bert Valery.

@Jacksonzole57

9 ай бұрын

Wow!! Thank you for this, high speed rail lol

As a paraplegic I am appreciative that I am able to ride my e-bike on the trail. Please do not take away my life I just got back.

what's the best place to park if you are coming from Springhill?

Great video...love this trail! Thanks for building it...can't wait for Elfer's Spur...would love to see Pasco take the baton and head to downtown New Port Richey...the little town that "will"!!!

@PinellasGov

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you liked the video.

Incredible!

Good info.

now if we can only get the E bikers to tow us up the bridges lol...that should be the law lol