A proposed multi-use bike and pedestrian trail along stretches of State Road A1A is drawing opposition from some St. Johns County residents and business owners, who say they weren’t properly notified and fear the project could disrupt the area.
County officials and the Florida Department of Transportation presented plans for the shared-use SUN trail during a Feb. 26 open house at the Anastasia Island Branch of the St. Johns County Public Library.
The project includes segments along A1A from Red Cox Drive to Santander Street and along A1A Beach Boulevard from Pope Road to A1A.
The trail is part of a larger regional network expected to span about 260 miles across Northeast Florida and connect to the East Coast Greenway.
Officials say the project is intended to improve pedestrian and cyclist access and enhance safety for “non-motorized” users.
“The trail is expected to expand recreational opportunities for residents, support eco-tourism, and improve access to local businesses,” reads a County press release.
Supporters argue that expanded connectivity can reduce car traffic over time and provide better routes for cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in busy coastal areas.
But at Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, multiple St. Augustine Beach residents said they were unaware of the project until recently and had major concerns about its impact.
Linda Hawver told commissioners that the plan could disrupt traffic flow in the city’s main commercial artery, impact local businesses and damage palm trees along the roadway during construction.
“Putting down a 12-foot asphalt path going both directions will not only disrupt the traffic on Beach Road to a tremendous amount involving safety an business interruption, it will also totally change the face of Beach road,” she said.
Rich O’Brien, a former St. Augustine Beach Commissioner, said he spoke with about 40 people in the area and none had heard about the county’s plans with the trail.
He raised concerns about changes to business access and called for the project to be placed on a future commission agenda, along with a public question-and-answer session involving county officials and FDOT.
Other residents focused on safety concerns.
Marygrace Drucker said the trail could create hazards for drivers entering and exiting homes along A1A and questioned whether emergency vehicles would be able to navigate the corridor.
Beth Pelzer said she supports bike paths but argued A1A is not an appropriate location, noting sidewalks and bike lanes already exist.
Gloria Worley, owner of Mango Mango’s, said she learned about the project through word of mouth and said many business owners remain unaware.
“We should be notified when you do something this drastic to our businesses,” she said.
She warned the trail could increase the risk of accidents in a heavily traveled pedestrian area and called the project “crazy” and “a waste of our money.”
Richard Worley raised concerns about electric bikes adding to potential safety issues and said the trail could detract from the scenic character of the beach.
Both the county and FDOT stressed the project remains in the design phase, with construction funding to be determined through a future state funding cycle.
