St. Johns County and FDOT to Host Public Open House on 260-Mile River-to-Sea Loop Trail Project
St. Johns County residents will have an opportunity to learn more about plans for a major regional trail system later this month, as county officials and the Florida Department of Transportation host a joint open house focused on the SUN Trail River-to-Sea Loop.
The public meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Anastasia Island Branch Library
124 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL
Library information:
https://sjcpls.org/branches/anastasia-island/
The open house format will allow residents to drop in at any time during the two-hour window to review project displays, speak with planners, and ask questions.
What Is the River-to-Sea Loop Trail?
The River-to-Sea Loop is part of Florida’s statewide SUN Trail (Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail) Network, an initiative designed to create a connected system of paved, off-road trails for walking, biking, and other non-motorized uses.
Official SUN Trail information:
https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/suntrail
When completed, the River-to-Sea Loop will stretch approximately 260 miles across five Northeast Florida counties, including:
- St. Johns County
- Duval County
- Clay County
- Putnam County
- Flagler County
The trail will also connect to the larger East Coast Greenway, a developing 3,000-mile trail system running from Maine to Florida.
East Coast Greenway map:
https://www.greenway.org/
St. Johns County Segments Currently in Planning
The open house will focus specifically on two proposed St. Johns County trail segments along State Road A1A:
Segment 1
State Road A1A
From Red Cox Drive to Santander Street
(St. Augustine Beach area)
Segment 2
A1A Beach Boulevard
From Pope Road to State Road A1A
These areas are heavily used by residents and visitors and currently have limited dedicated multi-use trail infrastructure.
Florida Department of Transportation project information:
https://www.fdot.gov/
What the Trail Will Look Like
While final designs are still being developed, SUN Trail segments typically include:
- 12-foot-wide paved paths
- Separation from vehicle traffic where possible
- Signage and safety markings
- ADA-accessible surfaces
The trails are designed to accommodate:
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Runners
- Wheelchair users
They are not intended for motorized vehicles.
Funding Timeline and Construction Status
Construction funding has not yet been awarded for the St. Johns County segments.
According to St. Johns County officials, funding will be requested through a future Florida Department of Transportation work program cycle.
FDOT Work Program information:
https://www.fdot.gov/workprogram/
This means:
• No construction start date has been announced
• Project timing will depend on state funding approval
• Public input can influence final design
Why This Trail Is Significant for St. Johns County
The River-to-Sea Loop is part of a broader effort to expand transportation and recreation options as St. Johns County’s population continues to grow.
According to U.S. Census data, St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.
Population data:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/stjohnscountyflorida
Multi-use trails like this can provide:
• Alternative transportation routes
• Safer walking and biking options
• Recreation opportunities
• Connections between communities
They can also link neighborhoods to parks, beaches, and commercial areas.
What Residents Can Expect at the Open House
Residents attending the February 26 meeting will be able to:
• View maps of the proposed trail segments
• Ask questions directly to county and FDOT planners
• Provide feedback on design and location
• Learn about the project timeline
No formal presentation is scheduled, and attendees may arrive at any time during the open house.
How to Learn More
Additional project details are available on the St. Johns County government website.
Residents can also follow future updates as funding and design plans progress.
Why This Matters for Residents and Homeowners
Regional trail systems often become long-term community assets.
Benefits may include:
• Increased recreational access
• Improved pedestrian safety
• Expanded transportation options
• Potential increases in nearby property values
The River-to-Sea Loop will ultimately connect St. Johns County to a much larger statewide and national trail network.
Key Facts Summary
Meeting date: February 26, 2026
Location: Anastasia Island Library
Trail length: 260 miles total
Local segments: State Road A1A corridor
Construction status: Not yet funded
Managing agency: Florida Department of Transportation
About StJohnsFL.org
StJohnsFL.org is an independent local resource focused on moving to and living in St. Johns County, providing residents with factual local news, development updates, and community information.
