FINAL Document 1/23/2013 - Hardee County

SELECTED STRATEGIES
As previously noted, the following list of Recommended Strategies provides the County and other stakeholders with a
detailed discussion or “break out” of selected strategies. This discussion includes additional information, proposed
“key” next steps and case studies with the intent of providing the County with a format and outline for future
application. The three strategies presented are: #3 Eco-tourism Master Plan; #4 Airport Expansion and Feasibility Plan
and #23 US Corridor Study.
3. Consider solicitation of an eco-tourism master plan including components related to Trails/Greenways/Blueways
(including Peace River as a catalyst for planning efforts). Funding for a plan has been provided by the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) through their Local Agency Program (LAP). Following the completion of
this plan, the community will be in better position to seek additional funding opportunities for identified projects
including trails and trail facilities. This type of plan should be considered an integral part of recommended strategy
#2 (above) as these plans can serve as a component of a larger economic development strategy, identify community
assets, provide plans and guidance on future growth and development of facilities and also identify potential
funding sources. These Plans can also promote economic development for the small and local businesses in the
County and identify potential opportunities for niche services. The economic impacts of such facilities have been
analyzed in numerous state and federal projects in addition to the overall improvements in community health and
multi-modal connectivity, especially in areas with higher pedestrian and bicycle needs.
a. While the County has access to major thoroughfares, Hardee County also has numerous scenic county
roadways that can further support increased bicycle and pedestrian activities.
trails, parks, transportation facilities and water features in the region. One of the outcomes of a plan is to identify local
and regional connectivity that can increase the attractiveness of the community to the region and the State, and to
promote the community’s attributes to further economic development opportunities. As identified in the Hendry
County Comprehensive Pathway Plan, “Due to Hendry County’s rural landscape, pathway corridors and greenways have
the capability of serving a dual purpose: 1) to complete a Countywide transportation network of alternative modes of
travel and 2) to preserve pathway corridor green spaces that can be integrated and set aside for ecological and
recreational purposes.”
Budget: Depending on the requested scope components, number of community and stakeholder meetings, availability
of technical information through a geographic information system (GIS), safe-routes-to-school (SRTS) component,
requested design(s) for trails, trailheads and similar facilities, a study can range between $95,000 to $200,000; other
components including marketing, branding, advertising and/or detailed analysis of the airport and its economic impacts
would elevate this estimate.
Case Studies:
• Hendry County Comprehensive Pathway Plan
• DeSoto County Countywide Greenway, Bicycle and Sidewalk System Master Plan
• City of Dunnellon Bicycle, Pedestrian and Blueway Facilities Master Plan
b. This plan should also consider establishing/creating a blueways management plan which could identify
land use (current and planned land use along the blueways) and possible protection measures, natural
resource identification (identification and application of best management practices based on existing
resources, habitats and other environmental features), and blueways coordination between federal, state
and local agencies.
i. Improve existing public access to facilities
ii. Identify and develop new facilities and trail(s) locations
The purpose of a trails/greenways/blueways master plan is to provide the County with a planning tool that will identify
preferred (recommended) corridors for multi-modal connectivity, eco-tourism components including blueways and other
similar situated facilities, capital improvement projects and policy recommendations focused on improving the quality
of transportation choices within the community. These plans typically coordinate efforts of the entire community
including the County, cities, school board and other stakeholder groups with the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s (FDEP) Office of Greenways and Trails, and FDOT. Generally, the intent is to connect these groups with
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