The Space Coast TPO and consultant Kittelson and Associates presented the Southern Brevard Trails Master Plan to the Palm Bay City Council, describing a network of new and upgraded trails aimed at improving recreation, public health and active transportation across southern Brevard County.

Travis Hills, consultant for Kittelson, said the study uses an "active transportation propensity index" and public feedback to locate gaps in the network. He told council the plan recommends roughly 140 new miles of trails and bike facilities in the study area, which would bring total southern Brevard trail miles to more than 460 once implemented. "We're at that sub‑area study, that planning study, really kind of helping set the foundation," Hills said.

Key corridors prioritized for Palm Bay include the C‑1 Canal, Babcock Street and parts of U.S. 1; the consultant noted Babcock aligns with a potential future widening project. Hills said the plan identifies primary (regional), secondary (city) and tertiary (neighborhood) trail typologies and recommended next steps including feasibility studies and partnerships with FDOT, the TPO, county and utility owners.

Space Coast TPO staff reported outreach metrics to council: 70 attendees at the public open house and 14 comments in the online mapping tool, plus additional email input. Senior Transportation Planner Sarah Crom noted the team boosted social media promotion and held an in‑person open house and virtual events.

Council members and public commenters pressed for specifics on equestrian use and e‑bike rules. Master Chief Bill Batten asked whether some off‑road trails could be made horse‑capable and requested trail etiquette signage where horses are permitted. Hills acknowledged the study is high‑level and suggested feasibility studies would address surface types, width, environmental constraints and intended uses.

Hills put a typical feasibility study cost at about $200,000 to $300,000 and said the TPO has some program funding available in its Unified Planning Work Program to support one such study; the council discussed combining local funding, developer contributions or impact‑fee credits to advance corridor design.

Why it matters: the plan creates a data‑driven blueprint for trail expansion in southern Brevard, linking Palm Bay neighborhoods to larger regional corridors. Implementation will require multi‑agency coordination, environmental review and capital funding over multiple years.

No formal council action was taken on the plan at the meeting; council members signaled support for moving select corridors — including Babcock Street and the C‑1 Canal — into feasibility and funding discussions.