SUN Trail plan for A1A Beach Blvd. draws split public comment over safety and business impact

St. Johns County staff presented the Shared Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail plan May 19, describing the county’s role as a critical link in the nearly 260‑mile Northeastern Florida loop. Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane and Public Works Director Greg Caldwell outlined the schedule, funding and design for the Beach Boulevard segment from Pope Road to A1A.

Presenters said the loop "integrates with major statewide and national trail systems, including the East Coast Greenway and the Coast-to-Coast Trail," and noted nearly 40 miles of the regional loop would be in St. Johns County. State Representative Cindy Stephenson spoke in favor of pedestrian and cyclist safety and the trail's benefits for biking.

Public comment was sharply divided. Opponents — including business owners and several residents — said the Beach Blvd. alignment would create safety conflicts, disrupt restaurants during construction, and increase points of vehicle ingress and egress. Supporters, including the St. Johns River to Sea Loop Alliance and the North Florida Bicycle Club, argued the alignment improves regional connectivity and rider safety compared with alternatives.

Board discussion centered on mixed‑use path design, separation of pedestrians and cyclists, traffic calming near key intersections, and whether an alternate alignment (for example, routing to the west of A1A or along US-1) would address safety concerns. Staff noted the intent is to accommodate mixed uses on sections of the trail and agreed to continue dialogue with the City of St. Augustine Beach and community stakeholders.

No final alignment decision was recorded at the meeting; the Board heard testimony and asked staff to evaluate alternate designs and mitigation measures.