By Liz Freeman
As seen in Naples Daily News/ USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA
The Naples Pathways Coalition is the driving force behind an ambitious project for more options for walking, running, and bicycling without worry of getting hit by cars.
The project, Paradise Coast Trail, was introduced by the coalition in 2018.
It is proposed as 100 miles of paved pathway, separate from roads, that will connect Naples to Ave Maria and to Collier Seminole State Park, and Bonita Springs, according to the coalition’s executive director, Michelle Avola-Brown.
In 2023, the state Legislature adopted the segment of the Paradise Coast Trail from Marco Island through Naples, the new Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Ave Maria, Everglades City, and Immokalee into the state’s SUN Trail network that runs through the state.
The portion of the trail from Collier Seminole State Park to Bonita Springs was already included in the SUN Trail, so now the entire length of the Paradise trail is part of the state’s SUN Trail network.
A couple of project studies are taking place now and over the next year for the design of the Paradise trail, Avola-Brown said
According to a 2024 state project report, the Paradise trail project cost (by the state Department of Transportation) is $25 million and would create 425 jobs.
Avola-Brown said typically the cost for paved off-road trails is $1 million per mile of trail.
A state economic impact statement says: ‘The trail is slated to stabilize active tourism as Naples beaches suffer from red tide, providing more economic stability to a region heavily dependent on tourism dollars.
The trail will further enhance and integrate into the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a large-scale sporting events facility including a stadium, 18 playing fields, lakes and trails.’
The coalition says support for the trail has been tremendous.
The Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization has endorsed it and there is funding from the state.
‘Notably, our proactive approach has already cut five years from the typical planning timeline,’ according to the group’s website. ‘This progress reflects the broad community support we’ve garnered, including vital contributions from Collier County and the City of Naples.’
What else does the coalition do?
The coalition also promotes initiatives for safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, and provides lights for bicyclists and protective gear.
Avola-Brown is leading the campaign for a hands-free cell phone use law in Florida that would prohibit using a cell phone that is in your hand while driving.
The proposed legislation would instead require use of a device that holds the cell phone in place while the driver is behind the wheel.
The coalition reports there are, on average, nine deaths every day on Florida roads, while six of the deaths are attributed to distracted driving.
The bill is making its ways through Legislative committees during the current 2024 session.
Copyright © 2025 Naples Daily News 4/6/2025
To learn more about the progress of the Trail click here.
To make a donation to support the Paradise Coast Trail, click here.
