- February 4, 2025
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More options are on the table for the St. Johns River to Sea Loop that spans five counties, including Volusia. The trail, which was initially proposed in March, will go from South Daytona to New Smyrna Beach.
On Oct. 1, the Florida Department of Transportation hosted a workshop to discuss route options for the proposed 12.5-mile segment of the St. Johns River to Sea Loop from South Daytona to New Smyrna Beach.
The purpose of the trail is to provide a safe path for all residents and visitors to walk, bike and expand travel opportunities to parks within the city, north in South Daytona and south in New Smyrna Beach.
Of the segment, 3.5 miles are located within Port Orange. The current route option would place the segment along Halifax Drive, making it a one-way street, to Commonwealth Boulevard and then along Nova Road toward Ridgewood Avenue.
Tim Burman, Port Orange community development director, said this route option has about 65 crossings, which would cause frequent interruptions for pedestrians.
An alternate route for the trail was discussed at the trail workshop. In this scenario, the trail would continue along Halifax Drive to Seminole Avenue and then south along Ridgewood Avenue.
Burman said Halifax would remain a one-way street, but create a more linear trail along the waterfront and keep it in the River District, which also could help the city redevelop commercial properties in the area.
City staff also negotiated with FDOT to bring back tabled route options that would include overpass pedestrian bridges over Dunlawton Avenue. Other routes could include Charles Street or Herbert Street to cross Ridgewood.
FDOT currently is preparing a Project Development and Environment Study for this segment of the loop and will host public meetings in November to discuss findings and the proposed route.
The first meeting is 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Piggotte Community Center, 504 Big Tree Rd. in South Daytona. The second meeting is 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Brannon Civic Center, 105 S. Riverside Dr. in New Smyrna Beach.
Staff will bring another update to council in December.
