The Wekiva Trail extension, featuring an 11.5-mile multi-use path, is advancing as CSX Transportation has reached an agreement to sell its disused railway lines to several municipalities within Lake County. This development paves the way for a significant expansion of the trail network, intending to establish a continuous pathway stretching from Sorrento to Tavares. The envisioned route will seamlessly integrate with the existing Wekiva Trail in the vicinity of County Road 437 in Sorrento, subsequently winding its way along the historic Old U.S. Highway 441 through Mount Dora, and ultimately culminating at Wooton Park, situated in Tavares.
Lake County officials emphasize that the primary objectives of this trail extension encompass providing accessible pedestrian routes, establishing a vital utility corridor potentially accommodating fiber optic cables and sewer lines, and notably enhancing pedestrian safety throughout the region. Engineering Director Jeff Earhart highlighted the urgency of this project, citing over 200 pedestrian accidents recorded in the area, underscoring the critical need for a safer means for individuals to traverse the county. Statistical data from Lake County indicates a concerning trend, with 14 fatalities and 289 pedestrian and bicycle crashes occurring along the Wekiva Trail corridor between 2020 and 2024.
Given the trail extension’s designation as a paramount pedestrian safety initiative by county officials, Earhart noted that efforts are ongoing to secure the necessary financial resources. Negotiations with CSX are anticipated to be finalized by the close of the current year. To offset the substantial project costs, estimated at $53 million, the county has actively pursued grant opportunities, aiming to secure over 50% of the required funding. Earhart mentioned the submission of a federal RAISE grant application for approximately $20 million, with the outcome pending. He further specified that the anticipated purchase price for the railroad infrastructure falls within the range of $22 million to $28 million, averaging around $25 million.
This 11.5-mile extension is strategically designed to connect with an additional three-mile section planned in Sorrento, which has secured $3 million in funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This Sorrento segment is currently in the right-of-way acquisition phase and will extend from Sorrento Avenue, also known as State Road 46, to its intersection with County Road 46A in Mount Plymouth. These new segments will integrate with existing and completed portions of the trail situated along Wekiva Parkway and State Road 46 within Seminole County, resulting in a total of 22.9 miles of continuous trail within Lake County, stretching from the county line to Wooton Park in Tavares. Earhart elaborated on the broader connectivity, stating that this network will ultimately link into Seminole County, which in turn connects to Orange County, with the long-term vision of extending the trail all the way to Titusville.
Beyond its function as a multi-use corridor for pedestrian and cyclist travel, Lake County envisions incorporating historical and artistic elements along the completed trail. Earhart expressed particular interest in the existing railroad bridge at the U.S. Highway 441 crossing, suggesting the potential addition of illuminated “Mount Dora” signage to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area. Furthermore, plans are underway to preserve remnants of the railroad, such as spikes and other artifacts, for potential inclusion in a local museum to commemorate Lake County’s history, or through the installation of educational kiosks strategically placed along the trail. Lake County Commission Chair Leslie Campione lauded the project’s potential to benefit individuals seeking recreational opportunities and exercise. In an official statement, she affirmed that “The Wekiva Trail Extension will be an asset for Lake County’s residents and visitors,” further emphasizing the “huge economic benefits for downtown districts and businesses near trails such as this.”