In today’s Tampa Tribune, columnist Dan DeWitt recounts the vision of completing the Florida Trail, through the eyes of Mitch Almon and other members of the Suncoast Chapter as they continue to move the Western Corridor route onto public lands and off the roads. Read the article…
FTA Staff @ August 8, 2008
See television footage from Channel 10 news in Tampa with Suncoast chapter members Ralph Hancock, Mitch Almon, and Bill Martin touring reporter Kathyrn Bursch on one of the chapter’s most scenic short loop trails at Little Manatee State Park.
FTA Staff @ June 9, 2008
Notices to Hikers Comments (0)
Notice No. 2008-004
Submittal Name: Tom Daniel
Title: Section Leader
Phone: 850-341-1389
Email: perdidotcd@aol.com
Map No. 04-Eglin East
Perm. Change? No
Effective Date 04/25/2008
Description
The Trail on Eglin Air Force Base between US 331 and Range Rd 208 is subject to closure due to increased military training exercises until further notice. The alternate route uses Range Roads 208 and 205 (SR 282). Before hiking, consult the monthly closure schedule on the Choctawhatchee Chapter website under Late Breaking News at http://westgate.floridatrail.org/ or call the Jackson Guard at 850-882-4165. Hikers should be alert to notices posted in the trailhead kiosks on Bob Sikes Rd and US 331.
FTA Staff @ May 13, 2008
Member News, News Releases Comments (0)
New Port Richey, Fl (April 16, 2008) – The Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) and several of its members have been honored with awards from the Florida Division of Forestry for outstanding volunteer service to the Withlacoochee State Forest (WSF). The awards were recently presented to Chapter members by the forest management team as part of WSF’s Volunteer Appreciation Day. The event was held at Tillis Hill Campground in the Citrus Tract of the Forest.
The awards are given by the State Forest for hours logged by a group and its members for volunteer services that assist in maintaining and helping to protect Forest resources. Awards bestowed at this year’s event included:
• Volunteer Group of the Year, presented to the FTA Suncoast Chapter for outstanding service performed by Chapter members.
• 10,000 or More Hours of Service, presented to the Suncoast Chapter for 32,000 hours of service performed within the Forest. The awards are based on hours of cumulative service and are presented at certain levels of achievement, e.g., 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 hours or more. This marks the third occasion on which the Suncoast Chapter has received a 10,000 hour award.
• The Woody Woodpecker Ecology Award, presented to the Suncoast Chapter for its environmental sensitivity in keeping trails neat, clean and well maintained, well blazed for hikers and campers, and prompt removal of blown down trees, branches or obstructions.
More on page 230
FTA Staff @ April 18, 2008