Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Florida Scenic Highways Program?
Answer: It is a program designed to enhance a traveler's experience. This, in turn, provides subsequent benefits to the community. The designated scenic highway promotes a heightened awareness of the state's exceptional resources and unique history through educational and visual experiences. The program was developed in response to legislation (Section 335.093, Florida Statutes) to "preserve, maintain, protect, and enhance Florida's outstanding cultural, historical, archeological, recreational, natural, and scenic resources". It is voluntary and grass-roots based,
involving strong local citizens and government support to help meet objectives. The program is perhaps best summarized by it's mission statement. Through community-based consensus and partnerships, the program will also promote economic prosperity and broaden the traveler's overall recreational and educational experience.
Q. What are Loop Roads that are part of the Englewood designation?
Answer: Loop roads depart from the main corridor and either form a loop or re-connect with the corridor at a separate junction. Loop roads can enhance a corridor by providing access to additional resources. In the Englewood area, there are 2 loop roads: Englewood Road leading to Dearborn Street and includes trhe Olde Englewood Village area. The second being CR 775 (AKA Placida Road) / CR771 (AKA Gasparilla Road).
Q. What if the corridor includes areas that are not scenic?
Answer: Universal Criteria #6 states that a majority of the corridor must exhibit the resources for the designation. If the applicant corridor is seeking designation under the classification of Scenic Corridor, then the majority of the corridor must exhibit scenic qualities. This would allow small segments of the corridor to be something other than scenic.
Q. Why did the Englewood community seek a corridor designation?
Answer: A scenic highway designation yields five broad-based benefits:
Resource Protection:
Community Recognition
Economic Development/Tourism
Community Vision Designation
Partnering
Q. Is there money associated with this designation?
Answer: Under the National Scenic Byways Program and the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21), grant money is available for nationally and state designated scenic highways. This funding averages about $24 million each year nationwide and candidates may apply through their State Scenic Highways Program. In addition, there are numerous federal discretionary grant programs which can provide funds to designated corridors. History reflects that designated corridors have more success in obtaining grant money, compared with those not designated. This can be used for a variety of things from landscaping, to an area welcome center, corner trash stations, brochure printing, and more.