We had a record turnout at the January 2015 FLT meeting, held for the first time at Bentley’s Boutique Hotel in Osprey FL. Though some FLT members miss meeting at the Oscar Scherer Park for its rustic atmosphere and proximity to The Legacy Trail, the amenities and physical space at Bentley’s hotel are far superior. Thank you to Bentley’s for offering to host our monthly meetings!

Doug Hattaway of the Trust for Public Land is our guest speaker for the 3 February meeting. TPL is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect lands as parks and open spaces. The Draft Feasibility Study to extend The Legacy Trail to downtown Sarasota, now being reviewed by Sarasota County Staff, pegs the construction cost at about $15 million, but offers no estimate on land acquisition costs or financing opportunities. TPL was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the existing 10.6 mile segment of The Legacy Trail, and has begun discussions to acquire use of the proposed 8.6 mile extension.

Patrick Lui, the new Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Coordinator for Sarasota County, was unable to speak at the January 2015 meeting. He is our guest speaker for the 3 March FLT meeting. Patrick will talk about his new job along with the County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

The monthly meeting is held at Bentley’s Hotel, located at 1660S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229. It is just north of and across the street from Oscar Scherer State Park.