LETTER OF INTENT
~.-.
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
2694 Redford Court West
Clearwater, Florida 33761
November 21,2000
TO: ~ Mayor and City Commissioners, City of Clearwater
The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners
The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Bill Jonson, Chair, Corridor Advocacy Group
SUBJECT: Endorsement of Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway Letter of Intent
Representatives from your governments along with the City of Tampa and several other
organizations formed a Corridor Advocacy Group with the intent of qualifying the
Courtney Campbell Causeway for designation under the State of Florida's Scenic
Highway program.
Designation as a Scenic Highway brings statewide recognition to the unique scenic
resources of this causeway that links the communities on both sides of Tampa Bay.
Additionally, designation provides an opportunity to seek financial grants to further
enhance the corridor.
The Scenic Highway program consists of three steps. Eligibility is the first phase and
includes the approval ofthe Letter oflntent. Designation is the second phase and
includes development of a Corridor Management Plan (CMP). Implementation is the
final phase and consists of executing the CMP. Because of the significant improvements
already in place on the existing causeway, we don't anticipate changes in responsibilities
or funding from the participating governments. In other words, we are not asking for
additional funding from you for this project, although staff members will assist in the
development of the CMP.
The Tampa City Council approved the Courtney Campbell Letter oflntent on November
16,2000. We invite your endorsement of the attached Letter oflntent so that we may
proceed with this process.
~I
P.S. Additional information about the Florida Scenic Highway program and the
designation process is enclosed in the attached presentation folder.
Encl. Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway Letter of Intent
Florida Scenic Highway information folder
www.dot.state.fl.us/emo
The Florida Scenic Highways Program
is designed to showcase outstanding cul-
tural, historical, archeological, recreational,
natural and scenic resources along
Florida's highways. The Program is a grass
roots effort to heighten awareness of our
State's history and intrinsic resources.
These intrinsic resources include the cul-
tural, historical, archeological, recreational,
natural and scenic qualities valued by
Florida residents and the millions of tour-
ists who visit our State each year. The pri-
mary intent of the Florida Scenic Highways
Program is to designate roadway corridors
where we can preserve, maintain, protect
and enhance intrinsic resources for the
traveling public's enjoyment.
Not only will travelers experience
Florida's resources more fully on a Scenic
Highway, the highways themselves will
provide economic opportunities for their
surrounding communities. Through com-
munity-based consensus and partner-
ships, a sustainable balance between
conservation and land use can be accom-
plished, improving not only the traveling
experience, but the community's "quality
of life" as well.
The Florida Scenic Highways Program
Mission Statement reflects the intercon-
nected nature of Florida's roadways, re-
sources and communities.
HIGHWAY
The Florida Scenic Highways Program
focuses on community-based support and
resource protection while seeking to pro-
mote regional economic benefits that may
result from designation. These highways
strive to educate travelers by "telling a
story" that is representative of Florida
lifestyles of the past and present. The ulti-
mate goal of the Florida Scenic Highways
Program, however, is to preserve, maintain,
protect and enhance Florida's unique in-
trinsic resources.
The Florida Scenic Highways Program
process is divided into three phases: I) Eli-
gibility, 2) Designation and 3) Implementa-
tion. An applicant begins the Eligibility
Phase by forming a Corridor Advocacy
Group (CAG) to develop an Eligibility Ap-
plication. Information contained in this
package will be used by the Department
of Transportation to determine whether it
is probable that the corridor will meet the
criteria and requirements for designation.
Following eligibility, the CAG begins the
Designation Phase by developing a Corri-
dor Management Plan (CMP), which will
specify the operational procedures, protec-
tion techniques and standards/regulations
by which the corridor will be managed and
enhanced. If it is determined that the CMP
satisfies all Program process requirements
in this manual, designation will be granted.
This designation initiates the Implementa-
tion Phase, in which the actions, techniques
and procedures specified in the CMP are
carried out, including corridor monitoring,
annual reports and CMP updates.
fto
Designation as a Florida Scenic Highway can benefit a community in several ways. Among
these are through resource protection, community recognition, economic development and
tourism, community visioning, partnerships and through an increased priority for funding
corridor amenities.
The benefits of a Florida Scenic Highway designation can also be increased if State
designated roadways become National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. These
roadways will attract national and international travelers, bringing additional recognition
and economic benefits to these regions.
... .~~
Florida Scenic Highways Program
Monetary Benefits
Dated: May 25,2000
One of the most tangible benefits that designated Florida Scenic Highway Corridors have received has come
in the form of grant monies awarded for specific actions and implementation activities along the corridors.
In some cases, the State Program has applied for and received grants that were used to support specific
corridors as well as to support the program in general. In other cases, individual corridors applied for and
received grants.
There is a great opportunity for designated corridors to pursue funding to help fulfill their Corridor Visions
and implement their Corridor Management Plans. Corridor Advocacy groups and Corridor Management
Entities are encouraged to pursue appropriate grants given their status and the availability of federal, state,
local and private funds. Although designation as a Florida Scenic Highway does not guarantee that grants
will be awarded, past history associated with the Florida Scenic Highways Program has shown a high
likelihood of success.
To date, both the State Program and designated Florida Scenic Highways Program corridors have pursued
and received the grant funding listed below:
Florida Scenic Highways 1994 $150,000 National Scenic To create a scenic highways process
Program Byways and program for Florida. Resulted
(Statewide) Discretionary Grant in the creation of the Program
(FDOT) Manual, Brochure and Training
Courses.
Overseas Heritage Trail $110,000 Private Donation To assist the Corridor advocacy
Scenic Highway Group in pursuing Florida Scenic
Highways Program designation.
Tamiami Trail Scenic 1999 $2,100,000 Public Lands To enhance the roadway corridor
Highway Discretionary Grant and provide pull-offs and other
(FDOT District 1) visitor amenities related to the
corridor and the Big Cypress
National Preserve park facilities.
Florida Scenic Highways 1999 $509,000 National Scenic For tourism promotion and
Program Byways interpretive facilities (for Tamiami
(Statewide) Discretionary Grant Trail and Pensacola Scenic Bluffs
(FDOT) Highway), web site, publications, an
economic impact assessment as well
as statewide program development.
t~~.jPi? A~M7 -~~; ~;,~~~,~rr.rK'~~~ffr6?:~~'~;~~:i?~~4i~' ~:!~.~ ::~~::;::;t~~.~f~i~~:;:;~i~
~iY'earf};'fEQn{jS'CR<<ei"ea~:: ~GhlntlSourre
1if'''''-1~'/.? ';;Ow:;.' :~; :f:~,,~':m< ,:"t~,~;t:~/;;""t,~t,-,>",~~. _<.-J~t t!'P;:J".-:":~,*:.. ~- '-.;?,~.."~~.~ -.~-
$5,000,000
Public Lands
Discretionary Grant
Big Cypress National 1999
Preserve (on Tamiami Trail)
(National Park Service)
$240,000
National Scenic
Byways
Discretionary Grant
Tamiami Trail Scenic 2000
Highway
(FDOT District 1)
$120,000
National Scenic
Byways
Discretionary Grant
Pensacola Scenic Bluffs 2000
Highway
(FDOT District 3)
$1,200,000
Preservation 2000
Funds and the City
of Pensacola
Pensacola Scenic Bluffs 2000
Highway
(FDOT District 3)
For improvements to Preserve lands
along the scenic highway and
construction of a Welcome Center.
Tu prepare a Master Plan (and
complete environmental
documentation) for the corridor
detailing pull-offs, signage, trails,
paths and vegetation management.
To prepare a Master Plan (and
complete environmental
documentation) for the corridor
detailing pull-offs, signage, trails,
paths and vegetation management.
To purchase bluff property along the
corridor in an effort to preserve the
viewshed.
In addition to monetary funding, several corridors have received in-direct funds through technical assistance
from the District offices and/or the FDOT Central Office.
.
Letter of Intent
Florida Scenic Highways Program
Level of designation
the Application is seeking
o Florida Scenic Highway
o National Scenic Byway
o All-American Road
Submission of this Letter of Intent verifies that designation as a Florida Scenic Highway is being sought
for the corridor identified below. Please submit the completed form to the District Scenic Highways
Coordinator in your area.
Roadway/Route Number and Name - Provide the state and US road number (if applicable), the local
or any regionally recognized roadway name and, if known, a potential scenic highway name.
SEE I1-TTAcJfED
Roadway/Corridor Limits - Define the roadway/corridor limits (beginning/ending termini) according to
the presence of the intrinsic resources as well as to recognizable geographic locations and/or mile
posts. Provide the corridor length in miles and attach a location map detailing corridor limits.
~cc- A-rrA-CI/El)
Governmental Jurisdictions - Provide the names of ALL local general purpose governments as well as
the planning/management agencies whose jurisdiction the corridor traverses. These include, but are
not limited to city, county, unincorporated areas, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Water Manage-
ment Districts, Forestry Service, Transportation Authorities and Parks and Recreation Departments.
..<)F.E-
Entity Name
4TT/kJIEl::;
Potential Contact
Address
Phone Number
Entity Name
Potential Contact
Address
Phone Number
Entity Name
Potential Contact
Phone Number
Address
Entity Name
Potential Contact
Address
Phone Number
Statement of Significance - In the space provided, identify and discuss the different types of intrinsic
resources present in the corridor (see Chapter 5 - Designation Criteria of Program Manual). Concen-
trate on detailing why these resources are important and valued by the community. In other words,
what makes this roadway special to the community and its visitors?
SEE-
4fr~EJ:::,
Meeting And Training - Please indicate several time(s) and date(s) when the CAG could meet for the
Meeting and Training or the time and date of a Meeting or Training that has already been arranged
with the District Scenic Highways Coordinator.
x
Date
CITY e;F
Date
x
x
-:::iF
Local General Purpose Government Representative
Additional Information - On a separate sheet, provide the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers for the follow-
ing groups: 1) additional governmental/planning/management entities, 2) additional local general purpose govern-
ment representatives with signature, and 3) CAG Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and additional membership.
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15, 2000
Attachments for Letter of Intent, Florida Scenic Highways Program
Roadwav/Route Number and Name - Provide the state and US road number at
applicable), the local or any regionally recognized roadway name and, if known, a
potential scenic Highway name.
State Road 60, locally known as the Courtney Campbell Causeway or the Courtney
Campbell Parkway. The proposed name is the Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway.
Roadwav/Corridor Limits - Define the roadway/corridor limits (beginning/ending
termini) according to the presence of the intrinsic resources as well as to recognizable
geographic locations and/or mileposts. Provide the corridor length in miles and attach a
location map detailing corridor limits.
The Proposed Eastern Termini: Veterans HighwayIMemorial Highway - incorporates
preservation areas owned by the Hillsborough Airport Authority and restorationlbird
sanctuary areas adjacent to the highway near the Hyatt Westshore
The Proposed Western Termini: McMullen Booth
Total distance: approximately 9.5 miles
Governmental Jurisdictions - Provide the names of ALL local general purpose
governments as well as the planning/management agencies whose jurisdiction the
corridor traverses. These include, but are not limited to city, county, unincorporated
areas, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Water Management Districts, Forestry
Service, Transportation Authorities and Parks and Recreation Departments.
Name Affiliation Address Telephone Fax / emaillweb
Governmental
Or~anizations
Saul-Sena, Linda City of Tampa 315 E. (813) 274-8134 813-274-7076
City Council Kennedy Blvd saulsenaaliaol. com
Member Tampa, FL W\\w. ci. tampa.fl.us
33602
Price, Karla City of Tampa 7525 North (813) 931-2626 (813) 931-2630
Landscape Parks Blvd. pr07ca!ci. tampa.fl. us
Architect Department Tampa, FL
33604
Arasteh, Mahshid City of P.O. Box 4748 (727) 562-4757 727-562-4755
Public Works Clearwater Clearwater, marastehaliclearwater -fl. com
Administrator Florida www.clearwater-fl.com
33758-4748
Kurtz, Tim City of 100 S. Myrtle (727) 562-4737 (727) 562-4755
Landscape Clearwater Avenue #220 tkurtz(iV,clearwater - fl.com
Architect P.O. Box 4748 w\\w. clearwater -fl. com
Clearwater,
Florida
33758-4748
Page 1 of6
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15,2000
Seel, Karen Pine lIas County 315 Court (727) 464-3278 (727) 464-3022
County & Street kseel@
Commissioner Pinellas County Clearwater, co. pinelIas.fl. us
Metropolitan Florida 33756 www.co. pinellas.fl. us
Planning
Organization
Smith, Brian Pinellas County 14 South Fort (727) 464-4751 (727) 464-4155
Pinellas County & Harrison www.co. pinellas.f). us/mpo/
Planning Director Pinellas County Avenue
& Metropolitan Clearwater,
Executive Planning Florida 33756
Director MPO Organization
Platt, Jan Hillsborough 601 E. (813) 272-5730 (813) 272-7053
County County Kennedy Blvd nolandj@
Commissioner Tampa, FL hillsboroughcounty.org
[Jerry Noland - 33602
Sr. Asst.]
Runnels, Dr. Department of 3804 Coconut (813) 744-6100 randv.TUllllelsialdep. state. fl. us
Randy Environmental Palm X325
Protection Tampa, FL
33619
Holland, Nanette Tampa Bay 100 8th Ave (727) 893-2765 llane~e(ci)tbep. org
Public Outreach Estuary Program SE www.tbeo.org
Coordinator MS-l-l
St. Petersburg,
FL 33704
Baldwin, Rand Southwest 2379 Broad 352-796-7211 Rand.Baldwin@
Governmental Florida Water Street, or 800-423- Swfwmd.state.fl.us
Affairs Management BrooksvilIe, 1476 www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
District FL 34609
Miller, Louis Hillsborough Post Office 813/870-8701 LMillerCdlTamlXlAirport. com
Executive County Aviation Box 22287
Director Authority Tampa, FL
33622
Torres, Gena L. The Planning 601 E. (813) 272-5940 (813) 272-6255
Senior Planner Commission Kennedy torresg0!plancom. org
Hillsborough P.O. Box 1110
County Tampa, FL
33601-1110
Feaster, Joe District Seven 11201 N. (813) 975-6617 (813) 975-6451
Scenic Highways Florida McKinley Dr. or 800-226- ioseph. feasteriaJdot. state.fl. us
Coordinator Department of Tampa, FL 7220
Transportation 33612-6456
Sebesta, Jim Chair, 9887 Fourth (727) 563-0377 (727) 217-7090
Senator District Hillsborough S1. N. Suite sebestajim. web@
20 (covering areas Legislative 319 leg. state.fl. us
of Pinellas and Delegation, S1. Petersburg,
Hillsborough and FL 33702
counties) Chair, Pinellas
Legislative
Delegation
Page 2 of6
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15,2000
Non-
governmental
Or~anizations
Cole, Katie Clearwater 1130 (727) 461-0011 (727) 449-2889
VP. Regional Cleveland x 239 kcole@
Governmental Chamber of Street clearwaterflorida. org
Affairs Commerce Clearwater, www.c1earwaterflorida.ora
Florida 33755
Fox, Terri Westshore 5444 Bay (813) 289-5488 www. westshorealliance. org
Marketing Alliance Center Dr. -
Director Suite 115
Tampa, FL
33609
Keene, Jeannie Westshore 5444 Bay (813) 289-5488 (813) 289-6727
Director of Alliance Center Dr. - www.westshorealliance.org
Transportation Suite 115
Tampa, FL
33609
Jonson, William Citizens for a 2694 Redford 727-786-3075 727-787-3964
President Scenic Florida Court West bill. J onson(U')usa.llet
Clearwater, www.scellicflorida.org
FL 33761
Hess, Ken Clearwater 3400 Gulf-to- (727) 726-1153 (727) 726-8597
College Registrar Christian College Bay Blvd x227 kenhess@
Clearwater, Clearwater. edu
FL 33759
McDaniel, Don Hyatt Westshore dmcdanie@
General Manager tnarwno.hvatt. com
McDaniel, Bill URS Corporation william mcdanie1@
urscorp.com
Statement of Silmificance - In the space provided, identify and discuss the different
types of intrinsic resources present in the corridor (see Chapter 5 - Designation Criteria
of Program Manual). Concentrate on detailing why these resources are important and
valued by the community. In other words, what makes this roadway special to the
community and its visitors?
Historic Resources -
At about 1000 A.D. the Tocobaga Indians were at their zenith in the Safety Harbor area
just north of the west end of the causeway. In 1528 the Spanish explorer Panfilo de
Narvaez is believed to have landed somewhere on the Pinellas peninsula. In 1539
Hernando de Soto is thought to have explored the Tampa Bay area. He was searching for
the "Fountain of Youth." On May 18th he discovered Espiritu Santo Springs or "Springs
of the Holy Spirit" where Safety Harbor Spa is currently located. The mystical springs
have attracted visitors eager to sample the curative powers of the healing waters since
that time.
Page 3 of6
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15,2000
In 1832 Odet Philippe established the first permanent white settlement on the Pinellas
peninsula in Safety Harbor north of the current causeway. Philippe is credited with
introducing citrus to the area, which in later years, was destined to become the leading
agricultural product of Pine lIas.
The community of Historic Bayview in Clearwater was settled in the late 1800's. This is
located on the Clearwater end of the causeway.
The causeway was originally built by Captain Ben Davis. Davis was a direct descendent
of President Jefferson Davis of the Confederacy.
It was started in 1927, but was delayed by the depression. It was finally completed and
opened on January 28, 1934. It cost $900,000 to build and opened as a private toll road
charging 25 cents for a car and driver and five cents for each additional passenger. At the
time it was constructed it was one of the longest over-water fills. It shortened the road
from Clearwater to Tampa by 10 miles.
Davis was a dredging contractor. He built the causeway in his spare time. When he
didn't have any other dredging work to do, he would go out and dredge up more of the
causeway.
The State Road Department acquired the Davis Causeway for $1,085,861 in 1944. In
1948 the Road Department renamed the road in honor of its Florida Road Board member,
Courtney W. Campbell, who was later a U.S. Congressman. The recognition came
because of his work effecting major repairs and beautification. Governor Millard
Cadwell and Senator (later Rep.) Claude Pepper attended the re-designation ceremonies.
The highway beautification included many Australian pines, cabbage palms, and
flowering plants, including red hibiscus and oleanders. The road project included raising
the roadway level by several feet and bulkheading the south shore. Campbell is
remembered for the state's widespread and much-copied wayside park system. One of
his other accomplishments was promotion of bathing areas for blacks along state-
financed roads that skirted beaches.
Recreation Resources -
There is a public boat ramp on the north side of the causeway. It has two wide shallow
ramps, with finger piers and two floating docks. Limited parking is available at this site.
Also on the Tampa side of the causeway is the Ben T. Davis Municipal Beach. At the
west end of the causeway is an unnamed beach supervised by the City of Clearwater.
The access roads along either side of the main roadway provide public access to public
areas by the water's edge on both sides. These provide opportunities for biking and
rollerblading. The access roads are linked under the bridges providing a 6-mile round
trip along beautiful Tampa Bay.
Page 4 of6
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15,2000
Fishing opportunities exist along the entire length of the causeway. Flounder, redfish/red
drum, sheep shead, snook, spotted seatrout are among the sport fish in Tampa Bay.
Tarpon have been showing up at night along the causeway.
Clearwater provides a tourist information center at the west end of the causeway. This
location provides a possible location for distributing Scenic Highway information.
Natural Resources-
Tampa Bay is Florida's largest open water estuary, stretching 398 square miles at high
tide. Popular for sport and recreation, the bay also supports one ofthe world's most
productive natural systems. Salt water from the sea and fresh water from rivers and
uplands mix, creating nurseries for young fish, shrimp and crabs.
The northside shoreline is a piece of Old Tampa Bay paradise for our feathered friends,
and interestingly, the causeway acts as a form of barrier/coastal island from predators.
Birds nesting in the FDOT protected area include certain herons and egrets which are
Species of Special Concern (SSC) in the State. In addition, the endangered West Indian
Manatee (federally listed) also roams the waters around Courtney Campbell Causeway
Corridor, the western half of which is part ofa county-wide FDEP Aquatic Preserve.
This Preserve and the management practices of this state road's lengthy beaches have
promoted growth of flora such as Spartina 'marsh' grass, Mangrove trees, seagrasses and
various other aquatic plants necessary to attract smaller organisms that balance out the
food chain.
Dozens of bird nests within the Conservation Easement Site have recently been spotted
by Audubon Scientists. In order of prevalence, the Tri-colored heron, Snowy egret, and
Little blue heron, all of which are SSC-listed by Florida, frequent the Site. (SSC is
defined as a population which warrants special protection, recognition, or consideration
because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to habitat modification, environmental
alteration, human disturbance, or substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable
future, may result in its becoming a threatened species.) Other rookery inhabitants (for a
total of78 pairs) are the Great blue heron, Great egret, American Oystercatcher and
Yellow-crowned night-heron, the latter of which has been a designated colony
occupying a breeding site as far back as 1986.
Tampa Bay was designated an "estuary of national significance" by Congress in 1990,
paving the way for development of a long-term blueprint for bay restoration through the
Tampa Bay National Estuary Program. Tampa Bay is one of28 estuaries in the National
Estuary Program.
For more information see www.tbep.org.
Page 5 of6
Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
Corridor Advocacy Group
November 15,2000
Scenic Resources -
The causeway provides uninterrupted over-water vistas to the driving public going east or
west. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets can usually be seen every day. Vistas to the south
extend four miles to the Howard Frankland Bridge. Vistas to the north extend five miles
to Safety Harbor. Vistas are particularly impressive from the bridges along the
causeway. Eastern rainbows can frequently be seen over the Tampa end of the causeway
during afternoon rain showers.
The causeway is landscaped throughout most of its length. Both the City of Tampa and
the City of Clearwater conducted beautification projects in the early 90' s. Sabal palm,
dwarf oleander, sea grape and holly trees were planted as part of this effort.
Meetinf! and Traininf! - Please indicate several timers) and daters) when the Corridor
Advocacy Group (CAG) could meet for the Meeting and Training or a time and date of a
Meeting or Training that has already been arranged with the District Scenic Highway
Coordinator.
Initial training occurred on October 20, 2000. Additional training will be scheduled
directly with the District 7 FDOT Scenic Highway Coordinator. The next meeting of the
CAGis scheduled for January 9, 2001 at 8:15 a.m.
Page 6 of6
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COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS