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Hillsborough Ceremony to Open Trail Additions

TB Reporter | Ribbon Cutting | Grand Opening

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the completion of additions to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

HILLSBOROUGH – Lace up those sneakers, pump up those tires, and join Hillsborough County leaders Tuesday (Dec. 1) to celebrate the completion of the new Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead and new section of Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled at 10 a.m. at the trailhead, 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road, Odessa. Members of the Hillsborough County Greenways Advisory Committee, a citizen committee representing several trail user groups, will attend to celebrate the official opening. County Commissioners also have been invited to attend.

The new 4.35-mile section marks the completion of the northernmost segment of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The new section is the first paved, multi-use trail constructed in a Hillsborough County preserve. From the trailhead, the trail extends 1.5 miles east and then north to connect with the Suncoast Trail. This portion includes three sections of boardwalk that cross over wetlands, and a signalized crossing at Lutz Lake Fern Road. The trail also extends nearly 3 miles to the southwest along the edge of Brooker Creek Preserve. The new Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead features paved parking for 50 vehicles, restrooms, a covered picnic area, and an automated pay station.

Design and construction of the $6.2 million project was funded by Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management will maintain the new facilities.

For information and a map of the trail, go to hillsboroughcounty.org.

Hillsborough County | Upper Tampa Bay Trail | Odessa | Lutz Lake Fern Road | TB Reporter

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