University of Florida scientists are closer to a breakthrough that could safeguard the nation’s lettuce supply.  Backed by a $500,000 federal grant, the team is working to develop disease-resistant lettuce varieties built to withstand shifting weather and growing challenges. German Sandoya, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_62005" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62005" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-62005" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2026/03/G-Sandoya-Photo-UFIFAS-Tyler-Jones-300x200.jpg" alt="German Sandoya (left) examining seed samples in a lab at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center.Photo credit: UF/IFAS Tyler Jones " width="380" height="253" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62005" class="wp-caption-text">German Sandoya (left) examining seed samples in a lab at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Tyler Jones</figcaption></figure>
University of Florida scientists are closer to a breakthrough that could safeguard the nation’s lettuce supply.  Backed by a $500,000 federal grant, the team is working to develop disease-resistant lettuce varieties built to withstand shifting weather and growing challenges.
<a href="https://erec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty-pages/dr-german-sandoya-faculty-page/">German Sandoya</a>, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is leading the effort with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
The research targets bacterial leaf spot, a persistent disease that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Scientists are also responding to rising temperatures that threaten lettuce, a crop adapted to cooler conditions.
“This type of research takes time,” said Sandoya, based at the <a href="https://erec.ifas.ufl.edu">UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center</a> in Belle Glade. “From the earliest breeding stages to releasing a cultivar, you are looking at seven to eight years. But we are now at the point where we have multiple promising lines and are narrowing them down.”
Florida is the nation’s third largest lettuce-growing state, with most of this crop produced during the winter. Farmers begin planting in early fall and continue through early spring. Harvest season starts in late fall and can run through April or even May.
But as a food staple in homes, vegetable gardens, restaurants and grocery stores across the country, this crop is increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, especially in subtropical states like Florida. At the same time, growers continue to battle bacterial leaf spot, a disease that can severely damage crops.
<figure id="attachment_62007" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62007" style="width: 296px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-62007" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2026/03/PXL_20260226_160436041-226x300.jpg" alt="Byron Manzanero showing lettuce seedlings and how the inoculation process occurs in the laboratory. Lettuce seedlings are bagged after the pathogen inoculation; in these conditions of high humidity and high temperatures the pathogen easily proliferates.Photo credit: UF/IFAS Lourdes Mederos " width="296" height="393" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62007" class="wp-caption-text">Byron Manzanero showing lettuce seedlings and how the inoculation process occurs in the laboratory. Lettuce seedlings are bagged after the pathogen inoculation; in these conditions of high humidity and high temperatures the pathogen easily proliferates. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Lourdes Mederos</figcaption></figure>
To build resistance, Sandoya and his team turned to a rare lettuce plant originally collected in Macedonia that naturally resists bacterial leaf spot. While not suitable for commercial production on its own, the plant has served as a valuable genetic source.
Using that source, researchers have developed hundreds of advanced breeding lines over several years. Now, with NIFA’s support, the team is moving into large-scale testing.
Trials are planned in Florida, California and Arizona to evaluate how the new lines perform across different climates and production systems, including open fields and greenhouse environments. Researchers are also testing the lettuce in sandy soils common in parts of Florida.
Beyond disease resistance, the team is evaluating traits that matter to growers, retailers and consumers, including appearance, texture and postharvest performance. Maintaining freshness during storage and transport is a key priority, especially for lettuce shipped over long distances.
“We have developed a wide range of lettuce types, including romaine, iceberg and leaf lettuce,” Sandoya said. “The goal is to provide growers with options that perform well in different production systems and meet market demands.”
Early findings suggest the breeding lines may offer an added benefit. Researchers believe the same genetic resistance could help protect against Cercospora leaf spot, another disease that becomes more common in warm conditions and currently lacks effective control options especially in greenhouse production.
If confirmed, the work could lead to one of the first public lettuce cultivars with resistance to multiple major diseases, offering a significant advantage to growers.
Once the strongest lines are identified, the team will increase seed production, prepare varieties for mechanical planting and host field demonstrations to encourage adoption by growers and industry partners.
“Our goal is to deliver solutions that work for growers in the field and provide high quality produce for consumers,” Sandoya said. “We are getting very close.”
###
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2026/03/24/al-filo-de-un-gran-avance-uf-ifas-desarrolla-variedades-de-lechuga-resistentes-a-enfermedades-para-fincas-y-cocinas-de-estados-unidos/">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.</a>
&nbsp;
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME 
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at <a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/food/">ifas.ufl.edu/food</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FoodIsOurMiddleName&amp;src=typed_query">#FoodIsOurMiddleName</a>.

German Sandoya (left) examining seed samples in a lab at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center.
Photo credit: UF/IFAS Tyler Jones
University of Florida scientists are closer to a breakthrough that could safeguard the nation’s lettuce supply.  Backed by a $500,000 federal grant, the team is working to develop disease-resistant lettuce varieties built to withstand shifting weather and growing challenges.
German Sandoya, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is leading the effort with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
The research targets bacterial leaf spot, a persistent disease that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Scientists are also responding to rising temperatures that threaten lettuce, a crop adapted to cooler conditions.
“This type of research takes time,” said Sandoya, based at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade. “From the earliest breeding stages to releasing a cultivar, you are looking at seven to eight years. But we are now at the point where we have multiple promising lines and are narrowing them down.”
Florida is the nation’s third largest lettuce-growing state, with most of this crop produced during the winter. Farmers begin planting in early fall and continue through early spring. Harvest season starts in late fall and can run through April or even May.
But as a food staple in homes, vegetable gardens, restaurants and grocery stores across the country, this crop is increasingly threatened by rising temperatures, especially in subtropical states like Florida. At the same time, growers continue to battle bacterial leaf spot, a disease that can severely damage crops.
Byron Manzanero showing lettuce seedlings and how the inoculation process occurs in the laboratory. Lettuce seedlings are bagged after the pathogen inoculation; in these conditions of high humidity and high temperatures the pathogen easily proliferates.
Photo credit: UF/IFAS Lourdes Mederos
To build resistance, Sandoya and his team turned to a rare lettuce plant originally collected in Macedonia that naturally resists bacterial leaf spot. While not suitable for commercial production on its own, the plant has served as a valuable genetic source.
Using that source, researchers have developed hundreds of advanced breeding lines over several years. Now, with NIFA’s support, the team is moving into large-scale testing.
Trials are planned in Florida, California and Arizona to evaluate how the new lines perform across different climates and production systems, including open fields and greenhouse environments. Researchers are also testing the lettuce in sandy soils common in parts of Florida.
Beyond disease resistance, the team is evaluating traits that matter to growers, retailers and consumers, including appearance, texture and postharvest performance. Maintaining freshness during storage and transport is a key priority, especially for lettuce shipped over long distances.
“We have developed a wide range of lettuce types, including romaine, iceberg and leaf lettuce,” Sandoya said. “The goal is to provide growers with options that perform well in different production systems and meet market demands.”
Early findings suggest the breeding lines may offer an added benefit. Researchers believe the same genetic resistance could help protect against Cercospora leaf spot, another disease that becomes more common in warm conditions and currently lacks effective control options especially in greenhouse production.
If confirmed, the work could lead to one of the first public lettuce cultivars with resistance to multiple major diseases, offering a significant advantage to growers.
Once the strongest lines are identified, the team will increase seed production, prepare varieties for mechanical planting and host field demonstrations to encourage adoption by growers and industry partners.
“Our goal is to deliver solutions that work for growers in the field and provide high quality produce for consumers,” Sandoya said. “We are getting very close.”
###
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
 
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

University of Florida scientists are closer to a breakthrough that could safeguard the nation’s lettuce supply.  Backed by a $500,000 federal grant, the team is working to develop disease-resistant lettuce varieties built to withstand shifting weather and growing challenges. German Sandoya, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) […]

On the edge of a breakthrough: UF/IFAS breeding disease-resistant lettuce for U.S. farms, kitchens

Sarasota County is proud to announce that it has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Gold” certification and national accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, an honor recognizing an array of efforts to increase sustainability and resilience across the county. Unlike certification for individual buildings, this designation evaluated sustainability and resilience efforts [&#8230;]

[CREDIT: U.S. Green Building Council]Sarasota County is proud to announce that it has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Gold” certification and national accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, an honor recognizing an array of efforts to increase sustainability and resilience across the county.
Unlike certification for individual buildings, this designation evaluated sustainability and resilience efforts across the entire county, measuring progress in water resources, energy, land use, ecology, quality of life, transportation, and other categories.
What is LEED Certification and why is it important?
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]Sarasota County’s continuing growth in popularity has made the area a destination for many, while also highlighting the need to protect limited resources and foster sustainable, equitable communities that respond to change. The county has implemented numerous programs and initiatives toward those goals, from energy conservation projects to water quality programs.
LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system, helps buildings, communities, cities, and counties by providing a road map toward high performance in key areas of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Sarasota County achieved Gold certification through the LEED Cities & Communities rating system for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions to improve community-wide sustainability and the residents’ standard of living.
The certification process, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit with a 30-year history of helping shape healthy, vital built environments, assigns points in nine categories: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, transportation and land use, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation, and regional priority.
LEED certification points and scoring
Sarasota received 65 points out of 110 possible to earn LEED Gold certification, including scoring maximum points for demonstrating achievements in Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance (14/14), Resilience Planning (4/4), Transportation Performance (6/6), Quality of Life Performance (6/6), Natural Resources Conservation and Restoration (2/2), and more.
Here’s a closer look at how the county performed in each of LEED’s major scoring areas.
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Integrative Process
The integrative process credit encourages high-performance, cost-effective, equitable project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems.
Sarasota County earned points for energy performance tracking for county owned buildings. Buildings are benchmarked through an energy database called Archibus Energy console. The energy database is used to track energy conservation measures across all the county buildings. Benchmarking metrics include; building name, account number, kilowatt hour (kWh) grand total, and energy cost.
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Natural Systems and Ecology
The natural systems and ecology credit assesses existing ecosystem conditions and services provided by ecosystems, built landscapes, and other open spaces to inform the county development along with conservation and restoration efforts.
Sarasota County received points for resilience planning through vulnerability and capacity assessments. The 2021 Sarasota County Unified Local Mitigation Strategy was developed as a multijurisdictional, multi-hazard strategy to involve the public, assess the hazards, determine the vulnerability, identify risks, set goals, and identify mitigation activities, and plan for natural and manmade hazards to Sarasota County and the jurisdictions therein. This plan identifies and analyzes a wide range of mitigation actions and projects for the natural and man-made hazards that may affect the jurisdictions encompassed by this plan. Projects range from public outreach to reducing the effects of natural hazards on new and existing buildings. ​
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Transportation and Land Use
The transportation and land use credit encourages compact and mixed-use development, high level of connectivity within the county and encourages walking, biking, and transit use.
Sarasota County received points for access to quality transit among other things. Sarasota County Transit has developed a strategy for transit investments, building on its strengths, supporting regional connections, and—long term—transforming the image and role of transit. The Downtown Transfer Station is connected to more than three modes of transportation including bus, automobile, bike, and pedestrian. The 2021 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update demonstrates a commitment to the transit network being accessible via sidewalk and bicycle infrastructure to help achieve a more integrated multimodal transportation system. ​
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Water Efficiency
Sarasota County achieved a water ​performance score based on the daily per capita domestic water consumption value of ​72 gallons (2019). The county also received points for our water audits and smart meter systems. The 2020 Water Master Plan documents Sarasota County’s projected population growth for a 20-year period, develops new water demand projections using the County’s water demand projection tool, discusses how changes in the existing County facilities have altered the County’s water supply situation, and develops a Capital Improvement Plan project list through 2040. ​The Water Department is in the process of putting in smart water systems by replacing all old meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) badger meters. To help track unknown water loss, these badgers will monitor flow operations and provide better calibration. This smart metering technology has improved efficiency, produced cost savings along with providing accurate usage.
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The energy and greenhouse gas emissions credit assesses movement towards a zero emissions city and reducing environmental and economic harms associated with excessive energy use.
Sarasota County achieved an energy ​performance score ​based on the total annual per capita ​ scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas ​emissions from all sectors measured ​as 7.68 MTCO2 (2019). Other points were achieved through power surety and resiliency initiatives. Sarasota County has identified critical locations where electric services are needed during a weather event to ensure those facilities maintain power. In addition, the county uses a 3rd party device with a cellular uplink to a browser-interfaced program to monitor accounts, status of generators, fuel levels, battery voltage and receive alerts.
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]
Materials and Resources
The intent of the materials and resources credit is to reduce construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials.
Sarasota County received points based on our solid waste management and special waste streams. Sarasota County ordinances ensure that there is effectively 100% waste management coverage of all types of buildings or population by a contracted franchise hauler within the unincorporated County. In 2022, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners accepted the Solid Waste Master Plan Roadmap. Through the Roadmap, Sarasota County strives to provide exceptional services that are convenient, reliable, cost effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable. The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program has also flourished into three permanent chemical collection centers – neighborhood and community-based collection events, and weekly curbside collection of used oil, used oil filters, and electronics which is collected by the franchise curbside solid waste hauler.
[CREDIT: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones]
Quality of Life Performance
The quality of life credit describes the population demographics and housing characteristics of the area.
Sarasota County achieved the quality of life ​performance score by tracking and ​ measuring the key indicators of education, ​equitability, prosperity, health, and safety related ​to elevating the living standards of all people in ​the county.
Innovative Performance
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]The innovative performance credit encourages counties to achieve exceptional or innovative performance. Several Sarasota County programs and initiatives received points. One of these programs is the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP) and Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP).Sarasota County’s ESLPP and NPP are voter-approved, and taxpayer-funded programs designed to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands. ESLPP lands provide safe habitat for many threatened and native species including gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jays, West Indian manatees, bobcats, eagles, and migrant birds. Acquisition and protection of these lands ensures that these natural areas will be there for future generations.
Regional Priority
[CREDIT: Sarasota County Government]Sarasota County received points for several strategies that address ​geographically specific socio-economic and​ environmental priorities. The extension of The Legacy Trail network throughout Sarasota County has greatly improved regional connectivity and has enhanced other connections throughout the County and beyond. The enhancement of The Legacy Trail, extension and connectors, has improved neighborhood walking and biking connections throughout the County.
What Sarasota’s LEED certification means for the county’s future
While the county scored well in some areas, such as energy and greenhouse gas emissions performance and resilience planning, it has room for improvement in others like water efficiency and materials and resources. For this, LEED offers a potential roadmap for the future.
This certification process and data will help us to better understand our performance in these areas and identify opportunities for improvement. Enhancing current efforts, determining new initiatives, and collaborative planning will help us continue intentional projects that will strengthen Sarasota’s reputation as a sustainability leader, while also improving the overall quality of life for our residents.
About Sarasota County Sustainability
Sarasota County has a long history of commitments to sustainability for both its own operations and the community. The Sustainability staff develop programs and encourage actions by citizens, businesses, and institutions that improve the long-term environmental, social, and economic viability of Sarasota County. For more information, visit scgov.net/government/sustainability/sustainability, call 941-861-5000, sign up for the monthly Sustainability newsletter, and connect on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
More about the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Sarasota County is proud to announce that it has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Gold” certification and national accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, an honor recognizing an array of efforts to increase sustainability and resilience across the county. Unlike certification for individual buildings, this designation evaluated sustainability and resilience efforts […]

LEED for Cities Certification: A Roadmap for Success

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of the bicycle and its extensive impact on wellness, transportation, and sustainability. In 2023, Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19. Whether for health, environmental, social, or economic reasons, bicycling can be a great way to get around town. [&#8230;]

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of the bicycle and its extensive impact on wellness, transportation, and sustainability. In 2023, Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19. Whether for health, environmental, social, or economic reasons, bicycling can be a great way to get around town. Below we highlight a few of the numerous benefits of biking, trail options in Sarasota and bike safety tips to make sure you get where you need to go safely.
<h2>Benefits of Biking</h2>
<h3>Environmental:</h3>
Biking also reduces your contribution to climate-changing pollution like carbon dioxide, which are produced by cars and trucks. Swapping a bike trip for a vehicle commute will substantially reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (pollution) you create, while also saving you gas money and preventing wear-and-tear on your vehicle.
<h3>Wellness:</h3>
Along with decreasing your carbon footprint, biking has several health and wellness benefits. Biking can help strengthen your heart, lungs, and bloods vessels by providing low-impact exercise. Other potential benefits include increases in flexibility and strength as well coordination and balance. Getting outside also reduces stress and promotes mindfulness.
<h2>Bike Friendly Sarasota: The Legacy Trail</h2>
<figure id="attachment_19041" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19041" style="width: 333px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/05/legacytrail.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-19041 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Map of Sarasota County&#039;s legacy trail that spans from Venice to downtown Sarasota. " width="333" height="493" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/05/legacytrail-692x1024.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19041" class="wp-caption-text">CREDIT: Sarasota County Government</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/find-a-park/specialty-parks/the-legacy-trail">The Legacy Trail</a> is a non-motorized multi-use trail, just under 20 miles in length, and extends from Venice to downtown Sarasota. Formerly a railroad corridor, the trail passes through a variety of unique habitats and includes a series of interpretive signs and stop stations.
Multiple trailheads provide access and other amenities. The Legacy Trail has several connecting trails including the Venetian Waterway Park, and the North Port Connector via surface road pedestrian facilities such as bikes lanes.
Trailhead parks and parking are located at (from north to south):
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/433/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Shamrock Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/450/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Skip Stasko Park (Parking only)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/472/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Venice Train Depot</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/414/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Patriots Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/405/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Nokomis Riverview Park (Parking only)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/404/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Nokomis Community Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/382/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Laurel Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fwww.floridastateparks.org%2fparks-and-trails%2foscar-scherer-state-park&amp;____isexternal=true">Oscar Scherer State Park (entry fee)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/411/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Osprey Junction Trailhead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/385/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Legacy Trail Access-McIntosh Road (Parking only)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/363/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Culverhouse Nature Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/931/4283?fsiteid=1#!/">Ashton Trailhead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/933/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Sarasota Springs Trailhead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/935/4283?cftype=FacilityDirectory#!/">Pompano Trailhead</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fwww.letsplaysarasota.com%2fHome%2fComponents%2fFacilityDirectory%2fFacilityDirectory%2f158%2f4753%3fnpage%3d2&amp;____isexternal=true">Payne Park</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Bike safety Tips </h2>
Below are a few safety tips from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. <a href="https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/">Visit here to learn more.</a>
<ul>
<li>Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes whenever you can.</li>
<li>Cross at intersections and never pull out into the roadway from between parked cars.</li>
<li>All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 are required by Florida Law to wear a helmet. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the strap.</li>
<li>Be seen. Wear neon or fluorescent or bright colors when riding and wear something that reflects light (reflective shoes, reflective tape, etc.).</li>
</ul>
Biking is a great way to do your part to help promote a more <a href="https://www.scgov.net/government/sustainability/sustainability">Sustainable Sarasota</a>, get some carefree exercise, and save money all at the same time. Hope to see you on The Legacy Trail soon!
<h2>Resources:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR50HIj_bFg">Sustainable Transportation: Rethinking Your Ride webinar recording</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/things-to-do/activities/bicycling">Sarasota County Bicycling</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/government/public-works/transportation-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-master-plan-update">Sarasota County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update</a></li>
<li><a href="https://ags3.scgov.net/multimodalmap/">Current Sarasota County Bicycle and Walking Routes Interactive Map</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scgov.net/home/showpublisheddocument/59473/638119884431830000">Legacy Trail brochure</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/bicyclesafety#:~:text=Always%20give%20bicyclists%20plenty%20of,alert%20and%20watch%20for%20them.">Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) bike safety</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/agencyresources/safety-resources/bicycle-safety/final_bike-signs-and-signals_brochure_w.pdf?sfvrsn=c3171666_2">Florida Bicycle Signs and Signals brochure</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pedbikesrc.ce.ufl.edu/pedbike/default.asp">Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Center</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of the bicycle and its extensive impact on wellness, transportation, and sustainability. In 2023, Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19. Whether for health, environmental, social, or economic reasons, bicycling can be a great way to get around town. Below we highlight a few of the numerous benefits of biking, trail options in Sarasota and bike safety tips to make sure you get where you need to go safely.
Benefits of Biking
Environmental:
Biking also reduces your contribution to climate-changing pollution like carbon dioxide, which are produced by cars and trucks. Swapping a bike trip for a vehicle commute will substantially reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (pollution) you create, while also saving you gas money and preventing wear-and-tear on your vehicle.
Wellness:
Along with decreasing your carbon footprint, biking has several health and wellness benefits. Biking can help strengthen your heart, lungs, and bloods vessels by providing low-impact exercise. Other potential benefits include increases in flexibility and strength as well coordination and balance. Getting outside also reduces stress and promotes mindfulness.
Bike Friendly Sarasota: The Legacy Trail
CREDIT: Sarasota County Government
The Legacy Trail is a non-motorized multi-use trail, just under 20 miles in length, and extends from Venice to downtown Sarasota. Formerly a railroad corridor, the trail passes through a variety of unique habitats and includes a series of interpretive signs and stop stations.
Multiple trailheads provide access and other amenities. The Legacy Trail has several connecting trails including the Venetian Waterway Park, and the North Port Connector via surface road pedestrian facilities such as bikes lanes.
Trailhead parks and parking are located at (from north to south):
Shamrock Park
Skip Stasko Park (Parking only)
Venice Train Depot
Patriots Park
Nokomis Riverview Park (Parking only)
Nokomis Community Park
Laurel Park
Oscar Scherer State Park (entry fee)
Osprey Junction Trailhead
Legacy Trail Access-McIntosh Road (Parking only)
Culverhouse Nature Park
Ashton Trailhead
Sarasota Springs Trailhead
Pompano Trailhead
Payne Park
Bike safety Tips 
Below are a few safety tips from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Visit here to learn more.
Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes whenever you can.
Cross at intersections and never pull out into the roadway from between parked cars.
All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 are required by Florida Law to wear a helmet. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the strap.
Be seen. Wear neon or fluorescent or bright colors when riding and wear something that reflects light (reflective shoes, reflective tape, etc.).
Biking is a great way to do your part to help promote a more Sustainable Sarasota, get some carefree exercise, and save money all at the same time. Hope to see you on The Legacy Trail soon!
Resources:
Sustainable Transportation: Rethinking Your Ride webinar recording
Sarasota County Bicycling
Sarasota County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
Current Sarasota County Bicycle and Walking Routes Interactive Map
Legacy Trail brochure
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) bike safety
Florida Bicycle Signs and Signals brochure
Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Resource Center

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of the bicycle and its extensive impact on wellness, transportation, and sustainability. In 2023, Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19. Whether for health, environmental, social, or economic reasons, bicycling can be a great way to get around town. […]

Pedal Your Way to Environmental and Personal Wellness

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The application of scientific knowledge to practical purposes in any field. It includes methods, techniques, and instrumentation.

Transportation

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Publications

Risk Management for UF/IFAS Extension and Florida 4-H Youth Development Work: Transportation

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 (HMTA)

On the edge of a breakthrough: UF/IFAS breeding disease-resistant lettuce for U.S. farms, kitchens

LEED for Cities Certification: A Roadmap for Success

Pedal Your Way to Environmental and Personal Wellness

Transportation

Narrower Topics

Food Transport

Roads and Highways

Tractor Safety

Transporting Pesticides

Publications

Risk Management for UF/IFAS Extension and Florida 4-H Youth Development Work: Transportation

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 (HMTA)

On the edge of a breakthrough: UF/IFAS breeding disease-resistant lettuce for U.S. farms, kitchens

LEED for Cities Certification: A Roadmap for Success

Pedal Your Way to Environmental and Personal Wellness