McKay Bay Greenway

In May of 2000 a 1.2 mile section of crushed asphalt trail was completed on the east side of McKay Bay. Funded through a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Grant from the State of Florida, a fishing pier was also constructed. This trail is a unique public/private partnership with Tampa Electric Company (TECO). TECO owns the property and granted an easement to the City for the trail construction.

Another FRDAP grant constructed a 0.24 mile section of trail through DeSoto Park on the west side of the Bay. A portion of this trail was reconstructed with FEMA dollars after Hurricane Frances.  

In 2005, FDOT completed the widening of 20^th Street between Adamo Drive and the Licata Bridge and constructed a 12 foot wide sidepath trail on the east side.

A US Coast Guard pre-application was submitted for the proposed pedestrian bridge across "Rotti Creek" to tie into the McKay Bike Trail. The USCG determined that "Rotti Creek" is navigable and a draw, bascule or ferry structure across the creek would be required. The City is evaluating options. This bridge will allow the continuation of the existing north-south trail on the TECO easement. The sunshine of Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding in Florida eliminated previously dedicated federal funding for this structure. Alternative funding sources are being be explored.

As part of the I-4 Connector (Z Alignment) project, negotiations are underway regarding and east/west multi-purpose path to connect McKay Bay Nature Park with 50^th Street.

An on-road bicycle route/lane and sidewalks are planned to connect 20^th Street/Causeway Boulevard to DeSoto Park along Bermuda Boulevard.

A trailhead is planned for the city owned (unopened) Palm River Park. This site will include trail connections from 50^th Street south, restrooms, community center and a canoe launch.

These trail pieces are all part of a planned loop around McKay Bay which will be approximately 11 miles long when completed.

The City also is working with Hillsborough County to make trail connection plans to the planned South Coast Greenway. Portions of the McKay Bay Greenway are part of the regional trails system.