Lake County Advances $23.5 Million CSX Purchase for Wekiva Trail Extension
Lake County commissioners voted to buy an 11-mile unused railroad corridor to extend the Wekiva Trail. Here’s what was actually approved, what still isn’t funded, and why closing waits until after November.
Commissioners voted August 11 to advance a $23.5 million acquisition of about 11 miles of CSX corridor for a Wekiva Trail extension. The land purchase has not closed.
Controlling the corridor could make a future connection from Sorrento through Mount Dora and Tavares toward Leesburg possible. Land acquisition is separate from building a paved trail.
Residents and businesses along the proposed route, trail users and county taxpayers would be affected by the purchase and later construction decisions.
The county can continue its acquisition work. Closing was deferred until after the November Amendment 3 vote; design, paving, crossings and maintenance require further work and funding.
After the November vote, the county may decide whether and when to complete the corridor purchase. A final route, construction budget and schedule would have to follow. No opening date has been announced.
What Happened
On August 11, Lake County commissioners voted to advance a proposed $23.5 million purchase of approximately 11 miles of unused CSX railroad corridor. The land is intended for an extension of the Wekiva Trail toward Mount Dora and Tavares, with a longer regional connection toward Leesburg. Closing was deferred until after the November vote on Amendment 3.
Why It Matters
The existing trail reaches Sorrento. Acquiring the corridor could preserve a route for a longer regional connection, but buying land would be an early step. It would not create a rideable trail by itself.
Who It Affects
Residents along the corridor, downtown businesses, walkers, cyclists and county taxpayers have an interest in the route and its financing. Access points, road crossings and long-term maintenance would be addressed in later decisions.
What Changes
The vote advances the proposed acquisition. The purchase has not closed, and building a trail would require separate design and construction funding beyond the land price.
What’s Next
After the November vote, the county may decide whether and when to complete the corridor purchase. A final route, construction budget and schedule would have to follow before residents could use an extended trail. No opening date has been announced.
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