The St. Pete Straza is the next big idea the Car-Free St. Pete Committee is working on. The details were just released on Car Free St. Pete’s website. The organization is proposing a three-plus mile loop that combines the elements of a street, plaza, and park. It would transform automobile dominated streets in downtown into a more comfortable environment for people to walk, stroll, play, and create community, according to Car Free St. Pete officials.

Straza involves the transformation of existing streets to place a greater emphasis on pedestrian safety and activity. The plans would involved removing curbs, expanding sidewalks, adding landscaping, and slowing traffic to speeds that aremore compatible with pedestrian activities. 

Straza to make St. Pete a more walkable city

“We anticipate that some parts of the Straza may be pedestrian-only, while other parts will allow vehicular access but at reduced speeds,” writes the Car Free St. Pete team on the Straza landing page. Cafes, space for vendors and retail, a space for public art and more could all be a part of the overall plan.

Plans are of course subject to change. An official plan of action will be determined as the project moves through the feasibility and planning phases. It’s of the utmost importance that these changes wouldn’t interfere with emergency access and other essential services. Final decisions would be made as part of a public planning process.

A car-free future in the Sunshine City

Once the plan is studied and adopted, sections of the Straza could be constructed as funding becomes available or in public/private partnership as part of new developments (such as the Tropicana Field redevelopment, where a Booker Creek linear park system has been recommended to link existing and additional bike trails throughout the city). The total cost would be determined following intensive studies and public meetings.

An official route has not been set. Organizers would like this pedestrian-centric path to connect some of St. Petersburg’s most visited attractions to the larger downtown area.

Those interested in supporting the project, and/or providing feedback can do so online.

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