Neighbors pushed back as the county advanced a 12-foot trail on A1A Beach Boulevard

St. Johns County told Beach commissioners on March 2 that the SUN Trail segment along A1A Beach Boulevard is at 60 percent design, with construction eyed for 2027 if state transportation money lands. The plan would drop the paved shoulders, replace the east-side sidewalk with a 12-foot shared-use path, and widen travel lanes from 10 feet to 11.

A1A Beach Boulevard is a county-owned road and a state-funded project, not a city initiative. Lee Geanuleas called the 12-foot layout a superhighway through a dense residential and commercial area. Gloria Worley said the project would create dangerous entry and exit conditions near A and B Streets. Richard Worley warned that e-bikes already create dangerous conditions, reported near collisions, and said a wider trail would invite even faster speeds.

Commissioner Dylan Rumrell asked the city attorney to look at an ordinance banning e-bikes and other motorized vehicles from the trail — more city time on how tightly to regulate assisted rides.

The commission did not vote the project up or down. It encouraged county planners to take the public comments to heart and keep the city updated.