- April 24, 2024
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The story is compiled from press releases sent by Flagler County and Friends of A1A.
Flagler County celebrates the announcement made Feb. 16 by the Federal Highway Administration that it designated the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway – that runs the length of St. Johns and Flagler counties as an “All-American Road.”
“This is delightful news,” said County Administrator Jerry Cameron. “We all know this 72-mile, (largely) two-lane roadway is as all American and ‘Old Florida’ as it gets. It’s a jewel in Flagler County’s crown, and it’s a joy to see the national recognition it so richly deserves.”
A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway was one of 15 roadways in 48 states to receive the special designation by the Federal Highway Administration, according to its news release.
“Through their many unique qualities, each of these new additions to the National Scenic Byways program helps America’s roads tell our national story,” said Federal Highway Administration Executive Director Tom Everett. “These special routes offer travelers exciting new opportunities to explore the nation, from coast to coast or close to home.”
The Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is a nonprofit organization – that has a mission to preserve, protect, promote and enhance the outstanding resources of the A1A coastal corridor – made the nomination for the designation of its cherished byway.
“As President of the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, it was an honor and a privilege to be awarded the designation of All-American Road this morning by the Federal Highway Administration,” said Marge Rooyakkers in the organization’s news release. “I want to thank our board for all of their contributions. This would not have been possible without the hours of hard work done by our byway administrator Danielle Anderson.”
Recognizing the multi-partner approach from the local, state and federal level, Anderson was appreciative of the overwhelming support for the byway communities, including that from the National Scenic Byway Foundation and Scenic America, to jumpstart the process.
“The designation application was a labor intensive process, especially as the world was grappling with the emerging coronavirus,” said Anderson. “We are grateful to each of our byway stakeholders who took the time to write meaningful letters of support on our behalf, the talented byway experts who helped review our application and provide input, and the Florida Department of Transportation for providing technical support when needed and for their encouragement and belief in our application. We are especially thankful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and members of Congress who continue to see the value of America’s Byways.”
For more information about Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and the history of this 72-mile stretch of roadway, go to https://scenica1a.org/.
