Hillsborough County's network of walking and biking trails generates nearly $10 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study that highlights the financial benefits of expanding trail connections in Apollo Beach, Ruskin and surrounding communities.

The analysis released by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council on Oct. 19 examined approximately 48 miles of existing trails and greenways across the county.

Conducted with the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, the study estimated that trail-related visitor spending supports 79 jobs, $3.4 million in wages and $1.4 million in tax revenue annually.

Researchers also estimated that households could collectively save $8.5 million a year in transportation costs if 5% of residents replaced one short weekly car trip with walking or biking.

South Shore greenway expansion planned

The findings carry particular significance for South Shore communities, where the South Coast Greenway provides walking and biking connections through neighborhoods near Apollo Beach and North Ruskin.

AllTrails lists a 7.4-mile out-and-back route along the greenway, including paved sections through residential areas.

Hillsborough County is planning another segment, the South Coast Greenways Trail Phase 3 project, along Bullfrog Creek Road in Riverview.

The proposed trail would extend from north of Big Bend Road to Symmes Road, with a typical paved width of 12 feet and a minimum width of 11 feet.

The county's capital improvement listing places the project's estimated budget at $6.28 million. The county lists planning completion as mid-2026 but has not established dates for design completion or construction.

The project is intended to improve north-south trail connections between Hillsborough and Manatee counties and contribute to the larger statewide SUN Trail network.

Study projects larger economic returns

The analysis found that 57,660 homes sit within a quarter mile of an existing trail, representing $23.1 billion in taxable property value countywide.

Researchers also modeled the potential benefits of adding approximately 25 miles of trails, bringing the county's network to 73 miles, comparable in length to the Pinellas Trail.

Under that expansion scenario, annual economic output could exceed $21 million, supporting 171 jobs and generating $3.1 million in tax revenue.

Construction of the additional trails could generate approximately 440 job-years, a measure of employment equivalent to one full-time job lasting one year.

The study found that every $10 million invested in trail construction supports approximately 117 construction job-years, compared with 70 for road widening and 50 for highway expansion.

The figures are estimates based on economic modeling rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Researchers used IMPLAN and REMI economic models, geographic information system parcel data and Pinellas Trail usage as a benchmark.

The planning council emphasized that the greatest potential benefits would come from closing gaps between existing trails and connecting them to neighborhoods, workplaces and business districts.

The Hillsborough TPO previously outlined the research in February, describing its goal of evaluating how trail investments affect visitor spending, transportation costs and local property markets.

For South Shore residents, the planned South Coast Greenway expansion represents one potential step toward a more connected walking and biking network.