- Wild Florida – Sail Forth produced a 25 minute video that summarizes the story of Florida Black Bear National Scenic byway. The video is available at Barberville Pioneer Settlement. The video builds upon the 4 types of travelers.
- Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway brochures were corrected and reprinted.
- Interpretive Panel design and Installations – A sign plan and interpretive plan was developed and the initial eight panels were designed and printed for placement in the byway kiosks. These panels are 44 X 34 and where designed to tell a different aspect of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway story.
- Volunteered Sponsor Kiosks program has proved a successful start to involving local citizens, communities, businesses on the byway. After the prototype kiosks was installed, six more where sponsored and paid for. This program is still very active and 7 more still need sponsors.
- Ongoing Festivals to help educate the general public about the natural resources Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway provides, and how to live with Black Bears. Festivals include: Umatilla Wildlife festival, Springs Festival Silver Springs, Bartram Festival and others.
Future Projects
Kiosk Education Program
Our interpretative kiosk program is designed to educate and help increase awareness of the resources that we as a community are most proud of. Our interpretative kiosk program has been designed to present themes that enable the public to understand more clearly the interaction of nature and people.
Estimated Cost for 6 kiosk : $ 6,000
Wildcat Lake Dock
Wildcat lake is a recreational area along our byway that provides both a swimming area and a dock with a boat launch. Our short term project will refurbish the dock, long term will include, refurbishing the boat ramp and making walking paths ADA compatible.
Estimated Cost of Project: $3,000
Landscaping – Tree Planting
Planting trees supports wildlife recovery, mitigates climate change and so much more. By planting 10,000 trees on our byway we are investing in a healthy planet, lowering our environmental footprint and preserving our forests for future generations. They can also be utilized to designate approaching gateways and towns.
Estimated Cost of Project: $ 25,500
Eco Tourism Trips
Provide packaged adventures for travelers and the local community which would range from half-day, three day and week long adventures. That would require someone with travel knowledge to lining up Guides and outfitters, determine a fee schedule and other fine details.
Estimated Cost of Project: $ 5,500
Florida National Trail Trail Head
The Florida Trail crosses SR 40 approximately 3 miles west of the SR 19 intersection and east of the Juniper Springs Recreation Area entrance. This is a prime location to develop a turnout parking lot to provide hikers access the portion of the trail into the Juniper Wilderness for short day hikes.
Estimated Cost of Project: $251,000
Black Bear Education
Vehicle collisions are responsible for 90% of known Florida Black Bear deaths. To avoid collisions with Florida Black Bears and other wildlife, we would provide an education program for the travelers and local residents on driving safely in Bear Country.
Estimated Cost of Project: $3,000
FBBSB Gateway
Gateways are major entrances to the towns along the byway announcing to byway travelers that they are arriving in town and should reduce travel speeds. The gateway features should include design elements consistent with the kiosk features. Sample materials could be couqina, and cleaved block.
Estimated Cost of Project: $16,000
Place Mats
Paper place mats were designed for the local byway restaurants. It was determined that these would have a bigger initial impact than a re-designed byway brochure. The place mats where designed to showcase the byway. Redesign and distribution will need to be done.
Estimated Cost of Project: $3,300
Self Guided Eco Adventure Tours
Our byway is a great place for self guided tours. Florida Black Bear National Scenic byway will do a brochure highlighting one day to three day self guided tours. Maps, places to stay and eat will be within the brochure. This kind of tour can be accomplished at one’s leisure.
Estimated Cost of Project: $2,000
If you wish to become a project sponsor please download the application and send the application and check to:
Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway
P.O Box 203
Barberville, FL. 32105
Thank you in advance for your support, if you have any questions please email fbbnsb@gmail.com.