About Us

In 1980, State Road 13 was designated William Bartram Scenic Highway (WBSH) by the Florida legislature. In 1997, after Governor Martinez intervened to prevent the removal of centennial oak trees lining the highway, local citizens, concerned about the impact of increasing development, began an effort to seek Florida Scenic Highway designation for SR13. In cooperation with St. Johns County government and consultant SKG Consulting, the Corridor Group completed the Florida Scenic Highways Program eligibility process in May 2002.

On June 28, 2002, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) declared the road eligible for Florida Scenic Highway designation. Eligibility initiated a Scenic Highway Joint Participation agreement between St. Johns County and FDOT to prepare a Corridor Management Plan (CMP). The CMP was completed and accepted by FDOT in 2005 and State Road 13 was designated William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway by the State of Florida.

The Corridor Group and St. Johns County recognized the need to amend County Comprehensive Plans to ensure the effective implementation of the CMP and to provide special recognition and protection for the corridor. Development standards and guidelines for public space design, architectural design, and tree protection were recommended by the Corridor Group. The Corridor Master Plan, developed with public input, was completed in 2012. The Corridor Master Plan identifies acquisitions, enhancement projects, physical improvements, funding streams, and prioritizes implementation projects and issues and is the current standard for the Scenic Highway.