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http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/scenichighway/faqs.htm
It's a program designed to enhance travelers' experience. This, in turn, provides subsequent benefits to the community. The designated scenic highways promote a heightened awareness of the state's exceptional resources and unique history through educational and visual experiences. The program was developed in response to legislation (Section 335.093, Florida Statutes) "to preserve, maintain, protect and enhance Florida's outstanding cultural, historical, archeological, recreational, natural and scenic resources." It is voluntary and grass-roots based, involving strong local citizen and government support to help meet objectives. The program is perhaps best summarized by its mission statement: The Florida Scenic Highways Program will preserve, enhance and maintain the intrinsic resources of scenic corridors through a sustainable balance of conservation and land use. Through community-based consensus and partnerships, the program will promote economic prosperity and broaden the traveler's overall recreational and educational experience.
Scenic highway designations yield five broad-based benefits:
Resource protection. Resource protection is the primary benefit of becoming a Florida Scenic Highway. Designation provides the opportunity to preserve, enhance and maintain corridor resources and ensure that these resources remain for future generations to enjoy.
Community Recognition. Community recognition relates to the effects that a designation may have on tourism and the promotion of communities and regions. Recognition will come from the inclusion of scenic highways on statewide maps and promotional materials such as brochures and travel guides. The posting of official Florida Scenic Highway logo signage along the designated highways will identify the corridors as "special places" with important resources worth experiencing and studying
Economic Development / Tourism. Perhaps the most tangible benefit from a designation is the opportunity for economic development/tourism. Currently, millions of tourists vacation in Florida each year, many arriving by car. Scenic highways offer these visitors alternative, out-of-the-way routes to travel throughout the state. Florida residents also generate revenues when traveling within the state. Demand for travel industry services such as recreational tours, lodging, restaurants, gas stations and other tourist-related businesses will likely increase, promoting economic growth.
Community Vision Designation also contributes to the development of a community vision. This relatively recent planning approach known as visioning focuses on the guiding principles and identity of a particular community. A scenic highway designation can complement and support a community vision by instilling a sense of community pride, and in fact, the scenic highway itself may become the central focus for community development.
Partnering. The opportunity for partnering is a key program benefit. Many facets of our society are beginning to realize the tremendous potential of cooperative relationships. Because consensus is necessary to accomplish any large planning task, the concept of partnering to realize specific corridor goals cannot be overstated. Partnering fosters a sense of unity and support for common goals and benefits all parties involved.