The Silver Rail Blog

From the Miami Herald:

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article269307852.html

--Jackson McQuigg

From Profile Miami:

https://profilemiamire.com/miamirealestate/2022/12/20/brightline-opens-new-stations-in-aventura-and-boca-raton

And New Pelican:

https://www.newpelican.com/articles/brightline-opens-its-new-boca-station-offers-closer-option-for-northeast-broward-residents/

--Jackson McQuigg

On December 8th Jim Tilley and assistance of Aurora Group did a presentation with Congressional Aides from Congressman Dunn's office and Congresswoman Cammack's office. The presentation was presented by our President of FCRP Jim Tilley and along with George Chilson whom many of you know as past Chair of RPA. 

The media was in reference to Amtrak's failure to provide adequate service to Florida residence and tourists alike. Also how Brightlines model deals with real estate to offset costs and will hopefully make a large impact on what needs to be done. 

Both offices were very receptive and would like to be kept in the loop on any activity relating to Passenger rail.

Stephen Sayles
Board Member FCRP 

Good news! It's on the ballot and votes will be counted. The so-called "No Tax for Tracks" group continues to fight it in court, though.

Hillsborough passed this referendum previously, but No Tax for Tracks and other groups have been trying to defeat it in the courthouse instead.

https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/10/29/ruling-means-votes-will-be-counted-on-hillsborough-transportation-tax-referendum

--Jackson McQuigg 

From Yahoo News/The Orlando Sentinel:

https://news.yahoo.com/seminole-recommends-lynx-operate-sunrail-185800804.html

--Jackson McQuigg

From Miami's Community News:

https://communitynewspapers.com/coral-gables-news/tri-rail-let-dech-lead/

--Jackson McQuigg

From the Orlando Sentinel:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-sunshine-corridor-outlook-20220904-yvh2be7renaidiavi2njziuece-story.html

--Jackson McQuigg

From the Rail Passengers Association:

Good news. Amtrak's Silver Meteor is returning to the rails in October: https://www.railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/hotline/hotline-1-269/

Now if we can just get full dining car service with cooked-on-train meals back on the Florida trains!

--Jackson McQuigg

From First Coast News:

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/all-aboard-the-idea-of-a-commuter-rail-connecting-jacksonville-st-augustine-is-picking-up-steam/77-787dcac4-8a25-463b-a434-307dc75c50f1

--Jackson McQuigg

Good news for those who use Tampa Union Station!

Plans for major restoration work are progressing, with the City of Tampa issuing this recent RFQ for work at the station: https://www.demandstar.com/app/limited/bids/401544/details

We've covered restoration plans for the station before. Friends of Tampa Union Station has worked diligently towards making this renovation work happen.

--Jackson McQuigg