Florida bill would change iconic Tamiami Trail to 'Gulf of America Trail'
Share and Follow


TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida senator has filed a bill to change a stretch of U.S. Highway 41 known as the Tamiami Trail to the “Gulf of America Trail.”

The bill filed by Sen. Joe Gruter, R-Sarasota, comes following an executive order from President Donald Trump calling for the Gulf to be renamed at least for those living in the United States.

Google Maps and many U.S. federal and state agencies have since complied with the order, adopting the term “Gulf of America.” But the Tamiami Trail could be the first major roadway in line for a name change.

Named for the two major cities that it connects, the Tamiami Trail spans 284 miles, starting in Tampa and then crossing through Naples and the Everglades before ending in Miami.

According to the bill’s text, it would rename “the portion of U.S. 41 between S.R. 60 and U.S. 1 in Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough counties.” The Department of Transportation would then be directed to erect markers designating the trail’s new name.

The idea for the trans-peninsula highway came about in 1915 as a way to increase tourism in South Florida. It took several years and lots of money, but the opening of the Tamiami Trail in 1928 was considered a monumental event.

Gruter’s proposed bill also would require state agencies, county school districts and charter school boards to use teaching materials that reflect the name “Gulf of America.”

The bill will be up for debate during the upcoming legislative session, which begins next week. If passed, it would take effect on July 1.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Eddie Murphy survived fame with sanity marking 50 years in showbiz

Eddie Murphy Celebrates 50 Years in Showbiz: How He Maintained Sanity Amidst Fame

Eddie Murphy is back in the spotlight, continuing to bring laughter to…
Sydney Sweeney's movie flop sparks cruel remark about her body

Sydney Sweeney Faces Harsh Criticism on Body After Film Underperforms

Sydney Sweeney’s recent film, “Christy,” has not performed well at the box…
South Loop's Game Changer: Inside 'The 78,' Chicago Fire Stadium, ABC7 Tanja Babich visits Overflow coffee at 14th and Michigan

South Loop Transformation: A Look Inside ‘The 78’ Featuring Chicago Fire Stadium and ABC7’s Tanja Babich’s Visit to Overflow Coffee at 14th and Michigan

CHICAGO — Our latest Coffee Chat Series made its debut in Chicago’s…
Kim Kardashian dazzles in Brazil after deleting Harry and Meghan snaps

Kim Kardashian Stuns in Brazil Following Removal of Harry and Meghan Photos

Despite facing harsh critiques for her latest series, Kim Kardashian seemed unfazed…
What gives the Giants a leg up in their coaching search

Discover the Key Advantage Boosting the Giants in Their Hunt for a New Coach

When a prospective head coach evaluates a new opportunity, two critical questions…
FILE - A protester stands outside of the Supreme Court, June 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Appeals Court to Review Case on Legislation Reducing Medicaid Funds for Planned Parenthood

This Wednesday, a federal appeals court is set to deliberate on whether…
USPS worker found dead inside mailing machine in Michigan: 'Deeply saddened by the loss'

Tragedy Strikes as USPS Employee Discovered Deceased in Michigan Mailing Machine

An employee of the U.S. Postal Service tragically lost his life after…
5 MS-13 gang members found guilty in string of gruesome California killings, bodies dumped off cliffs

California Terror: MS-13 Gang Convicted in Chilling Cliffside Murders

On Tuesday, five members of the notorious MS-13 gang were convicted for…