Update: Latest On Tampa To Orlando High-Speed Train

The high speed rail from Tampa to Orlando took a step forward. It's another step closer to having high-speed rail from Tampa to Orlando.

A grant of over $15 million has been announced for the Brightline rail project. Brightline is matching the grant. There will be a combined $31 million to move forward with the engineering and environmental approvals needed. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program.

The railway along Central Florida's Sunshine Corridor will connect Tampa to Orlando, plus a stop at Disney Springs. This would also connect to Brightline's extension from Miami and West Palm Beach. That line is expected to complete its connection to Orlando and be operational by 2023.

The 'Sunshine Corridor' would have tracks that are owned by a government agency and leased by Brightline. Brightline's investment in the project with their own funds means it's not all tax dollars making this work. Other private businesses, including Universal, will also invest to help pay for tracks and stations to include the International Drive area with a train stop.

We'll be able to not only hop on a train to go to Disney or Universal, but also to just stay on and take it all the way to Miami. The plans are to have a station in Tampa near downtown. The tracks would run along the I-4 corridor. Brightline's website shows their trains can travel up to 125 miles per hour. Are you ready for this to happen?

[Source: Orlando Sentinel]

It's not too soon or too late to plan that family summer vacation for 2022. If you can't get away for long, there are plenty of places within driving distance from the Tampa area. Perhaps some of these ideas could be the way to enjoy those summer months.

Right here in the Tampa Bay area, we have Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, ZooTampa, beaches, etc. You know and might already enjoy visiting our most local attractions. If you want to get out of the immediate area, here are some suggestions:

The Pinellas County beaches have lots of options from the bustle of Clearwater to the more serene Indian Rocks Beach.

Orlando area theme parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The tourist mecca of central Florida has seemingly anything you'd like to do. Add in Sea World Orlando and Legoland and there's something for every age group.

Some history, some technology, all coolness. If you plan the trip right, you might even be lucky enough to witness a rocket launch.

Yes, it's still there and so is the famous mermaid show!

It's a small community on the Gulf of Mexico where you can find yourself enjoying getting away from the 'big city' and enjoy some of the best clam chowder in the country. We're looking at you, Tony's!

You can enjoy looking through the crystal clear waters from a glass-bottom boat. Bring the family to go canoeing or kayaking through the springs.

Whether you visit for the food, or a dolphin cruise, or to learn the history of the sponge docks of Tarpon Springs, it's a family trip that isn't so far.

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