Florida’s US Route 19 covers 262 miles. It runs along the state’s west coast from south of Tampa to Monticello and the Georgia state line. For many, it is our “alternative route” to taking the evil I-75 up the state. The highway goes through several small towns and rural areas. It often captures the essences of “Old Florida” as it meanders along.

For over a decade, I drove Highway 19 to Tallahassee and other parts of north Florida. sometimes several times a month. On down this post are links to six stories and images from Highway 19. I’m sure there are more buried in my archives.

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Now, let’s talk about the current and the beginning of a road trip. This trip includes going all the way north on 19 from Tampa. It continues to interstate 10 (another evil road). The route covers all but about a dozen miles of the total 262.

There is only one actual Rest Area along the entire 262 mile stretch of highway.

It is probably one of the few remaining old-style, classic rest stops. The area is only on one side of the highway. If you are traveling north, you must turn left across the roadway to reach it.

Once entered, there is a strip of road that can accommodate parking large trucks, RV’s and cars at the front. Around the back is a narrow one-way loop where you can park. In between, there is a clean and well-kept older restroom. It includes some vending machines. A scattering of white concrete picnic tables is shaded by abundant trees. One or two, usually older, attendants are on hand to keep the rest area cleaned up. It is only open during the day. The Florida west coast suffered damage when H. Helene ran up the state, but most of it has been cleaned up at the rest area.

All in all, a pleasant throwback to quieter days.

We stopped around back for a break and lunch. Something caught my eye at the back perimeter fence.

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Links to other Florida Highway 19 quirks
(skip to below them for a totally unrelated to anything Road Trip Follow-up)

Closed for Business, along Highway 19 in Florida

Abandoned- Robinson’s Pecan House

Driving Break- Waccasassa River

Driving Break- Signs

Putnam Lodge

Another retail failure. Big Watermelon

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Totally unrelated, the first dinner on our road trip in Middle-Of-Nowhere’s, Florida was a classic. It hearkened back to earlier days. We were considerably younger then.

Where are we dining?

Highway 19 and Middle-Of-Nowhere, FL
11/18/24

(Disclaimer: the opening image is not the Highway 19 Rest Area. It is an AI generated opener of no real place)

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