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THE ALL ABOARD FLORIDA PROJECT AND VERO BEACH Revised 02/16/2015 Submitted by Donald D. Hood There has been much published in local media about the negative effects of the All Aboard Florida (AAF) project might have on the Treasure Coast. Most views are alarmist overreaction not based on rational fact. There appears to be a group in Jensen Beach (real estate based) that is behind most of this negativity campaign and it is because a very few are thinking that AAF might have a negative financial impact on them (and their real estate). Positive response is out there, but not very well organized. The biggest negative claim though is that there isn't ANY benefit to the citizens of the Treasure Coast. That isn't true, there are some tangibles, particularly safety, but there are potentially MANY benefits IF AAF does eventually build a terminal in Indian River County. My concern is that the naysayers in this and other Treasure Coast counties will poison the atmosphere for any chance of a terminal here in Vero Beach. Spokesmen for the AAF project have already said that after the initial evaluation period is over for the new trains, and ridership is as envisioned, there is high potential for future stops along the line. However, no stops are planned until AAF meets its immediate published goals. I think the citizens of this county should try their very best to work on persuading AAF to stop here and to be ready when there is a window of opportunity for such. In that regard, here are some ways that I (and others) feel that Vero Beach and Indian River County could benefit from a stop here. 1. Access to Airports. The most obvious benefit of having trains stop would be to ease the travel problems of those in Vero who want to catch a flight. Everybody in Indian River County who flies has the same problem of getting to and from the airports on occasion. Usually you have to get a friend or relative to take you to a spot where you can catch a bus (that makes many stops and adds to the length of your trip), or you have to use an expensive limousine service. Rental car companies want your first born if you didn't want to return your car to the airport. A train from Vero to either Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale airports would be a significant benefit to the citizens of our county (other counties as well). 2. Access to cruise ships. If you were to take a cruise, currently you would have to drive to a port and leave your car in a high priced parking lot where it is subject to theft or vandalism or once again get assistance from a friend to drive you to the port. The AAF trains will go right to the ships, or close enough anyway that you could hop a shuttle or a taxi. And you just know those shuttles and taxis will be there if All aboard Florida is built as planned. 3.. Access to sporting events in other cities. In many cases there are special sporting events that locals in our County would like to witness. Traffic and parking at these events can be a major hassle in Orlando or Miami. What about in reverse? Historic Dodger town, our local sports arena could benefit by possible increased use of Historic Dodger Town. 4. Access to cultural events in other cities The possibilities for events are there and they are endless in all of the cities serviced! 5. Increased accessibility to Vero Beach and Indian River County. We know many who are afraid to fly; others we know actually enjoy travelling by rail. Some, like me, can't fly anymore for health reasons. The railroad would increase the flexibility for travelers both to and from Vero Beach who can't fly or have other reasons not to fly. 6. Shopping. That one was my wife's idea. I'm not sure I like that (sounds expensive!) but I'm including it since that was the first thing she said about the chance to ride a train from Vero to other Florida Cities for shopping