Hwy. 19, Florida- Hwy. Smiles & Miles

[Travelers Rest]

I wonder how many traveler's prefer driving Hwy 19 from Tampa to I-10, over I-75 to I-10. I like the slower pace and the small towns.

Any interesting history facts about the small towns; e.g. Chiefland, Old Town, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach?
Pirate gold?

 

[lenny flank]

A bit of history for part of Highway 19, from my history blog:

https://lflank.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/sunshine-skyway-the-day-the-bridge-came-down/

"In 1980, a cargo freighter ran into one of the major bridges over Tampa Bay, collapsing it and killing 35 people. It was the worst shipping accident in Tampa’s history."

 

[Rugster]

I live off 19, near Monticello
It's a good drive to Tampa, made that drive a lot back in my college days.

 

[Travelers Rest]

I live off 19, near Monticello
It's a good drive to Tampa, made that drive a lot back in my college days.

19 was the way I went, when fishing for Snook in early 2000's. Nice ride.