Event to Mark 40 Years Since Amtrak’s Floridian Ended

Amtrak’s Floridian in Jacksonville, Florida, in June 1977.

Rail Passengers Kentucky will hold a media event to mark the 40^th anniversary of the discontinuance of Amtrak’s Floridian.

The Floridian, which operated between Chicago and Miami with a section that split in Jacksonville, Florida, and terminated in St. Petersburg, was one of six Amtrak trains that were axed as part of a route restructuring that was to become effective Oct. 1, 1979.

The Floridian, however, continued to operate for a few days beyond its posted discontinuance date due to a court order.

The 40^th anniversary event will be held between noon and 2 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Nashville Union Station Hotel.

The Floridian was the last intercity passenger train to operate between Nashville and Louisville, Kentucky.

RPK is also selling commemorative tee shirts for the occasion for $35 plus $3 for shipping.

To order a shirt send a check to Louisville Railway, 653 N 25th Street, Louisville, KY 40212 You’ll need to specify shirt size.

You can also send an email to ontrackkentucky@gmail.com for an invoice.

Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak photographs, Amtrak photography, Amtrak Photos, Amtrak's Floridian, discontinued Amtrak trains, Rail Passengers Kentucky