BARTOW, Fla. – The highly anticipated construction of a new bridge that will replace the John Singletary Bridge in Fort Meade, FL is underway. The Florida Department of Transportation of District One, elected and appointed officials will mark this momentous occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony and celebration Friday, November 3, 2023, 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area located at 1639 U.S. Highway 98, Fort Meade, FL 33841.

Replacing the John Singletary bridge is compelling due to its historical value and critical role as a major trade route connecting a population of approximately 6,000 residents. Though the city of Fort Meade is a small community, its economic impact is powerful. Approximately 13,000 passenger vehicles and 1,200 commercial vehicles utilize the bridge daily. This bridge connection over the Peace River is vital to the east-west trucking link across Florida. The bridge replacement will save time and expense by avoiding a 15-mile detour to the nearest crossing over the Peace River.

WHAT:

The media is invited to see the groundbreaking ceremony and the construction that has begun.

 WHO:

Melony Bell | House of Representative for District 49

John Kubler | FDOT District One, Director of Transportation Operations

Rick Wilson | Polk County Commissioner of District 2

James Watts | Fort Meade Mayor

WHEN:

Friday, November 3, 2023 | 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area, 1639 U.S. Highway 98, Fort Meade, FL 33841

NOTE:  There will be interview opportunities and access for B-Roll of construction. 

RSVP:

RSVP to Janella Newsome, FDOT District One Public Information Director at janella.newsome@dot.state.fl.us on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, no later than 5 p.m.