Sarasota County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public meeting regarding the State Road (SR) 72 from US 41 (SR 45) to Honore Avenue project on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The in-person public meeting (open house format) will begin at 5:00 p.m. The virtual meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the project is to extend the service life of the existing roadway and improve safety along the corridor. The project consists of repaving the roadway from US 41 (SR 45) to Derek Avenue and reconstructing the existing pavement from Derek Avenue to Honore Avenue. FDOT is also proposing access management improvements from Swift Road to Sawyer Road under FPID 447887-1. This work will be constructed concurrently with the work under FPID 449122-1. The intent of the improvements is to enhance traffic flow and reduce crashes by replacing the existing center two-way left turn lane with a raised median and reducing lane widths. Additional improvements include construction of one or more mid-block pedestrian crossings with Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB) between Lockwood Ridge Road and Beneva Road and striping, signal, and lighting upgrades.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the public meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

 In-Person Option: Attend in person from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Attendees who are not feeling well should not attend the in-person meeting.

Virtual Option: Attend virtually from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. You can register in advance at fdot.cc/SR72_US41_Honore Avenue. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar. Please review the meeting materials online through the project website prior to this event.

 Website: View the materials online at swflroads.com/project/449122-1. Comments can be provided through the project website.

 For more information about the project, please contact: FDOT Project Manager, Michael Rud, P.E. by email at Michael.Rud@dot.state.fl.us, by phone at (863) 519-2796, or visit the project website at swflroads.com/project/449122-1.

This meeting has been developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact District One Title VI Coordinator Cynthia Sykes at (863) 519-2287 or at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the open house. Individuals who are hearing or speech impaired may use the Florida Relay Service (TDD: 1-800-955-8771 or Voice: 1-800-955-8770) to contact FDOT regarding this project.

Media inquiries should be directed to Janella Newsome at Janella.Newsome@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at (863) 519-2828.