Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, has initiated a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for SR 789 (Longboat Key) from North Shore Road to Coquina Park Entrance in Manatee County. The study will evaluate alternatives to replace the existing SR 789 Bridge over Longboat Pass. Alternatives to be evaluated will include rehabilitation of the existing bridge, a new high-level fixed bridge, and moveable bridge.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING – March 12, 2026 (in-person) and March 17, 2026 (virtual)

FDOT invites you to an upcoming public hearing. The purpose of this hearing is to present information about the preferred alternative and all analysis completed to date. It provides the opportunity for the public to offer feedback on the preferred alternative for the official hearing record. Technical documents are now available (see the Project Documents box below).

FDOT held a public workshop, with a live online event on March 12, 2024 and a live in person event on March 14, 2024. Materials were also available for review and comment below starting March 5, 2024, and comments for the workshop were accepted in multiple ways through March 25, 2024. To view what was presented at the workshop, see the Project Documents section below.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING

Here are the ways you can participate in the upcoming hearing. You do not have to attend a live event in order to submit a comment.

February 18, 2026 - Technical Documents Posted

An online copy of the project technical documents is currently available in the Project Documents box, which will also be available from February 18, 2026  – March 23, 2026 at:

Tingley Memorial Library

111 2nd Street N

Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

AND

Florida Department of Transportation, District One

Manatee Operations Center

14000 FL-64

Bradenton, FL 34212

March 5, 2026 - Hearing Materials Posted

View all the hearing materials in the Project Documents box below. You will be able to submit comments online if you are unable to attend a live event.

March 12, 2026 – Hearing – In-Person

Christ Church of Longboat Key
6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228                        

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Open house

6:00 p.m.: Formal presentation and comment

OR

March 17, 2026 – Hearing – Virtual/Online

https://tinyurl.com/SR789LBK (Advanced registration required)

5:30 p.m.: The project team will be available for discussion

5:45 p.m.: Overview for how to submit comments for the hearing record

6:00 p.m.: Formal presentation and comment

You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the hearing from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. (Note: Internet Explorer cannot be used for this event)

Review the materials online prior to the event. Remotely view the in-person presentation and provide spoken comment during the formal hearing.

How to submit comments

You may submit comments in the following ways:

-        Spoken comment during the live event (online or in-person location)

-        Online through the project webpage (use the contact box on the right)

-        Email the project manager (David.Turley@dot.state.fl.us)

-        By mail: David Turley

Florida Department of Transportation, District One

801 N. Broadway Avenue, MS 1-40

Bartow, FL 33830

You are able to provide written comments about the project at any time, but comments must be submitted by March 23, 2026 to be included in the record for this hearing. You may also call the project manager at (863) 519-2255 if you have questions before you submit your comment.

If you need ADA or Translation Services:
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator by phone at (863) 519-2287 or by email at cynthia.sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days before the live event you plan to attend.

The Florida Department of Transportation is required to comply with various non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Anyone wishing to express concern about Title VI should contact Cynthia Sykes at the information above.

Public Notices
This meeting will be advertised according to federal and state statutes in the following places:
On this project webpage
Email to public officials and interested parties
Newsletter to local property owners near the project