The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One began a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study in April 2017 to determine the location and conceptual design of the Old Dixie Trail (ODT). This trail will connect the trailheads of the Auburndale-TECO Trail and the Haines City Trail, for a distance of approximately 12 miles.

The Old Dixie Trail PD&E Study is intended to provide regional connectivity that will offer recreational and economic development benefits. The ODT also offers connections to the Lake Alfred Trail and the Chain of Lakes Trail, as well as other planned future trails.

FDOT will hold meetings with agencies and stakeholders throughout the study. These meetings will assist the project team with identifying issues, opportunities, and potential transportation solutions for the corridor. Throughout the study process, FDOT will provide presentations to various organizations, and interested citizens may also request a presentation to their group or organization.

An important component of the PD&E process is public involvement. This includes coordination with stakeholders. Stakeholders are everyone who may have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Alternatives Analysis. Stakeholders include all pertinent individuals, governmental agencies and jurisdictions, public and private entities and agencies (civic, social, groups etc.), businesses, and transit agencies.

At the onset of the project the study team identified stakeholders in and adjacent to the study area, including governmental agencies, advocacy groups, businesses, and residential communities, representing a well-diversified group. Initial Stakeholder interviews were held with the City of Auburndale, City of Haines City, City of Winter Haven, Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing/Visit Central Florida, Polk Transportation Planning Organization, Bike Florida, Inc., Florida Trail Association (Heartland Chapter), Winter Haven Airport and The Bike Shop of Winter Haven. The study team will continue to meet with the stakeholders throughout the project to present the study overview, schedule, and study process and progress.

The project activities include data collection, development of trail improvement alignments and evaluation of potential social and environmental impacts in the community. 

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING – October 17, 2024 (In-Person) and October 24, 2024 (Virtual/Online).

FDOT invites you to an upcoming public meeting. The purpose of this meeting 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 meeting record. Read the Public Involvement section below for all how to participate.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING

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

October 17, 2024, In-Person Meeting

115 W Park St, Auburndale, FL 33823

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

View public meeting materials, talk to the project team, and submit comments.

October 24, 2024, Live Virtual/Online Webex Workshop - (Advanced registration required)

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Register in advance: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1029003687366891104

**Please note that registration works best in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox web browsers. ** Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on joining the meeting online from a computer, tablet, or mobile device.  

How to submit comments

You may submit comments in the following ways:

•        During the live in-person event
•        Online through the project website (use the contact box on the right)
•        Email the project manager at steven.andrews@dot.state.fl.us
•        By mail: Florida Department of Transportation, ATTN: Steven Andrews,801 N. Broadway Ave. MS 1-40, Bartow, FL 33830.
• Written comments about the project can be made at any time, but they must be submitted by November 7, 2024, to be included in the record for this workshop. You may also call the project manager (phone number to the right) 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 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.