Project Details: This feasibility study was undertaken to evaluate US 27 from County Road (CR) 17 to State Road (SR) 17 in Highlands County and the surrounding areas. Using available data, the study assessed the regional safety, mobility, and accessibility needs to support the quality of life in the area’s communities and bolster regional and local economies while minimizing environmental impacts. This feasibility study concluded that further analysis is warranted to assess opportunities for improvement along US 27 and in adjacent communities. The goals include supporting mobility options, minimizing right-of-way (ROW) impacts, enhancing freight movement, ensuring efficient emergency evacuation through the region, and providing safe mobility for all users.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING – September 17, 2024 (In-Person) and September 19, 2024 (Virtual/Online).

FDOT invites you to an upcoming public meeting to review the Highlands County Feasibility Study and provide comments for the official public meeting record.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING

Here are the ways you can participate in the upcoming meeting. Materials will be the same at all events, so attending every event is not necessary.

September 17, 2024, In-Person Public Meeting 

Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium
4509 George Boulevard, Sebring, Florida 33875

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Public Meeting

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

September 19, 2024, Live Virtual/Online Webinar Meeting - (Advanced registration required)

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Public Meeting GOTOWEBINAR

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7414469142563496279

**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 Melody.Joyner@dot.state.fl.us
•        By mail: Florida Department of Transportation, ATTN: Melody Joyner, 801 N. Broadway Ave., MS 1-6, Bartow, FL 33830

Written comments about the project can be made at any time, but they must be submitted by October 3, 2024, to be included in the record for this meeting. 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.

Public Notices
This meeting will be advertised according to federal and state statutes in the following places:

•        On this project website
•        Email to public officials and interested parties
•        Newsletter announcing the meeting will be posted on the project website
•        Florida Administrative Record (FAR)
•        Newspaper Legal Meeting Notice – Lakeland Ledger and Highlands News-Sun
•        Press Release
•        Social Media

Public Meeting Materials

All meeting materials to be displayed at the in-person meeting will be posted on the project website prior to the virtual meeting.