Project Description

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements to SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) from Martin Luther King Boulevard to SR 17 in Polk County. During the study process, FDOT will develop roadway improvements or "build" alternatives that involve widening the existing two-lane road to a four-lane road. FDOT will evaluate each "build" alternative for social and environmental effects, safety needs, additional right-of-way needs, and public input. Throughout the study process, FDOT also considers the "no-build" alternative, which assumes no improvements to SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) other than routine maintenance through 2045.  

Need for the Project
The proposed improvements for SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) will accommodate increased traffic demand, including truck traffic, generated by projected growth in Polk County. FDOT anticipates this project will also enhance safety along the project corridor; improve emergency evacuation; and improve connectivity between Martin Luther King Boulevard and SR 17.

Project Funding
The design phase for the section from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Lucerne Loop Road is included in fiscal year (2023) of the FDOT's Adopted Five-Year Work Program. There is currently no funding for right-of-way and construction phase of this project.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING – January 30. 2025

FDOT invites you to an upcoming public hearing. Technical documents are now available (see the Project Documents box below).

FDOT welcomes and appreciates everyone's participation in the project. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING

The purpose of this hearing is to share the alternatives and analysis completed to date, and to provide the public an opportunity to comment for the official hearing record. Here are the ways you can participate in the upcoming hearing.

January 9 2025 Technical Documents Posted

An online copy of the project technical documents is currently available in the Project Documents box below, which are also available through February 10 at: FDOT District One, Headquarters, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830 and Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

January 23, 2025 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.

January 30, 2025 Hearing – In-Person and Online

In-Person

Polk State College, Winter Haven Student Center

999 Ave H NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881

5 – 6 p.m. open house (View hearing materials and talk to the team)

6 p.m. formal hearing (Give spoken comment during the formal hearing event)

OR

Online

https://tinyurl.com/SR544PublicHearingRegistration (Advanced registration required)

5:45 – 6 p.m. learn how to make comments online

6 p.m. view a live broadcast of the in-person event
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: FDOT District One, Attn: David Turley, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830

You can provide written comment about the project at any time, but comments must be submitted by February 10 to be included in the record for this hearing. 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 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

Public Workshop

FDOT held a public workshop for SR 544 (Lucerne Park Road) project, with a live virtual event and a live in-person event on February 8, 2022. Materials were also available for review and comment through this website from February 1, 2022.

The workshop comment period is now closed, but you may still view a copy of materials presented below.