The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements to the State Road (70) corridor in DeSoto County. The intent is to improve traffic safety conditions on SR 70, maintain important east-west connectivity within the regional transportation network, and accommodate freight activity within the area. This study will evaluate the widening of SR 70 from a two-lane undivided facility to a four-lane divided facility, including operational improvements between west of SR 31 to SE Highlands County line Road, extending 16.7 miles in length.

UPCOMING:

State Road (S.R.) 70 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from west of S.R. 31 to SE Highlands County Line Road Public Hearing – In-Person Meeting will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Materials displayed for In-Person and Virtual meetings will be the same. Read the Public Involvement section below for more information. 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a PD&E study to evaluate options for widening S.R. 70 in DeSoto County. The project limits cover approximately 16.7 miles of S.R. 70 from west of S.R. 31 to SE Highlands County Line Road. The intent of this study is to evaluate widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway and operational improvements. Additional improvements that will be evaluated as part of the proposed project include bridge replacements, intersection improvements, stormwater management, wildlife crossings, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

FDOT invites you to a public hearing for S.R. 70 PD&E Study from west of S.R. 31 to SE Highlands County Line Rd., in DeSoto County, FPID 451942-1 on Thursday, January 8, 2026 or virtually on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. 
 
You can choose the meeting format that best suits your convenience.  
 
IN-PERSON OPTIONS:
Thursday, January 8, 2026 
Turner Agri-Civic Center 
2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia, FL 34266   
5:30 – 6 p.m. Open house 
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment period 
  
Displays will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. to review at your own pace and the project team will be available for discussion. The formal presentation and comment period will begin at 6 p.m.  
  
VIRTUAL MEETING ROOM OPTION: 
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 
Register in advance:
attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5211353514640624469https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5211353514640624469  
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment period 
 
Please review the materials on the project webpage before attending the virtual event (www.swflroads.com/project/451942-1). Materials will be posted by Tuesday, December 30, 2025. 
This hearing is being conducted to present the preferred alternative and all analysis to date, as well as to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. 
 
Project documents will be available for public viewing from December 17, 2025 to January 27, 2026, at DeSoto County Library, 125 N Hillsborough Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266 and at FDOT District One Headquarters, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. They will also be available on the project webpage. 
 
How to submit comments: 
You may submit comments in the following ways: 
•    Spoken comment during the live event (in-person location or online)  
•    Online through the project website 
•    Email the Project Representative joe.lauk@dot.state.fl.us
•    By mail: 801 N. Broadway Ave., MS 1-41, Bartow, FL 33830

You are able to provide written comment about the project at any time, but comments must be submitted by Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to be included in the record for this hearing.  You may also call Joseph M. Lauk, Project Representative at (863) 519-2525, 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 meeting 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. 
 
The Florida Department of Transportation may adopt this planning product into the environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C § 168(d)(4), or to the state project development process.