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.

The State Road (S.R.) 70 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from west of S.R. 31 to SE Highlands County Line Road held an In-Person Public Hearing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia, FL 34266. Additionally, a Virtual GotoWebinar Public Hearing was conducted on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

This hearing was held to present the preferred alternative and all analyses to date, as well as to give interested individuals an opportunity to express their views regarding the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. Project documents were 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.

The January 2026 hearing documents are available for review and download on the project website below.

How to submit comments 

You may submit comments in the following ways: 

• 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 can submit written comments about the project at any time. Comments received by Tuesday, January 27, 2026, will be included in the official public hearing record report.

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 meetings 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.