The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements west of US 27 and East of US 17 between SR 70 and SR 66 in Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands Counties. Building on the findings of the Highlands County Feasibility Study, the PD&E will assess a potential new alignment to better accommodate the evolving nature of US 27 and address key needs such as network resilience, freight movement, and safe mobility. The PD&E process, which includes the option of a No Build alternative, follows the procedures outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, along with federal and state laws and regulations.

Public Workshop: 

The public visioning workshop will allow you to provide feedback on your transportation vision from SR 70 to SR 66. Both an in-person and virtual meeting room option will be provided. The in-person Public Visioning Workshop will be held November 19, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The self-guided Virtual Meeting Room will be available from November 20 – December 4, 2024. The virtual meeting room option will allow those unable to attend the in-person workshop to view project material and provide feedback and their own leisure.

The same materials will be displayed at both the meeting formats and will be posted on the study website.  

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 – In-Person Option

Turner Agri-Civic Center

2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia, FL 34266 

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM open house 

View workshop materials, participate in the visioning activity, talk to the project team, and submit comments. 

Virtual Meeting Room Option:

Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Wednesday, Dec 4. 2024

The link will be provided at a later date.

How to submit comments:  

You may submit comments in the following ways  

• During the in-person meeting   

• Online through the project website (use the contact box on the right)  

• Email the project manager (david.long@dot.state.fl.us)  

• By mail: 801 N. Broadway Ave., MS 1-6, Bartow, FL 33830 

You are able to provide a written comment about the project at any time, but comments must be submitted by Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to be included in the record for this workshop. You may also call David Long, Project Manager at (813) 334-7056, 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.