Live Online: begins at 5:45 p.m.
In-Person: 5 – 6 p.m. open house, 6 p.m. formal presentation

Arcadia, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the State Road (SR) 72 at SR 70 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from from SR 72 from CR 661 to SR 70 and SR 70 from CR 661 to Peace River Bridge in DeSoto County on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

This study will evaluate intersection and roadway improvements to address safety and flooding issues.

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. You can participate live online or in-person. The information presented during either format will be the same and all attendees will have opportunity to comment.  

Attend the December 7th public hearing:

Live Online Option
Register in advance: http://bit.ly/3PKFLqb
5:45 p.m. Overview for how to submit comments
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment.
Please review the materials on project webpage before attending (projectwebpageurl). Materials will be posted by DATE.

 In-Person Option
Turner-Agri Civic Center Exhibit hall
2250 NE Roan Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Anytime between 5 – 6 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and comment

If you are unable to attend the hearing, comments can also be provided through the project webpage (https://www.swflroads.com/project/443123-2) or by email (patrick.bateman@dot.state.fl.us) or mail (FDOT District One, Attn: Patrick Bateman, MS 1-40, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830). While comments about the project are accepted at any time, they must be received or postmarked by December 17, 2023, to be included in the formal hearing record. Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Patrick Bateman at (863) 519-2792.

A summary of the hearing will be available on the webpage approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period.

Project documents will be available for public viewing from November 16, 2023 to December 17, 2023, at the 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.

FDOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within at least 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding this project. This project does include floodplain impacts. It is being conducted in accordance with Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and any other related federal and state statutes. This project is also proposing an access change around the intersection of SR 72 and SR 70, installing splitter islands restricting left turns on the approaches to the proposed roundabout. This access change is being conducted in accordance with Section 335.199, Florida Statutes. 

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the public hearing.