Bartow, Fla. –  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to the Alternatives Public Meeting for the State Road (SR) 78 from I-75 to SR 31 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study in Lee County. FDOT is conducting the PD&E Study to evaluate alternatives to address future traffic demands, safety, and to improve the roadway design to better serve the needs of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. The State Road 78 Alternatives Public Meeting is being held to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provides the opportunity for the public to offer feedback.

You can participate in the State Road 78 Alternatives Public Meeting in-person or live online. The same materials will be displayed at both the in-person and online events and will also be posted by May 9, 2023 on the project webpage.

IN-PERSON OPTION: Attend the State Road 31 Alternatives Public meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at The Field House at Babcock Ranch, 43281 Cypress Parkway, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982. Visit the meeting any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to view the project video and displays, speak with project team members and submit comments or questions.

LIVE ONLINE OPTION: Attend virtually on Thursday, May 18, 2023 starting at 6 p.m. This event will include a viewing of the project video and a live question-and-answer component with the project team. Meeting materials will be posted to the project webpage www.swflroads.com/project/444937-1 by May 9, 2023. Please review the materials before attending the virtual event. Register in advance by visiting: https://bit.ly/SR78-APM or on the project webpage. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online.

PROJECT WEBPAGE: View all materials online for State Road 78 at the project webpage www.swflroads.com/project/444937-1. Comments can be provided through the project webpage and questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager, Patrick Bateman, at (863) 519-2792.

COMMENTS: After reviewing the meeting materials, and/or participating, you may submit comments in three ways: 1) through the project webpage; 2) email the FDOT Project Manager; or 3) mail comments to FDOT. Contact Patrick Bateman by email at Patrick.Bateman@dot.state.fl.us or mail to Patrick Bateman at FDOT District One,           MS 1-40, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831-1249.

While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please note that comments must be received or postmarked by May 29, 2023, to be included in the formal meeting record. A summary of the meeting comments and responses will be available on the webpage approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period.

FDOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding these projects. 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 meeting.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.