In-Person: February 3, 2026, anytime between 5 – 7 p.m.

Live Online: February 5, 2026, from 6 – 7 p.m.

Manatee County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public workshop for the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study Mantee County.

This study will evaluate additional capacity and transportation demand across the Manatee River. The study aims to enhance connectivity between the Cities of Bradenton and Palmetto and improve regional mobility, connectivity and safety. 

The public workshop is being conducted to present information about the preliminary alternatives and provides the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project. The information presented during either format will be the same and all attendees will have opportunity to comment.  

Attend the Public Workshop

In-Person Option

February 3, 2026

Manatee County Fairgrounds

Veterans Hall

1402 14th Avenue West

Palmetto, FL 34221

Anytime between 5 – 7 p.m. This will include a looping video (no formal presentation) and the project team will be available for discussion.

Live Online Option:

February 5, 2026

Register in advance https://tinyurl.com/yc5h36aw

5:45 p.m. – How to provide comments

6 – 7 p.m.
This will include a viewing of the project materials and a question-and-answer component with the project team. Please review the materials on project webpage before attending (https://www.swflroads.com/project/444843-1)
Materials will be posted by January 27, 2026

If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments can also be provided through the project webpage https://www.swflroads.com/project/444843-1 or by email Michelle.Rutishauser@dot.state.fl.us or by mail to FDOT District One, Attn: Bradenton-Palmetto Connector PD&E Study , 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 February 16, 2026 to be included in the formal workshop record. All comments are weighted equally.

Questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Michelle Rutishauser at (863) 380-7121 or email Michelle.Rutishauser@dot.state.fl.us

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

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 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.

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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state’s economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida’s environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state’s communities