201277-8 l-75 (S.R. 93) at Clark Road (S.R. 72) Interchange Landscaping

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun the landscapping for the new Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-75 and Clark Road, placing the finishing touches on the interchange. The beautification work will increase the visual attractiveness and restore the area to a more natural aesthetic with Florida-hardy trees and plantings.

The interchange is the gateway for thousands of daily motorists whether they are on their way to Siesta Key, traveling home to Palmer Ranch or Skye Ranch, or an 18-wheeler heading to a distribution center. This key access point will be a crucial juncture to the Sarasota Community for years to come. Other points of interest along the corridor include the nationally-known Sarasota National Cemetery, Twin Lakes Park, and Myakka State Park, one of the largest and oldest Florida state parks.

As a major hub for the thousands of travelers to Sarasota County, its visual appeal is of primary importance, and with the landscaping project underway, the area will once again be known for its beauty and natural Florida charm. Working together with landscaping experts, the project will include some of the beautiful and popular Florida-hardy plantings that were chosen for their attractiveness and ability to withstand Florida’s ever-changing climate.

Altogether, there will be approximately 3,600 plantings within the .9-mile project area, which includes Clark Road, four major interstate ramps and several smaller interior ramps. Chosen plantings include about 111 sabal/cabbage palms, also known as the designated state tree; approximately 150 majestic royal palms (with many of these being planted at a height of up to 30 feet); and roughly 37 lovely flowering royal poincianas in addition to crepe myrtles, black olives and European fan palms for a total of more than 320 palms and trees. The remaining 3,200 plantings will consist of the attractive fern-like coontie shrub, a native United States Cycad-family shrub known as the only food source for the rare Atala butterfly and the hardy silver saw palmetto.