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454941-1 S.R. 544 (Havendale Boulevard) from S.R. 600 (U.S. 92) to 8th Street NW (U.S. 17)
Project Details
| Work Type: | Resurfacing |
|---|---|
| Phase: | Design |
| Limits: | S.R. 600 (U.S. 92) to 8th Street NW (U.S. 17) |
| Length: | 3.16 miles |
| City: | |
| County: | |
| Road: | |
| Start of Current Phase: | Late 2025 |
| Letting: | 07/01/2027 |
About
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is proposing improvements along State Road (S.R.) 544 (Havendale Boulevard) in Polk County. The purpose of the project is to extend the service life of the existing roadway and improve safety along the corridor. The project consists of repaving the roadway and modifying existing median openings from S.R. 600 (U.S. 92) in the City of Auburndale to 8th Street NW (U.S. 17) in the City of Winter Haven. FDOT is also proposing intersection improvements at Derby Avenue and 26th Street and upgrading connectivity between traffic signals. Additional improvements include updating intersection lighting, updating turn lanes where possible, and upgrading sidewalk connections and curb ramps to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Public Involvement
FDOT, District One, invites you to the S.R. 544 (Havendale Boulevard) from S.R. 600 (U.S. 92) to 8th Street NW (U.S. 17) Public Meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The in-person public meeting (open house format) will begin at 5:00 p.m. The virtual meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. The public meeting is being held to present information about the proposed design and gather public input. FDOT will accept written comments during and after the meeting.
The Department has two ways to participate in the public meeting: by attending the live in-person event or by joining the live virtual event. The same information will be presented at both meetings.
In-Person Option: Attend in person from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Auburndale Civic Center, 2220 Lake Ariana Boulevard, Auburndale, FL 33823. Attendees who are not feeling well should not attend the in-person meeting.
Virtual Option: Attend virtually from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. You can register in advance at fdot.cc/SR-544-VPM Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register for or attend this webinar.
Review the meeting materials online prior to the event and provide any comments through the project website. All meeting materials will be available online by August 4, 2026, in the Project Documents section below. A copy of these materials will also be displayed at the in-person event.
If you have any questions or comments about the meeting, please contact: FDOT Project Manager, Amber Albritton, by phone at (863) 519-2668. Comments about the project should be emailed to Amber.Albritton@dot.state.fl.us, or mailed to Amber Albritton, Florida Department of Transportation, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830.
This meeting has been developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact District One Title VI Coordinator Cynthia Sykes at (863) 519-2287 or at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the open house. Individuals who are hearing or speech impaired may use the Florida Relay Service (TDD: 1-800-955-8771 or Voice: 1-800-955-8770) to contact FDOT regarding this project.