In 2024, FDOT completed the Collier to Polk Trail Master Plan to evaluate a paved, multiuse trail for bicyclists and pedestrians from Collier County to Polk County. The Master Plan included preliminary routing alternatives and associated recommendations to develop the project as a regionally significant trail within the Florida Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) Trail Network. The Master Plan set the stage to conduct feasibility studies for what is now called the Florida Heartland Regional Trail.

The Hardee County segment of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail proposes the evaluation of a 27 to 37-mile multi-use trail from the Highlands County Line to W. County Line Road along the Polk County line. Alternatives from the Master Plan will be further developed and evaluated, generally following State Road (S.R.) 66, United States17, Steve Roberts Special, S.R. 64, S. Florida Avenue, local roads, and the Peace River, providing connections between towns, parks, and other attractions. 

Public involvement is an integral part of the feasibility study process. FDOT will use various activities to engage interested parties in the study process and there will be opportunities for public comment, including a public meeting. You may also submit comments or questions about this project at any time during the study, by using the "Send a comment" button to the right.

If you are interested in being added to the mailing list to receive study information for the Hardee County segment or any of the other segments of the trail, please provide your contact information at: Get Involved – The Florida Heartland Regional Trail

What is a regionally significant trail?
The Florida Heartland Regional Trail has been identified and prioritized as a regionally significant trail by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council [Section 260.0142(4)(c), FS]. That means it is recognized for its potential to:

• Cross multiple counties
• Attract national and international visitors
• Provide opportunities for economic and ecotourism development
• Showcase the value of wildlife areas, ecology, and natural resources
• Serve as a main corridor for critical links and trail connectedness

Why are multiple feasibility studies being conducted?

Because of the project’s extensive length, feasibility studies are being conducted for each county that is part of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail planning area: Collier, Hendry, Glades, Highlands, Hardee, and Polk. Each study will follow its own schedule to evaluate the Master Plan’s preliminary alternatives, assess environmental impacts, and solicit public input.

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study is a planning study that includes a preliminary evaluation of the social, economic and environmental effects associated with proposed transportation improvements. The study helps FDOT reach a decision on project segments that warrant more detailed analysis versus those that could be accelerated towards design and construction. 

Data Collection

The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridor including existing and planned infrastructure, existing and future land uses, drainage patterns, and environmental resources.

Alignment Development and Analysis

Once data collection is completed, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment concepts. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alignments are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix. The Department uses the evaluation matrix to assess which alignments are considered feasible for advancement towards design and construction.

Public Kickoff Meeting or Newsletter

A public kickoff meeting is held, or a newsletter is mailed, to introduce the project to the public and provide an opportunity to view and comment on the project’s need and objectives.

Public Meeting

Combining the public input with the needs of the corridor, several improvement alignments are developed and evaluated. This meeting presents the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the viable alignments. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alignments under consideration.