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455782-1 PD&E Study from SR 70 to SR 66
Project Details
About
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements west of U.S. 27 and East of U.S. 17 between State Road (S.R.) 70 and S.R. 66 in Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands Counties. Building on the findings of the Highlands County Feasibility Study, the PD&E will assess a potential new alignment to better accommodate the evolving nature of U.S. 27 and address key needs such as network connectivity, freight movement, and regional evacuation. The PD&E process, which includes the option of a No Build alternative, complies with federal and state laws and regulations.
At this time, no Preferred Corridor Alternative has been selected. FDOT is actively reviewing public feedback, evaluating technical data and environmental considerations, and exploring funding opportunities. A specific timeline for next steps has not been finalized, but additional public engagement opportunities will take place as the study progresses. These will be announced in advance to ensure stakeholders have the chance to review updates and provide input.
Public Involvement
2026 Corridor Alternatives Public Meetings
The FDOT held Corridor Alternatives Public Meetings in early 2026 to receive stakeholder feedback on corridor alternatives. The meetings were offered in two formats: in-person and through a self-guided virtual meeting room. In-person meetings took place on three different dates: January 15, 2026, in DeSoto County at the Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia, FL 34266; January 22, 2026, in Hardee County at the Hardee County Agri-Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Drive Wauchula, FL 33873; and January 29, 2026, in Highlands County at the Town of Lake Placid Government Center, Community Room, 1069 U.S. 27 North, Lake Placid, FL 33852. A self-guided virtual meeting room was available from January 15 to February 12, 2026. Materials presented at both the in-person and virtual meetings were the same.
The 2026 Corridor Alternatives Public Meeting documents have been archived below for reference and research purposes.
2024 Visioning Workshop
The FDOT hosted a public visioning workshop to engage the community and gather input on their vision for the study area. Participants could join either in person or online. The in-person visioning workshop was held on November 19, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan St., Arcadia, FL 34266. The virtual, self-guided interactive meeting room was available from November 20 to December 4, 2024.
The 2024 Visioning Workshop documents have been archived below for reference and research purposes.
How to submit comments
Community input remains an important part of the PD&E Study, and there will be additional opportunities to review information and provide comments as the study progresses.
You may send comments to the project team or ask questions about this project at any time by clicking the button on the right labeled "To send comments or ask questions about this project."
The Florida Department of Transportation is required to comply with various non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Anyone wishing to express concern about Title VI should contact Cynthia Sykes at cynthia.sykes@dot.state.fl.us.
