Latest news with #FDOT
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Polk County takes data-driven approach to save more pedestrian, cyclist lives
The Brief According to the FDOT, Polk County ranks 21 out of the state's top 25 deadliest counties for pedestrians. The Best Foot Forward program focuses on educating drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. FDOT is funding the program that has a goal of spreading into the Tampa and Jacksonville markets. BARTOW, Fla. - Polk County is trying to become a safer place for pedestrians and bicyclists. By the numbers According to the Florida Department of Transportation, Polk County ranks 21 out of the state's top 25 deadliest counties for pedestrians. 26 pedestrians and cyclists were killed last year. What we know Bike Walk Central Florida, based in Orlando, is launching its safety program in Polk County — the first county in the Tampa Bay area market to participate. The Best Foot Forward program focuses on educating drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks identified by local and county officials. The program works with law enforcement to issue warnings or citations and holds educational sign-waving events. READ:'We're not California': Florida officials pledge crackdown on doxing threats "What's really exciting about it is the stats or what they refer to as the 'driver yield rate' at pedestrian crossings. It improves significantly after they've given some of the intersections attention," said Ryan Kordek, the Executive Director of Polk TPO. 'When we launched in Orlando and Orange County in 2012, the crosswalks we were taking data at, the average driver yield rate was only 17% of drivers yielding to pedestrians," said Vince Dyer, Manager of the Best Foot Forward Program. "We've been steadily recording improvement since then. Today it's near 50% of drivers yielding to pedestrians in the same metro area." Dyer says the number of deaths and serious injuries have also gone down. The program has already begun studying crosswalks near schools and parks in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bartow. Each crosswalk is evaluated for at least a year. "We recommend low-cost solutions, things like better striping and signage, the tubular markers, the delineators, things like that," said Dyer. "We can track those and show they have a positive effect." What's next FDOT is funding the program that has a goal of spreading into the Tampa and Jacksonville markets. The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Carla Bayron. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Endangered plant that only grows in Polk County threatened by proposed highway
The Brief According to plant advocates, the Blushing Scrub Balm is at risk of disappearing. The Florida Department of Transportation is proposing to build a tolled highway from State Road 60 to US 17-92. There are two alternative corridors which both pass close to where the Blushing Scrub Balm grows. HAINES CITY, Fla. - There's an extremely rare plant that, in all of Florida, only grows in Polk County, but it's being threatened by a proposed highway. The Blushing Scrub Balm grows in the hundreds in the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area. "It is one of a kind," said Gene Kelly, the President of the Florida Native Plant Society. "It is the only place that we know it occurs naturally." And it's at risk of disappearing forever. The Florida Department of Transportation is proposing to build a tolled highway from State Road 60 to US 17-92 around Davenport to alleviate future traffic congestion. There are two alternative corridors, both of which Kelly says pass close to where the Blushing Scrub Balm grows, which happens to depend on prescribed burns. What they're saying "The problem then, is if a high-speed highway is constructed immediately adjacent to this property, which is where those two alternate routes being considered would go, it's really going to tie the hands of the land managing agency, that being Florida Fish and Wildlife Management Conservation Commission, to continue burning that site to maintain the habitat," said Kelly. Instead, Kelly recommends a no-build alternative or moving the highway as far west as possible. And for those asking to just move the plant, Kelly says it's extremely difficult to do because they have exact habitat requirements. He says his group will continue to advocate for protecting the Blushing Scrub Balm. "We don't know what the impact of the loss of the Blushing Scrub may have on other species," said Kelly. The other side The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will present their proposed corridor at the end of the year. READ: Sheriff Grady Judd takes kids fishing as part of annual community outreach event The next phase of the project will be 'PD & E', which stands for planning, design and environmental impact assessment. A spokesperson for the agency says they'll work with rare plant experts and local ecologists throughout the project to avoid and mitigate impacts on sensitive species. FDOT's full statement: As the project enters the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study phase, environmental fieldwork will begin to identify native and listed plant habitats. Further surveys and coordination with rare plant experts and local ecologists will continue through the Design and throughout future phases of the project to avoid and mitigate impacts on sensitive species. A public meeting is anticipated to be held at the end of 2025 to present the proposed corridor. Throughout this process, the Enterprise remains committed to avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating impacts to the natural, social, cultural, and physical environments. For more information on this project, and to stay informed of any updates, please visit: CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Carla Bayron. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida lawmakers fund another $1.7 billion in I-4 construction projects
Florida is taking additional steps to speed up congestion relief along the I-4 tourist corridor. Last week lawmakers voted to expedite the construction of two express lanes on I-4's busiest stretch in Osceola and Polk Counties and a separate road project that will better connect I-4 to the rest of Osceola County's transportation network. The joint legislative budget commission approved $1.7 billion for the three road projects. 'This week's LBC vote allows funds to move into the current Fiscal Year to ensure FDOT is able to move as swiftly as possible with their delivery,' said Molly Best, a spokesperson for the Governor's office, in an email. The road projects include two express lanes in each direction on a 2.6-mile stretch from east of World Drive to east of U.S. 192 and a 3.1-mile stretch from east of County Road 532 to west of World Drive. The third project is construction of a new 3.5-mile road called the Poinciana Connector. That road will link State Road 429 to the southern portion of Osceola Polk Line Road and connect to I-4. The Central Florida Expressway Authority is planning another road project to connect to the Poinciana Connector, eventually creating a southern highway loop that will ease access throughout Osceola County to I-4. That will involve extending Poinciana Parkway and connecting it to County Road 532. Construction on improvements to surrounding county roads to facilitate this project are scheduled to begin in early 2026, said CFX spokesperson Brian Hutchings in an email. 'This effort aims to increase capacity and enhance connectivity between the future extension of Poinciana Parkway and I-4,' Hutchings said. 'Through close coordination with regional partners, we are delivering a comprehensive transportation solution designed to improve mobility, enhance regional connectivity, and provide lasting traffic relief for our growing community.' Poinciana, an unincorporated part of Osceola County that borders Polk County, has ballooned in population in recent years, and so has traffic. 'We appreciate the continued support of the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis in delivering landmark investments through the Florida Department of Transportation's Moving Florida Forward initiative, bringing real congestion relief to some of Osceola County's most vital transportation corridors,' Osceola County spokesperson Tyler Winik said in an email. The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative aims to bring congestion relief across the state through a series of projects. Roughly $2.5 billion of the initiative will overhaul I-4 and it's moving quickly. Various improvements along a 14-mile stretch of I-4, including these three projects, were already slated to be completed in ten years —faster than the original estimate of 25 years — and with this $1.7 billion boost key portions should be delivered in less time. The funding comes on the heels of April's announcement that two new lanes on a six-mile stretch of I-4 were added eight months ahead of schedule. FDOT did not respond to request for comment on the latest development.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
U.S. 231 Road Improvement Project to begin in Bay County
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Department of Transportation will begin an intersection improvement project later this summer at U.S. 231 at Pipeline Road in Bay County. According to a news release, the project will cost $2.6 million and will cause lane closures and traffic shifts. Lane closures will not occur during peak travel times of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; until Labor Day, lane closures will be limited to Sunday through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Bay County OKs FDOT grant for road resurfacing and other improvements The project includes the installation of new mast arm traffic signals, as well as new signing and pavement markings. Pipeline Road will be widened to include new left turn lanes for accessing U.S. 231, and crews will be removing the median and realigning the intersection; they will also be milling and resurfacing the pavement. Enhancements will be made to stormwater management to include the installation of concrete curbs and gutters as well as a closed pipe drainage system. Completion of the construction is scheduled for mid-2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Fort Myers Police budget: Request up 3.9 percent or increase to $61.8 million
The Fort Myers Police Department budget for 2025-26 is proposed to grow by just under 3.9% next year, increasing from about $59.5 million to $61.8 million. The budget that Chief Jason Field submitted May 13 calls for equipment purchases totaling more than $2 million of the approximately $2.3 million increase. Interestingly the proposal calls for no new personnel. That could signal a starting point for discussion with City Council. At a recent meeting at least two council members expressed support for increased traffic enforcement. According to the request the current traffic unit is comprised of seven people. A sergeant, four traffic homicide investigators and only two traffic enforcement officers. Chief Fields said in May that virtually every one of his 263 sworn officers does traffic enforcement as necessary. The traffic unit is in charge of impaired driving enforcement, training for new officers, follow-up investigation of patrol-initiated cases, civil and criminal serious injury cases and traffic homicide investigations. More: Traffic talk: One of the most stressful Fort Myers intersections is getting a makeover The unit investigated 27 fatal crashes in 2024 and three so far in 2025. A traffic homicide investigation is as in depth as a homicide investigation and often more complex. 'The FDOT 2025 Highway Safety Matrix - Rank of Florida Cities (population over 75,000) Report based on total actual serious injuries and fatalities (2018-2022) has the City of Fort Myers ranked in the top 38 worst cities for serious injury and fatal crashes in six of nine categories tracked,' says the budget request. 'The City of Cape Coral is also listed in this report, and they are in 7 of the 9 categories. In 2024 our city investigated over 5,000 crashes. Lee County investigated over 7,000. From 2017 through 2022, the city averaged over 4,800 crash investigations a year. The City of Fort Myers has a resident population of approximately 104,100 people, which produces an approximately five percent crash to population ratio. The county has a resident population of approximately 858,937 and a crash to population ratio of about one percent. The number of traffic crashes occurring in the City of Fort Myers is significant. The agency must take significant measures in re-structuring the traffic unit to make an impact on crash reduction.' Department spokesperson Megan Fuentes said the budget request does not include new personnel, but the department will try to address needs by filling 29 empty sworn officer positions. Some of those new officers, she said, are currently in the academy or in field training. Following are excerpts from the proposed budget: This memorandum includes the budgetary request for the Police Department for Fiscal Year 2026. Fleet 26 New and Replacement vehicles for our fleet. These vehicles will replace current high mileage vehicles and vehicles that were in accidents and totaled. The additional vehicles will also ensure that we can continue to offer a take home vehicle for all eligible Officers. 2025 Ford Utility – (20 - Patrol) $1,240,380.00 2025 Ford Active SUV – (2 - Detective) $79,809.82 2025 Ford Ranger Truck – (1 - VIP) $40,793.00 2025 Ford F150 Truck – (1 – HOT Team) $50,251.00 2025 Ford Utility – (2 - Lieutenant) $117,702.00 Supply & Logistics Uniform Supplies and Accessories (CSA & Civilian) $25,000 Professional Standards Bureau Training Division Requested Equipment Funds for Academy Sponsorship – These funds would be used to provide sponsorship to the police academy for newly hired police officers. Based on the current 29 Police Officer vacancies. $20,000 Waterborne Dive Gear and Wet Duty Gear – Specialized gear will enable water-based training for water survival and waterborne defensive tactics. o $12,000 Department Awards Programs Department Awards and Annual Banquet – To cover the cost of annual banquet, awards and ribbons. $5,500 Investigative Services Bureau Detective Division Flash & External Hard Drives – More and more of our investigations involve high resolution cameras from places of business and residences. The storage provided for this is immense and then it must be stored in evidence for a prolonged period. We are requesting to increase the current budget to $20,000. Flash & External Hard Drives Cost $20,800 Crime Scene Unit Additional Crim-Lite Auto to assist in documenting evidence at the crime scene using a high[1]sensitivity UV/Vis/IR camera capable of capturing images beyond the visible spectrum. Currently it is difficult for us to reveal and capture specific evidence under UV and IR light with multiple filter camera attachment. This device is all in one with full spectrum of lights, filters all built into a handheld device with a large touchscreen to capture the evidence digitally. Because of our limited space this is the perfect compact device to further improve our evidence workflow and increase the efficiency of examinations. One Crime-Lite Auto (Foster & Freeman) – This is a full spectrum UV-Vis-IR digital camera with 55x Illumination Wavebands. It is an all-in-one, searching beyond the visible spectrum, detection, and capture tool all in an instant. The Crime-lite AUTO can quickly reveal evidence including body fluids (semen, saliva, and urine etc.); blood on dark fabrics; fingerprints; gunshot residues; and traces of physical evidence (glass, bone, fibers, hairs, etc.) Document evidence at the crime scene using a high-sensitivity UV/Vis/IR camera capable of capturing images beyond the visible spectrum. Currently it is difficult for us to reveal and capture specific evidence under UV and IR light with multiple filter camera attachment. This device is all in one with full spectrum of lights, filters all built into a handheld device with a large touchscreen to capture the evidence digitally. Because of our limited space this is the perfect compact device to further improve our evidence workflow and increase the efficiency of examinations. Cost $ 50,000 Special Operations Bureau Special Operations Division Traffic Unit Equipment: • Three (3) Stalker Q2095020 MC360 Message Trailer with Solar (4'x8') Package 821- 1102-00 MC360 Message Trailer (4'x8') with Strobes and Solaretc $23,581 each. Cost $70,743 4 Two (2) Signs, MPH Speed Wanco Compact WSDT3-S Radar Speed Sign Trailer, Battery Powered and Solar Charging, 26-inch LED Characters $11,989 each. Cost $23,978 Technical Operations Division The Technical Operations Center functions as advanced support for the Fort Myers Police Department as well as other law enforcement agencies across Southwest Florida. Members assigned to the Technical Operations Center provide both tactical and strategic intelligence for law enforcement investigations and operations. The Technical Operations Center is also responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Department's Intelligence[1]Driven Policing Strategy The Technical Operations Center mainly provides intelligence and support through the Department's Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), Analytics and Innovation Team, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Digital Forensics Unit, Technical Operations Support Team, and Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) Operations. See a breakdown of all budget item requests included at the end of this memorandum. The Technical Operations Center is currently staffed by a Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, nine (9) sworn officers, five (5) crime analysts and one (1) system analyst. The primary focus of the unit is based around the Intelligence-Led Policing Program, Stratified Policing and supporting the Operations Bureau and Detective Bureau. The Bureau also assists several specialty units throughout the agency with advanced analytical analysis, criminal intelligence, digital forensics, and advanced electronic equipment operations. Additionally, the Technical Operations Center is responsible for the City-Wide Security Camera Program (CitiView), License Plate Reader (LPR) program, and Real Time Crime Center. The Technical Operations Center needs equipment, for the specialized areas in which it provides support for. This request is critical for the Bureau's success and its effectiveness in providing this support. Without the equipment, members of the Technical Operations Center will be limited in terms of the type and level of support they will be able to provide going forward. Budget related requests from the Technical Operations Center are highlighted below: Real Time Crime Center Equipment upgrade $ 50,000 Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) The focus of the FY2026 SWAT Team budget will be to significantly allocate funds to better equip and prepare the team for the high liability situations they are placed in. This specialized equipment is used to safeguard our citizens from life threatening situations and additionally aid in the protection of our operators while in these high-risk situations. Requested Equipment: One (1) Armored vehicle – The Federal Government has placed restrictions on the current armored vehicle obtained through the 1033 Program. The new restriction does not allow usage in High-Risk Search Warrant situations, which is a large portion of what the SWAT Team is used for. The armored vehicle provides protection from gun fire while the SWAT Team operates in these high-risk situations. Cost $400,000. Cape Coral has a population more than double that of Fort Myers at over 240,000. Its current police budget is $51.5 million. Naples has only a little over 21,000 people with a police budget of $20.6 million. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers Police want additional $2.3 million this year for equipment
