Task Forces On Proposed New Florida Toll Roads Meet This Week

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Despite criticism from tax watch and conservation groups, the Florida Department of Transportation is going ahead with task force meetings next week to determine potential paths for 320 miles of new toll roads.

The three Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic (M-CORES) Task Forces will meet Aug. 25-27

The task forces have been conducting meetings since last summer to determine the viability and potential paths of three new toll road projects.

The task forces were formed after the 2019 Florida Legislature approved a bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton), calling for the state to conduct feasibility and alignment studies on the construction of three toll roads and accompanying broadband services, sewer lines and other infrastructure improvements for rural parts of the state.

The proposed toll roads include an extension of the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County north to Jefferson County on the Georgia state line. The parkway is currently a 42-mile four-lane toll road stretching from Hillsborough County to Hernando County.

The legislation also calls for a Northern Turnpike Connector that would link the Florida Turnpike to the Suncoast Parkway. The Florida Turnpike is a 265-mile toll road running from Miami Gardens to Wildwood in Sumter County.

The third toll road would be a new highway extending from Collier County in southwest Florida to Polk County in central Florida.

Lawmakers say the roads are needed to provide hurricane evacuation routes for Florida rapidly growing population and services to rural portions of the state.

Conservationists oppose the construction of the toll roads, maintaining they will destroy sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats.

This year's state budget includes $90 million for the project.

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During this week's meetings, experts serving on the task forces will review specific environmental and connectivity areas for the toll roads that will help define potential routes.

The Florida Legislature charged each task force with providing recommendations and evaluations in a final report, due Nov. 15, which will guide the Florida Department of Transportation in its subsequent study phases.

Members of the public who wish to participate through the virtual GoToWebinar platform should register online by clicking on the meeting date. Those wishing to provide live public comments via the GoToWebinar format must register online no later than:

• Southwest-Central Florida Corridor: Tuesday, Aug. 25, no later than 4 p.m.
• Northern Turnpike Corridor: Wednesday, Aug. 26, no later than 4 p.m.
• Suncoast Corridor: Thursday, Aug. 27, no later than 4 p.m.

Each task force meeting will also have two local locations open to the public that will broadcast the meeting live via GoToWebinar.

The Southwest-Central Florida Corridor Task Force Meeting will take place Tuesday, Aug. 25. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and public comment will begin at about 5 p.m.

The public who choose to participate virtually should register online.

Those who wish to provide in-person comments must complete a speaker card at the Charlotte Harbor Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, or at the Bert Harris Agricultural Center Auditorium, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring.

The Northern Turnpike Corridor Task Force Meeting will take place Wednesday, Aug. 26. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and public comment will begin at about 5 p.m.

Members of the public who choose to participate virtually should register online.

Those who wish to provide in-person comments must complete a speaker card at the Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, or the Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471, Bushnell.

The Suncoast Corridor Task Force Meeting will take place Thursday, Aug. 27. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and public comment will begin at about 5 p.m.

Members of the public who choose to participate virtually should register online.

Those who wish to provide in-person comments must complete a speaker card at the Plantation on Crystal River, Sable Room, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, or the Dixie County Adult Education Center School Board Meeting Room, 823 Highway 349 SE, Old Town.

See related stories:

• Controversial Toll Road Project Funding Is Still Intact Amid $1 Billion In State Budget Cuts
• State To Kick Off Planning Process For 3 New Toll Roads Tuesday