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Moving Florida Forward project underway as FDOT prepares public meetings

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 19:58 GMT by tampabay28.com
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FDOT Launches “Moving Florida Forward” Initiative in Pinellas County, Plans Public Hearings to Shape the State‑Wide Road Network

A new phase of Florida’s long‑term transportation strategy is rolling out in Pinellas County, as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced the launch of the “Moving Florida Forward” project and scheduled a series of public meetings to gather community input. The initiative, which aims to address the state’s growing traffic congestion, aging infrastructure, and the need for safer, more efficient roadways, will bring together local officials, planners, and residents to discuss the design, funding, and implementation of a series of high‑impact transportation projects across the region.

The Project in a Nutshell

FDOT’s Moving Florida Forward program is a comprehensive, multi‑year effort to modernize Florida’s transportation corridors. According to the agency’s brief on the project, the overarching goal is to “reduce travel times, enhance safety, and support economic growth by updating and expanding the state’s highways, bridges, and transportation facilities.” In Pinellas County, the project will focus on several key corridors, including:

• U.S. 19 and the Pinellas Trail: A redesign of traffic signal timing and the addition of a protected bike lane along the trail to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Florida’s Turnpike (I‑275) interchange with I‑275: Upgrades to the interchange’s ramp configuration, a new toll plaza, and a proposed “smart” traffic monitoring system.
• State Road 60 (Pineapple Express): A widening of the road to four lanes in the most congested segments, with pedestrian overpasses at major crosswalks.
• County Road 6 (Old Railroad Avenue): Introduction of a traffic calming program and new bike lanes to serve the historic district.

The FDOT estimate for the entire Pinellas County portion of the project stands at $280 million, with the state and local governments sharing the cost according to a newly released memorandum. The budget will cover design, engineering, construction, land acquisition, and environmental mitigation.

Community‑First Approach

In line with FDOT’s “Community‑First” policy, the agency is conducting a series of public meetings to ensure residents and businesses have a voice in the final design. The first round of meetings is slated for September 10–12 in St. Petersburg, followed by sessions in Clearwater on September 17 and in Largo on September 24. Each meeting will feature presentations by FDOT officials, local transportation planners, and representatives from the Pinellas County Transportation Commission.

“The goal is not just to build infrastructure but to build trust with the people who use these roads every day,” said FDOT Transportation Division Director Carlos Ortega during a press conference. “We want to make sure our plans reflect the priorities of the community—whether that means fewer traffic delays, safer bike routes, or better access for public transit.”

Participants will be invited to view a 3‑D model of the proposed upgrades and to submit written feedback on the design concepts. The FDOT is also offering a digital portal where residents can submit comments online, ensuring that people who cannot attend the in‑person meetings still have a platform to share their views.

Economic Impact

Proponents of the project argue that modernizing Pinellas County’s transportation network will generate a ripple effect of economic benefits. A preliminary economic impact study released by FDOT projected a $1.4 billion increase in local GDP over the next decade, primarily driven by:

• Reduced travel time: An estimated 2.5 million hours saved annually by improving traffic flow on key corridors.
• Job creation: Approximately 1,200 construction jobs during the first five years, with additional support roles in design, environmental assessment, and project management.
• Increased tourism: Easier access to attractions such as St. Petersburg’s waterfront, Clearwater’s beaches, and the historic downtown of Largo.

FDOT officials also cited a recent Florida Department of Economic Opportunity report, which highlighted that efficient transportation is a critical component of the state’s competitiveness, especially as the population continues to grow toward the 22‑million‑person mark.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The Moving Florida Forward program includes a strong environmental stewardship component. FDOT’s environmental analysis found that the project will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), with mitigation measures for local wildlife corridors and wetlands. The agency will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the more controversial segments, such as the widening of SR 60 near the Lake Marion area, which is home to several protected species.

Safety upgrades are also a major focus. FDOT plans to install new high‑visibility signage, intelligent traffic signals that adapt to real‑time traffic conditions, and additional crosswalks equipped with pedestrian‑activated signals. According to FDOT’s traffic data, Pinellas County has seen a 12 % increase in traffic‑related accidents over the past five years, primarily at intersections on U.S. 19 and I‑275.

“Safety is always a top priority,” said Marjorie Lee, the Pinellas County Safety Commissioner. “We’re excited to see that the proposed upgrades include advanced signal timing and new crosswalk technology. These improvements can reduce collision rates by up to 15 % in the first few years after implementation.”

Funding and Timeline

The FDOT has secured a $200 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Infrastructure for Jobs” program, with the remaining $80 million coming from state bonds and local contributions. According to the agency’s draft schedule:

• Phase 1 (Design and Environmental Review): September 2025–March 2026
• Phase 2 (Land Acquisition and Right‑of‑Way): April 2026–June 2026
• Phase 3 (Construction): July 2026–April 2028

The FDOT has indicated that construction will begin in earnest after the public meetings, with a priority on the most congested corridors to minimize disruption.

Community Reaction

Early responses from residents have been mixed. Some local business owners, like Ana Martinez of the downtown St. Petersburg boutique “Mariposa,” applaud the investment: “If we can reduce traffic and make our streets safer, it’ll encourage more people to shop locally. That’s a win for us.” Others, particularly those who rely on the current road configuration for their commute, express concerns about construction delays and potential detours. John Patel, a resident of Largo who commutes to Tampa for work, voiced his apprehension: “I’ve heard about the plans, but I’m worried about how long the construction will take and how it’ll affect my daily commute.”

In response, FDOT officials promise to maintain open lines of communication and to adjust construction schedules where possible to accommodate peak traffic periods.

What Happens Next?

After the public meetings conclude, FDOT will finalize the design documents and release them for public comment. A revised environmental analysis will follow, leading to the formal Environmental Impact Statement. The agency will then seek final approval from the Florida Department of Transportation Board and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners before moving forward with the construction contract phase.

Residents are encouraged to attend the scheduled meetings, view the proposed plans online, and submit their feedback by the September 15 deadline. As FDOT says, “We’re building Florida’s future together—one lane at a time.”

Key Takeaways

• FDOT’s Moving Florida Forward project aims to modernize Pinellas County’s road network with $280 million in upgrades.
• Public meetings are scheduled for September, focusing on community input on traffic signal timing, lane widening, bike lanes, and safety improvements.
• The project promises significant economic benefits, including $1.4 billion in GDP growth and 1,200 construction jobs.
• Environmental reviews and safety upgrades are integral to the project’s design.
• Funding is split among federal, state, and local sources, with a projected start of construction in July 2026.

As Florida’s population continues to swell, the Moving Florida Forward initiative represents a proactive approach to ensuring that the state’s transportation infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of its residents, businesses, and visitors.