Florida News Straight From the Source
Highlands County
US 27 from West Townsend Street to Batts Street and on SR 64 from US 27 to Self Avenue: Construction project: Crews are replacing existing roadway with concrete pavement on US 27 southbound from West Pleasant Street to Paulk Street, US 27 northbound from Dyal Street to West Hill Street, and on SR 64 from Self Avenue to US 27. [Read more…] about FDOT RoadWatch Advisory for US 27 and SR 64 intersection in Highlands County
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement regarding Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry, who was killed in the line of duty.
“Today, with the tragic loss of Deputy William Gentry, we are painfully reminded of the tremendous sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers, and their families, make on behalf of all Floridians. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy William Gentry’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as the entire Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
“To all of Florida’s law enforcement community, may you be safe and know that we stand with you.”
Governor Rick Scott made the following statement today regarding last night’s shooting in Highlands County that took the life of Highlands County Sheriff’s Deputy William Gentry.
Governor Scott said, “Each day, Florida’s brave men and women in law enforcement selflessly place the safety of others above their own. Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken. Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement. I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentry’s family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe.”
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Donald Edward Boyd, 77, of 201 Spruce Avenue, for three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of battery. Boyd is a town councilman in Lake Placid.
An investigation conducted by FDLE agents and the city of Lake Placid Police Department revealed that Boyd was providing a variety of prescription pills, including hydrocodone, Zenzedi and Alprazolam to an individual on multiple occasions over the past several years.
Boyd was booked into the Highlands County Jail. He will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
Rucks Dairy Road Bridge Over C-41 Canal/Slough: Construction project: Crews will build a new two-lane bridge to replace the current one lane bridge. Construction of the new bridge is next to the current bridge. On Thursday, January 18th and Wednesday, January 19th, crews will be paving the lanes on the bridge. Motorists should expect single lane closures with flagging operations on Rucks Dairy Road bridge. Motorists should follow the new traffic pattern and travel through the work zone during these times. Additional improvements will include resurfacing a portion of the road approaching the new bridge, drainage enhancements, new guardrails and updated signage. Expected project completion is spring 2018.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
South Ridgewood Drive (SR 17Sebring)/Intersection at Pine Street and Lake Avenue (Avon Park): Construction project: Crews will be installing traffic signals and relocating existing signs beginning January 8, 2018. Motorists should anticipate daytime and nighttime single-lane closures during construction and may need to plan extra travel time in this area. Please watch for workers in the construction zone and use caution.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold an Alternatives Public Workshop to discuss the SR 70 from Jefferson Avenue/Placid Lakes Boulevard to County Road 29 Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study in Highlands County, Florida. The public meeting “open house” is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 at the Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center, 2665 Placid View Drive, Lake Placid, FL 33852. The study is evaluating widening the existing two-lane undivided roadway to four lanes and adding shoulders and a 10-foot detached multi-use path. FDOT invites you to attend the public workshop to review project alternatives.
This meeting is to present the project progress to-date and obtain comments on the alternatives being considered. Department representatives will be available during the meeting to informally discuss the project and answer questions. FDOT encourages attendees to come to this meeting at any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to review the proposed transportation improvements. FDOT will hold this meeting to give interested people the opportunity to review displays and talk one-on-one with staff.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or people who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at 863-519-2573 or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
For more information about the project, please contact Steven Andrews, Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation at (863) 519-2270 or [email protected] or visit the website at www.swflroads.com/sr70/jeffersontocr29.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
