POLK COUNTY
SR 60 west of FDOT Operations Center: Maintenance permit project: Expect intermittent westbound lane closures on State Road 60, just west of the FDOT Operations Center, Monday December 4 through Wednesday, December 6, while crews begin work to remove equipment and repair the roadway. Intermittent eastbound lane closures are expected to begin on Thursday, December 7, or as soon as work is completed on the westbound lanes. Work is expected to continue through Friday, December 15. Use caution and plan extra travel time while driving in this area.
polk county
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Visit Polk County Emergency Operations Center
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will visit the Polk County Emergency Operations Center tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss Hurricane Irma emergency preparations.
Event: Commissioner Adam Putnam and Polk County officials at Emergency Operations Center
Date: Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017
Time: 11:30 a.m. media availability
Location: Polk County Emergency Operations Center
1890 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, Fla. 33880
Public hearing for PD&E study in Polk County
Public Hearing for US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment
(PD&E) From west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance in Polk County, Florida.
The proposed improvements consist of replacing the existing bridge with a new bridge that meets current FDOT design standards and accommodates pedestrian and bicycle facilities. This public hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.
The existing bridge (Bridge No. 160064) has been determined to be a significant historic bridge according to the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (36 CFR Part 800); however, based on an evaluation of all PD&E Study alternatives, it is not feasible to keep the historic bridge in place. Several mitigation options are being evaluated. The proposed improvements require the replacement of the National Register of Historic Places eligible US 98/John Singletary Bridge. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 106 of the NHPA, FDOT is seeking comments and input from the public, interested parties, and governmental agencies concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features, and attributes of this resource and the mitigation options under consideration for the proposed impacts. FDOT intends to make a programmatic Section 4(f) impact determination on this resource.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: Fort Meade Mobile Home Park Activity Center
1046 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Meade, FL 33841
Draft project documents will be available for public review from April 27, 2017 to May 29, 2017 at the following locations: Fort Meade Public Library, 75 East Broadway Street, Fort Meade, FL 33841 and FDOT District One, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830.
The hearing is developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by 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.
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2573, or by email at [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
If you have questions about the project or scheduled public hearing, please contact the Project Manager, Bill Hartmann, P.E. at (863) 519-2293 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. You can also visit the project website at: www.swflroads.com/us98/johnsingletarybridge.
FDOT Public Hearing for PD&E Study in Polk County
Polk County: Public Hearing for US 98/John Singletary Bridge
Project Development and Environment (PD&E) from west of Edgewood
Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the US 98/John Singletary Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from west of Edgewood Drive to east of the Fort Meade Recreation Area Entrance in Polk County, Florida.
The proposed improvements consist of replacing the existing bridge with a new bridge that meets current FDOT design standards and accommodates pedestrian and bicycle facilities. This public hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.
The existing bridge (Bridge No. 160064) has been determined to be a significant historic bridge according to the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 (36 CFR Part 800); however, based on an evaluation of all PD&E Study alternatives, it is not feasible to keep the historic bridge in place. Several mitigation options are being evaluated. The proposed improvements require the replacement of the National Register of Historic Places eligible US 98/John Singletary Bridge. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 106 of the NHPA, FDOT is seeking comments and input from the public, interested parties, and governmental agencies concerning the effects of the project on the activities, features, and attributes of this resource and the mitigation options under consideration for the proposed impacts. FDOT intends to make a programmatic Section 4(f) impact determination on this resource.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: Fort Meade Mobile Home Park Activity Center
1046 S.E. 2nd Street Fort Meade, FL 33841
Draft project documents will be available for public review from April 27, 2017 to May 29, 2017 at the following locations: Fort Meade Public Library, 75 East Broadway Street, Fort Meade, FL 33841 and FDOT District One, 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830.
The hearing is developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by 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.
Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2573, or by email at [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
If you have questions about the project or scheduled public hearing, please contact the Project Manager, Bill Hartmann, P.E. at (863) 519-2293 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. You can also visit the project website at: www.swflroads.com/us98/johnsingletarybridge.
FDOT Public Hearing for US 92 from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing for the US 92 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County.
FDOT is studying the proposed widening of US 92 from two to four lanes to accommodate increased traffic demand generated by projected economic growth in Polk County. Additional right-of-way, or property, is needed to accommodate widening US 92 and for stormwater management ponds. Existing access to properties along US 92 will change due to the addition of a median, a result of widening the road. US 92 currently falls under Access Management Classification 3 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road and Access Management Classification 5 from Airport Road/Galloway Road to Wabash Avenue. FDOT proposes to change the existing Access Management Classification from Access Class 3 to Access Class 5 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road. These changes are presented in compliance with Section 335.199 Florida Statutes (Transportation projects modifying access to adjacent property). The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to US 92 through 2040, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: The Lakeland Center, Lake Hollingsworth Ballroom
701 W Lime St
Lakeland, FL 33815
Please use Gate 6 to park in the Red Lot behind the Jenkins Arena and inform the gate staff that you are attending the public hearing. The closest building entrance to the hearing is Entrance 2. Project staff will display plans and answer questions about proposed widening alternative for US 92. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by 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.
FDOT Public Hearing for US 92 from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public hearing for the US 92 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study from County Line Road to Wabash Avenue in Polk County.
FDOT is studying the proposed widening of US 92 from two to four lanes to accommodate increased traffic demand generated by projected economic growth in Polk County. Additional right-of-way, or property, is needed to accommodate widening US 92 and for stormwater management ponds. Existing access to properties along US 92 will change due to the addition of a median, a result of widening the road. US 92 currently falls under Access Management Classification 3 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road and Access Management Classification 5 from Airport Road/Galloway Road to Wabash Avenue. FDOT proposes to change the existing Access Management Classification from Access Class 3 to Access Class 5 from County Line Road to Airport Road/Galloway Road. These changes are presented in compliance with Section 335.199 Florida Statues (Transportation projects modifying access to adjacent property). The no-build alternative, where no improvements other than routine maintenance are made to US 92 through 2040, will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.
The public hearing will be:
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. Open house
6 p.m. Formal presentation and public comment period
Location: The Lakeland Center, Hollingsworth Ballroom
701 W Lime St
Lakeland, FL 33815
Please use Gate 6 to park in the Red Lot behind the Jenkins Arena and inform the gate staff that you are attending the public hearing. The closest building entrance to the hearing is Entrance 2. Project staff will display plans and answer questions about proposed widening alternative for US 92. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by 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.
RoadWatch Advisory: Verano Drive in Haines City closed for roadwork
Thursday, March 16, and Tuesday through Thursday, March 21 – 23, 2017
POLK COUNTY
SR 17 at SR 544/CR 544 in Haines City: Construction project: Crews working on intersection improvements at SR 17 (South 10th Street) and SR 544/CR 544 will close Verano Drive at CR 544, Thursday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 21 through Thursday, March 23, 2017. The closures will occur during the day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. while crews build the widening area on CR 544. Workers will reopen the road nightly.
Verano Drive extends between CR 544 and Alta Vista Drive just west of the Haines City post office. Residents and businesses on Verano Drive should travel north to Alta Vista Drive and west to SR 17 (South 10th Street) to access SR 544/CR 544. Motorists leaving the post office must use the main entrance/exit on CR 544.
Polk County: Public Informational Meeting for Cow Camp Road Bridge Improvement Project
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public informational meeting for Cow Camp Road Bridge over the Rosalie/Zipprer Canal.
Informational meeting will be held on:
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Lake Kissimmee State Park
Large Pavilion by the boat ramp
14248 Camp Mack Road
Lake Wales, Florida 33898
The meeting will be an open house format and the bridge design alternatives will be on display. There will be no formal presentation. This informational meeting offers people the opportunity to express their views about the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of constructing a new Cow Camp Road Bridge. The study limits include 1,000 feet along Cow Camp Road and includes the Rosalie/Zipprer Canal. FDOT representatives will be available to answer individual questions and receive written comments.
FDOT is studying bridge improvements to the Cow Camp Road Bridge over the Rosalie/Zipprer Canal located within the Lake Kissimmee State Park, Polk County. The proposed improvements include the replacement of the existing 104-foot long wooden bridge with a two lane structure that will meet current criteria. Due to multiple factors, including its age and limited width, the bridge is functionally obsolete and does not accommodate larger vehicles including emergency response vehicles. As a result, FDOT is considering replacement alternatives. This informational meeting will present to the public and officials the bridge design alternatives for the project.
Persons wishing to submit written statements may do so at the meeting or send them to: Andra Diggs, FDOT Project Manager, 801 N. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 or by email at [email protected]. All statements postmarked on or before March 25, 2017 will become a part of the public information meeting record.
FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley at 863-519-2424 or by e-mail to [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
If you have questions about the project or the scheduled public informational meeting, please contact the Project Manager, Andra Diggs, at (863) 519-2224, or by email at [email protected].
Polk County Declares March 14, 2017 “Women in STEM Day”
Provost Terry Parker with gathering of Florida Poly faculty and staff inside the Polk County Neil Combee Administration Building in Bartow, Florida for the proclamation signing.
Florida Polytechnic University has received a proclamation from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners designating March 14, 2017 as “Florida Polytechnic University Women in STEM Day.” On that date, the university will host its second annual Women in STEM Summit, which aims to foster alignment, partnership and collaboration among university scholars and industry leaders. 
The proclamation was read during the Polk County Commission meeting in Bartow on Tuesday. Florida Poly Provost Dr. Terry Parker accepted the proclamation on behalf of the university, along with more than a dozen other Florida Poly faculty and staff.
“Diversity in all forms – demographic, cultural, philosophical – is important to building a strong academic community,” said Dr. Parker. “Nationwide, it seems especially hard to find diversity in STEM, but through programs like the Women in STEM Summit, Florida Poly hopes to inspire more students of all backgrounds to consider opportunities in these innovative fields.”
STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” In 2015, women earned approximately 20 percent of all bachelor’s degrees conferred in engineering, and 16 percent of those in computer science, according to federal data. Florida Poly’s current degree programs focus exclusively on the core STEM subjects of technology and engineering.
Florida Poly’s Women in STEM Summit will give students, faculty and industry leaders the chance to network, develop mentorship opportunities and learn from the experience of several accomplished speakers. The event’s keynote is Karen Catlin, former Vice-President at Adobe Systems, who now advocates for women in technology. The event will also include a panel conversation with men and women who have overcome barriers to find success in STEM industries.
For more information about Florida Poly’s second annual Women in STEM Summit, click here.
RoadWatch Advisory for Polk County: Interstate 4 sign replacement tonight
POLK COUNTY
I-4 from the east end of the Polk Parkway to the Osceola County line: Construction project: Watch for eastbound lane closures at night/overnight from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, while crews continue removing and replacing two overhead DMS (dynamic message signs) approximately one mile east of SR 570 (Polk Parkway), Exit 41, and just east of CR 557/Lake Alfred, Exit 48. This work began Tuesday, February 7, but was postponed due to rain. Plan for potential delays and remember speeding fines double when workers are present.
Crews also postponed westbound sign replacement and lane closures originally scheduled for tonight until nighttime/overnight Tuesday, February 14.
Improvements under this contract include installing wind, precipitation, visibility and atmospheric sensors, thermal infrared cameras, flashing beacon signs and replacing the amber dynamic message signs with full-color dynamic message signs. Expected completion is fall 2017. The contractor is Transcore ITS.
