At the Virtual Public Workshop

The Virtual Public Workshop was held from May 25, 2021 through June 15, 2021 with workshop materials posted to the project website (www.swflroads.com/i4/wildlifecrossing). The workshop was held completely online with no live component. Printed copies of the workshop information packet were available during this time at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library located at 1700 N. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805 during regular business hours; six copies were picked up during the workshop.

On the project website, individuals had the opportunity to sign in before reviewing project information. The following project items were available for review:

  • Project presentation (video as well as pdf of the slides and script);
  • Information packet (newsletter, display boards, and comment form);
  • Display boards (project layout, typical section at bridge crossing, typical section at bridge approaches, and schedule/costs); and
  • Comment form.

Comments could be submitted using any of the three different ways:

  • Through the project website; or by
  • Emailing Doug Burkhart, P.E., the FDOT Project Manager; or by
  • Mailing comments to Mr. Burkhart.

Submitted Comments

This summary includes written comments received from April 26, 2021 (beginning of the Virtual Public Workshop notification process) through June 15, 2021 (when the workshop ended). A total of 15 comments were submitted during this time; three before the workshop and 12 during the workshop. The following summary presents the comments that were shared. The number in parenthesis indicates how often the comment was made.

Supports the Project (9)

  • Letters from specific groups (4)
  • Defenders of Wildlife
  • Florida Wildlife Federation
  • Conservancy of Southwest Florida
  • Sierra Club Florida – Ancient Islands Group
  • Wildlife crossing is essential and strategic opportunity to secure wildlife and habitat corridor in the region (1)
  • Likes the connectivity between natural areas (1)

Design Elements (4)

  • Need to make sure only wildlife has access to the bridge crossing, and not people (2)
  • Include fencing along the right of way (specifically along the east side, north of I-4) to protect livestock from wildlife and to protect wildlife from people (1)
  • Provided 2 alternative design concepts (1)

Request for Information (3)

  • Project Status/Schedule (2)
  • Most recent right of way maps (1)
  • Amount of land needed from property (1)
  • Bridge crossing – underpass or overpass (1)