WHAT THEY ARE SAYING 
Official Construction Start Dates Announced for Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative Projects 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Last week, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., FDOT leadership, and members of Florida’s Legislature unveiled construction timelines for projects included in Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative. These projects, which are slated to begin construction within the next four years, will bring much-needed congestion relief for Florida’s motorists on major roadways across the state.

Florida has experienced unprecedented population growth, with some areas of the state experiencing more than 20 percent growth rates. To address this influx of new Floridians, Governor DeSantis charged FDOT to address the most critical points of our infrastructure to relieve congestion in these communities and ensure a robust supply chain. The $4 billion investment by the Florida Legislature will help make Governor DeSantis’ vision a reality. Watch last week’s press conference with Lt. Governor Nuñez here.

Read what Florida’s stakeholders are saying about the announcement of construction timelines for projects included in Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative:

Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton, FAICP said, “We’re very thankful to Governor DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation for advancing construction funding for I-275 capacity and safety improvements to 38^th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. The express lanes and other operational improvements will now extend through a consistently congested part of the interstate and will connect with the new Howard Frankland Bridge and the new Gateway Expressway to give travelers a quicker and more reliable option to reach their destination. With the growth we’re seeing and expecting in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and across the Tampa Bay region, it’s essential for us to have a strong regional transportation network. This is a big step forward to completing the planned improvements in the I-275 corridor through Pinellas County.”

Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization Chair and City of Marco Island City Council Chairman Greg Folley said, “On behalf of the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), we would like to express our whole-hearted gratitude for Governor DeSantis’ bold vision and the valued support of Senate President Passidomo that will bring much-needed relief to our communities through the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative. Our MPO Board is thankful for the prioritization of projects on I-75 and State Road 29 that will support safety, congestion relief, improved resilience, and economic development in our fast-growing part of the State.”

Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Greg Stuart said, “Connecting the Sawgrass Expressway to I-95 is a major milestone for our region and will address congestion in both the movement of cars and freight in Southeast Florida. We’re excited to see construction begin to help move the Broward region forward with better transportation options, and we’re grateful for the support from State leadership and the Legislature, as well as our partnership with residents, businesses, and the City of Deerfield to push this project forward.”

Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Michael F. Woods said, “The U.S. 301 from County Road 470 to Florida’s Turnpike project is an impactful project for this part of Sumter County. We’re grateful that Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have prioritized this vital evacuation route to increase capacity and operations, which will serve the traveling public well, especially during times of emergency.”

Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency Executive Director Greg Slay said, “The six-laning of Capital Circle SW from Springhill Road to Crawfordville Road project will provide the final link in a years-long effort to expand Capital Circle in Tallahassee. The expansion of Capital Circle has long been a top priority of the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (CRTPA) as it serves as a primary roadway for our area. The project will provide quick access to the Tallahassee International Airport, alleviate congestion at several points along the corridor and, most importantly, significantly improve the safety of the travelling public. We truly appreciate Governor DeSantis’ and Secretary Perdue’s and the Florida Department of Transportation’s continued commitment to improve the transportation network in our region.”

Ocala-Marion Transportation Planning Organization Chair and Commissioner Craig Curry said, “We were excited to learn that Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative will be expediting construction on I-75 from State Road 44 to State Road 326. Today, I-75 experiences a total closure once every nine days, and at least one lane is closed every 16 hours for an average period of three hours due to crashes. We’re grateful that Florida’s leadership is prioritizing these much-needed capacity improvements to ensure safety and lessen congestion along this vital corridor.”

Bay County Transportation Planning Organization Chair and City of Callaway Mayor Pamn Henderson said, “On behalf of the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), we want to thank Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Secretary Perdue for this incredible investment. Expanding Highway 98 will positively impact the Panhandle residents and visitors and this could not be possible without your support and investment.” 

Polk County Transportation Planning Organization Executive Director Parag Agrawal, AICP said, “Polk County is Florida’s fastest growing county and the fifth fastest growing county in the country. With significant population growth, our community faces several infrastructure challenges. We are grateful that the I-4 at SR 33 interchange improvements and the I-4 improvements from U.S. 27 to Champions Gate were a part of Governor DeSantis’ bold vision for the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative as both projects are two of the most important transportation projects in our community. These two projects along I-4 will help to mitigate traffic congestion, improve roadway safety, promote economic development, and enhance the quality of life of the citizens.”

Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director David Hutchinson said, "The Moving Florida Forward project’s timeline is great news for Southwest Florida. Both the I-75 at Fruitville Road Interchange project and the State Road 70 project are vital improvements that support our community’s economic growth and will provide much-needed relief to traffic congestion on these strategic corridors. We are pleased the Governor and Legislature recognize the need for more transportation infrastructure investments throughout the state and especially in our region." 

MetroPlan Orlando Board Chair and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe said, “Improvements to I-4 are a top priority for the MetroPlan Orlando region, as I-4 serves as Central Florida’s most vital transportation artery. We are excited to see this project being advanced and moving forward with the valued support from our state’s leadership. The impact this project will have on the I-4 corridor will no doubt be noticeable, reducing congestion and improving safety.” 

Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization Chair and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Colten Wright said, “We are grateful for the emphasis Governor DeSantis has placed on meeting infrastructure needs in communities throughout the state, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with FDOT to ensure our transportation system can safely and efficiently accommodate Florida’s influx of new residents and visitors.” 

Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization Chairman Esteban Bovo, Jr. said, “The Golden Glades Interchange is a major transportation hub of regional significance in South Florida. Governor DeSantis’ commitment to invest $150 million as part of his bold Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative demonstrates his understanding of the importance of investing today, to assure Florida’s future growth and prosperity. The Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization is grateful to Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Perdue and State Legislators who supported this initiative.”  

River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization Executive Director Colleen Nicoulin said, “We are very excited to see that the reconstruction of the I-95 at U.S. 1 Interchange in Volusia County will be advanced as part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Speaker Renner, Chairman Thomas Leek, and the rest of the Florida Legislature. This interchange is one of the oldest in the Central Florida Region and the reconstruction will serve to improve safety, increase mobility, and reduce congestion for this busy area.” 

St. Lucie Transportation Planning Organization Executive Director Peter Buchwald said, "The Midway Road Project from Glades Cut Off Road to Jenkins Road is a perfect example of how Governor DeSantis is Moving Florida Forward. Not only does this project address so many needs of our region, but construction would not begin for at least another decade if the Governor did not propose and the Legislature did not approve of this initiative. Thank you for this bold and timely initiative that will bring much-needed relief for our communities."