Earlier this year, the state passed legislation to fast-track three major new toll roads that will destroy large swaths of Florida’s last remaining rural lands, pollute waterways, and threaten endangered wildlife. Florida’s remaining natural areas are worth more than the sum of their parts. To the people who live there, these lands are home.
The Northern Turnpike, Suncoast Connector, and Southwest-Central Connector all threaten our way of life. The pollution they bring will be detrimental to our air and water and the roads will further fragment important habitat for Florida’s species like black bear and Florida panther. Economically, it is irresponsible to invest millions of dollars in these new roads while our current roads are crumbling. Small towns will be left behind as toll roads bypass their communities, turning once rural places to sprawling suburbia. Most importantly, the toll roads and their rushed planning process purposefully sped this bad idea into implementation. It’s simply bad governance. As Florida faces threats from climate change, we should be investing in ways to ensure a healthier environment and brighter future for all.
Check out the scheduled meetings below and make a plan to attend your local Task Force Meeting (public comment starts at 4:30 p.m.) or Community Open House.
Oct. 22, 10 a.m.
Northern Turnpike Task Force Meeting
College of Central Florida Citrus Learning and Conference Center
3800 S Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Oct. 23, 10 a.m.
Suncoast Connector Task Force Meeting
College of Central Florida Citrus Learning and Conference Center
3800 S Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, FL 34461
Oct. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Northern Turnpike Community Open House
College of Central Florida Citrus Learning and Conference Center
3800 S Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Oct. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Suncoast Connector Community Open House
Old Town Education Center
823 SE 349 Highway, Old Town, Florida 32680
Oct. 30, 10 a.m.
Southwest-Central Connector Task Force Meeting
Polk State College – Lakeland Campus
3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803
Nov. 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Southwest-Central Connector Community Open House
Wauchula Train Depot
135 East Main Street, Wauchula, FL 33873
By conserving land, we conserve our way of life. When we start to pave over these places, there’s no going back.
It’s important for as many people as possible to turn out in opposition. Task Force Meetings (public comment starts at 4:30 p.m.) and Community Open Houses are your chance to speak up for our health, water, and wildlife. Don’t know what to say? Read our No Roads to Ruin Fact Sheet for guidance.
Want to speak up but can’t make it to the meetings? Submit your public comments to FDOT by filling out this easy form.