Introduction
Sarasota, Florida, is a rapidly growing residential and commercial center that is set to see a major boost in its infrastructure, thanks to the recent state budget passed by the Florida Legislature. The budget includes money for a slew of local government projects in the area, including infrastructure improvements and the expansion of its highways and interstates.
Proposed Infrastructure Improvements
Several infrastructure projects are set to receive funding from the state budget. Some of the projects include:
- $500,000 for the Legacy Trail extension and improvement project
- $400,000 for the Main Street streetscape improvement project
- $700,000 for the St. Armands Circle streetscape improvement project
- $4 million for a project to widen Fruitville Road
- $2 million for the Regional Fire/EMS Training Academy
- $1 million to assist with utility and broadband improvements
- $850,000 for upgrades to the city of Venice’s water treatment plant
- $800,000 for improvements to the town of Longboat Key’s wastewater line
These projects will enhance the streetscape, sidewalks, and landscaping in the area, making it more attractive to visitors and boosting the local economy.
Highway Expansion
As part of his “Moving Florida Forward” initiative, Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced a proposed $7 billion investment in 20 interstate and highway projects across the state over the next four years. One of these projects is the reconfiguring of the interchange at I-75 and Fruitville Road, which will see the partial cloverleaf reconfigured into a diverging diamond. The project, which is set to cost $192 million, will span from Honore Avenue to Coburn Road on Fruitville Road and from Palmer Boulevard to north of the exit on I-75.
The diverging diamond project requires substantial reconstruction of both the interstate and the cross street, and it will accommodate an envisioned I-75 design that will widen the interstate from six to 10 lanes. The new interchange intends to improve the flow of traffic in the area.