Discussions to begin on Cortez Bridge future

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public kickoff meeting as part of a Public Development and Environment (PD&E) Study of Cortez Bridge.

Officials will seek public review and comment about future repair, rehabilitation or replacement of the existing bridge, including options such as a low-level drawbridge, mid-level drawbridge and high-level fixed bridge within the existing corridor.

The meeting will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road, Bradenton, and will feature an open-house format that will allow individuals to ask questions and provide comment to FDOT officials in a one-on-one setting.

FDOT will send notices to property owners within 300 feet of the 0.9-acre study area, as well as everyone who lives in or owns property on Anna Maria Island.

The bridge is one of two routes to Longboat Key via mainland Manatee County.

For information, visit cortezbridge.com.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].