FDOT meeting to focus on Cortez Bridge future

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss the future of Cortez Bridge from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28, in the activity center at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

The meeting is part of a project development and environment (PD&E) study that began in January 2013 to explore long-term options for the bridge. The study is analyzing possibilities including a no-build option of continued repair of the existing structure, a rehabilitation option, a new low-level or mid-level drawbridge or a high-level fixed bridge.

FDOT is sending notices about the meeting to all property owners within 300 feet of the study limits of Cortez Road to 123rd Street West, and all people who live or own property west of 115th Street West on the mainland or the bridge or on Anna Maria Island and north Longboat Key.

The meeting will have an open-house format in which attendees can ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. A video will explain various alternatives. Individuals can complete a comment sheet at the meeting or take it home to complete and mail it to FDOT by Sept. 8.

For more information, visit cortezbridge.com.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].