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Tag: TOPIC Latest Traffic & Transit News

  • I-4 westbound lanes reopened after closure to depression

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two westbound lanes of Interstate 4 are open near the Champions Gate entrance after a depression closed the roadway on Thursday evening.

    The lanes were reopened just before 6 a.m.

    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the area impacted is between exits 55 (Haines City) and 58, past Champions Gate.

    Westbound traffic was being rerouted to the Ronald Reagan Pkwy near the Champions Gate entrance to US Hwy 27 and then back onto I-4 westbound.

    Construction crews continue to work on the depression. 

    VIEW REAL TIME TRAFFIC MAP

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Toll booths are becoming a thing of the past in Florida, with many roads now using toll-by-plate.

    But what becomes of those buildings no longer in use?

    What You Need To Know

    • Many toll roads across Florida are now cashless, yet toll booths are still there 

    • The Suncoast Parkway used to have working toll plazas but went to toll-by-plate in 2020 

    • The state says there are currently no plans to remove or replace the Suncoast toll booths 


    Viewer Rocky Perkins asked Real Time Traffic Expert Tim Wronka that question in this week’s Traffic Inbox.

    Perkins drives on the Suncoast Parkway several times a year to visit family up north. He says he often prefers the quieter route to taking a busier one like I-75.

    “I really enjoy it because it’s very relaxing, very rural,” Perkins said. “Once you get out of north Tampa, set your cruise control and off you go.”

    The Suncoast Pkwy starts at Veterans Expressway at the Hillsborough/Pasco County line and goes to State Road 44 in Lecanto, then onto County Road 486.

    It used to have three working toll plazas. In 2020, they all went cashless. Now drivers don’t even have to stop to pay. 

    When Perkins took the Suncoast over the holidays, he noticed something as he passed the old toll plaza north of State Road 50.

    “As I was driving through, I noticed the last couple of years, they’ve been abandoned,” Perkins said. “There’s no one here or no one comes through here normally.”

    And that’s why he has been wondering if the buildings could be used for something else, like a rest area?

    The Florida Turnpike Enterprise, which runs toll roads like the Suncoast, said the buildings are currently in use by the operations teams. There are currently no plans to remove them.

    Perkins hopes the state considers making them a future stop.

    “Why couldn’t they repurpose some of these? Or put in some restroom facilities or put in some vending machines. Or a place for people to take a break. The lanes are here already,” Perkins said.

    Do you have an idea or question for Traffic Inbox? Let Tim know here!

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Driver’s license exams only in English starting Friday

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Beginning today, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will only offer driver’s license knowledge and skills tests for drivers in English. 

    Previously, the exams have been offered in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese.

    “This is not a decision made by the tax collector’s office,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This was made by the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is also known by many as the DMV. They make these decisions. We are an agent of that department, and we have to follow their policy, their rules.”

    What You Need To Know

    • FLHSMV says starting Feb. 6, driver’s license knowledge and skills tests will only be offered in English

    • Tax collector’s offices administer the exams and say they’re currently available in a range of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese

    • FLHSMV did not give a reason for the change, but said in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring safe roadways “by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior”

    • One man, who works to connect members of the Hispanic community who are new to Tampa Bay with resources, says the change will be a major hurdle for those who don’t speak English and can impact other areas of their life, including holding a job


    Fasano said normally with a change as drastic as this, county offices would get notice weeks in advance. This time, they had just a week to try to get the word out to the public.

    Tax collectors aren’t the only ones who were surprised.

    “Number one — I was in shock. Number two — I was angry, because it became personal for me,” said Itamar Martinez.

    Martinez is now the one Hispanics who are new to Tampa Bay come to for help through his business, Centro De Ayuda Hispano. 

    “It’s a little bit of everything,” Martinez said. “People call looking for a job. They’re just moving to the city and they don’t have contacts.”

    Martinez said he gets 1,800 calls a year from people asking for everything from a legal referral to enrolling kids in school. He estimated 70% of his clients speak only Spanish.

    “Especially if you look at someone that’s only been here for five years, yeah — they’d rather speak in their language to be understood,” he said.

    But it was once his family who needed guidance. He said they immigrated from Cuba to Portugal and, finally, to the U.S. in 1989. When they arrived, his mother needed a driver’s license.

    “My mom is 85 years old today, and she’s been driving all those years. If she had to take that test in English, she wouldn’t be able to be a productive member of our society,” Martinez said.

    FLHSMV said in a statement, “Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.”

    “This comes as a surprise because translations in administering road tests or skills tests have been in place for decades,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

    According to Millan’s office, it administered more than 13,000 skills tests in languages other than English in 2025. That’s about 37% of exams given that year.

    “I know that there’s a lot of barriers when you first come into this country, especially when you’re at an age where another language was your first language,” said Millan, the daughter of Cuban immigrants. “I believe that everyone should, in America, should speak English, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

    Millan said tests have been offered in multiple languages, including Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and Chinese. 

    “We have many of our road testers who speak several languages, and it has been extremely helpful for those who are taking road tests,” Fasano said.

    Fasano also said his offices provide many services to non-U.S. citizens who are in the country legally, as well as others whose primary language isn’t English.

    “Many of them are U.S. citizens. Many of them come from Puerto Rico, who are U.S. citizens, by the way. It’s going to have a big impact on them,” he said.

    Martinez said he’d like to see people given more time — potentially by being able to take their initial tests in the language of their choice, then taking an English only test after they’ve had more time to learn the language.

    “Just telling someone cold, telling someone, ‘As of next week, if you don’t know English, you’re SOL’? That’s not fair,” he said.

    FLHSMV declined a request for comment.

    It didn’t give a reason for the change, but its statement concludes, “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • St. Petersburg earns Trail Town designation

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg was recently designated an official Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its significant investments in the Pinellas Trail.

    What You Need To Know

    • The FDEP designated St. Petersburg a Trail Town on Dec. 17

    • St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town

    • The FDEP has a program which will promote the Pinellas Trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants 

    • St. Pete earned the designation for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront


    “We’ve made those investments in our community,” said Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager. “We really see it as an opportunity to kind of improve the quality of life, improve the economy for our residents.”

    Stacks presented the city council with the designation last week for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront. St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town.

    “I think it’s a big deal for the city. I think it’s kind of a long time coming,” she said. “So it’s great to be able to have this recognition.”

    St. Petersburg received the designation for having emergency markers, trail courtesy reminders, access to restaurants, retail, bike racks and public restrooms. Andrea Osorio, owner of Carupano Kitchen in the Foodie Labs, said she welcomes riders to use their facilities.

    “These are people that have been riding for minutes, hours and then they stop by,” she said. “They get a bite to eat, they use our bathrooms, they get something to drink and just rest for a little bit with the AC.”

    Part of the trail winds through council member Corey Givens Jr.’s district, who said riders enjoy the murals and help boost the local economy.

    “You can really support small businesses. The trail, it’s along the Warehouse Arts District,” he said. “So you have minority-owned businesses there, women-owned businesses there that can really utilize that support. And people don’t have to drive to get there.”

    Stefan Koch said he traveled from Michigan to ride his bicycle on the Pinellas Trail.

    “I’ve spent the last two days riding on this trail,” he said. “I just rode down to the end at the St. Pete harbor there and now I’m on my way back to Clearwater. I think it’s a lovely trail.” 

    Koch said he supports the organization Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is how he learned about the Pinellas Trail, and believes the FDEP designation is well-deserved.

    “The trail has a lot of great infrastructure and is well-maintained,” he said. “So I congratulate St. Pete for being a Trail Town.”

    Due to the recognition, the FDEP has a program that will promote the trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants. Stacks said St. Pete is currently working on a permitting process which would allow businesses east of 34th Street to develop private access points along the Pinellas Trail.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Proposed legislation could help autistic drivers in Florida interact with police

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Many people who have autism are still able to drive, including Eric Kaiser. However, stressful situations, like being pulled over by police, can make him uncomfortable.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Peace Envelopes provides information to officers about drivers with autism

    • It includes the driver’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and more

    • Eric Kaiser said the envelope could make traffic stops less stressful for drivers like him


    He hopes the Florida Legislature passes a new law that will allow for the use of a Blue Peace Envelope.

    “It’s just to give that sense of calm in a tense situation,” he said.

    The envelope includes a copy of one’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal and more.

    Kaiser said this lets an officer immediately know more about a person on the spectrum.

    “Some people just freeze up. They don’t talk. They can’t talk,” Kaiser said. “Some of us would rather just write stuff down.”

    Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said he met Kaiser through their Autism Awareness Program.

    After learning about the program from Kaiser and seeing similar programs in other states, he’s throwing his support behind the legislation.

    “If it’s not obvious to the person that you have a disability, it can lead to misunderstandings in all areas of life, including with law enforcement,” he said.

    The Tampa Police Department said it doesn’t comment on pending legislation.

    Still, they shared this statement:

    “We remain committed to a proactive approach in building strong, supportive partnerships with our community and providing officers with the tools and information necessary to interact safely and effectively with all residents.

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Tampa bike ordinance fails amid concerns including racial profiling

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A proposed Tampa ordinance centered around bikes would’ve lowered speed limits, banned wheelies and more, but it was voted down at the last city council meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa’s proposed bike ordinance included speed limits and banning wheelies, but was voted down

    • Concerns were raised about racial targeting and other issues during public comment

    • The council plans to revisit the issue in 2026


    The goal was to make it safer for people walking on paths like the Tampa Riverwalk for visitors like Cat and Nick Virca, who worry about bikers along the path.

    “(Nick) was almost hit today by somebody riding without their hands and very quickly,” Cat said. “So for us, it’s not just the bikers and the e-bikers. It’s also the scooters and the bladers.”

    The ordinance drew strong reactions during public comment, including concerns about police targeting people of color.

    Yvette Lewis, president of the local NAACP branch, said during public comment that the ordinance worried her.

    “My concern is with this: if it starts here on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, how do I know or how can I trust y’all that it won’t continue over into my neighborhood?” she asked.

    Paula Flores with Walk Bike Tampa raised additional concerns during public comment.

    She told the city council the ordinance would affect all city trails, including long-distance bike paths.

    “While these changes appear focused on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, their impacts would extend far beyond those locations without effectively reducing conflicts where congestion actually occurs,” she said.

    City council members plan to revisit a potential ordinance in 2026, as police said they continue to get complaints from those who walk at places like the Riverwalk.

    Other concerns people shared included how this could push some bicyclists off safe trails and onto busy roads.

    Some city council members also felt the language of the proposal was too vague for officers to enforce.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Indian Rocks Beach considers paid beach access parking

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    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — The city of Indian Rocks Beach has had free parking at its beach access points for years. However, a new pilot program is looking to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Indian Rocks Beach has offered free parking at beach access points for years but is considering a paid system

    • The proposed rate is $4.50 an hour, potentially generating over $1 million annually

    • There is no set start date this change would begin


    City Manager Ryan Henderson said the conversation surrounding paid parking began in 2023.

    He believes the revenue can make a big difference in their community.

    “My recommendation and staff’s recommendation to the commission was as this revenue comes in through paid parking, we put it back into the community,” Henderson said. “We put it back into our infrastructure, we put it back into our maintenance.”

    Henderson said there is no set date for when paid parking could start.

    With 182 free public spots at the access points, Henderson said the money generated would make a major impact, especially for a city of its size.

    They’re looking at $4.50 an hour.

    “We’d be generating around $800,000 to $900,000 a year, but we think that’s a very conservative number,” Henderson said. “We think we’ll be well over $1 million.”

    Christine Anderson said there has been free parking for the 17 years she’s lived in Indian Rocks Beach and that talk of these changes caught her off guard.

    “I was a little surprised, but I think times have changed and maybe there is a need for this city to recoup some of the money,” she said.

    Richard Griffin, a part-time resident for 15 years, is hoping that more information comes out about the changes.

    “I have some sort of mixed emotions until I get more details as to what the final price will be and how long you can park and that type of thing,” he said.

    Henderson said there would be no time limit on parking.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Overnight ramp closures set for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project work

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    CINCINNATI — Preparations continue for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project work and crews are set to start surveying before they break ground. 

    The surveys on I-71/I-75 downtown will happen overnight, meaning there will be separate overnight ramp closures next week — so long as weather conditions permit.

    On Tuesday, Dec, 2, at 10 p.m., the ramps from U.S. 50 EB to I-71 NB and I-75 SB/2nd St. will close. They will reopen by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

    On Wednesday the ramp from 8th St. to I-75 SB will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m. on Thursday.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Amtrak expects record Thanksgiving ridership as travelers seek alternatives

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge.

    Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving. Tampa Union Station saw more than 150,000 departures, making it one of Florida’s busiest Amtrak stations.

    With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge

    • Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving

    • With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers


    Why travelers are choosing the rails

    Many riders boarding trains in Tampa this week said they were looking for a change — and relief from the holiday travel stress that comes with flying or long drives.

    Price was a major factor for rider Bruce Hilsheimer.

    “The Greyhound stops more places and costs twice as much — it’s a no-brainer for me,” he said.

    For others, safety and comfort drove the decision.

    Linda Colon said she’s avoiding the airport this year.

    “There are so many concerns people are dealing with right now, and they really don’t feel like getting on an airplane,” she said.

    Some passengers chose the train for more productive travel time.

    Dana Diaz said train travel allows her to keep working throughout her trip.

    “I have to work, and sitting on the train allows me to get my work done,” she said.

    And for some, rail travel brings back a sense of nostalgia and calm.

    “I saw (trains) a lot in the movies… it’s very romantic,” said rider Susan Roscoe.

    Passengers traveling through Tampa Union Station this week were headed everywhere from Chicago to shorter regional trips to Lakeland, West Palm Beach and Miami.


    More riders seeking alternatives amid travel uncertainty

    Bob O’Malley, senior vice president at the Orlando Economic Partnership, says congestion at airports — and concerns during the recent government shutdown — pushed more people toward rail.

    “Some people will always fly or drive, but people are looking for other ways,” O’Malley said.

    He added that expanding options like SunRail and Brightline could open more rail alternatives across the state.

    Book early, Amtrak warns

    With demand climbing quickly, Amtrak is encouraging riders to book tickets early to secure their travel times.

    Colon said the ease of boarding is a major plus.

    “I took an Uber here — I didn’t have to arrive two hours before departure,” she said.

    And for many travelers, the slower pace of train travel is part of the appeal.

    “It’s convenient. It’s slower than flying, but sometimes that’s relaxing,” Roscoe said.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • 4.2 million Floridians to hit the road this Thanksgiving

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    SANFORD, Fla. — Millions across the country are gearing up for the busiest travel period of the year.

    This year, AAA is projecting that there will be 4.2 million Floridians traveling by car for Thanksgiving, which is up by 2% compared to last year.

    Florida Highway Patrol officials say this is because people are changing their plans following recent airline disruptions caused by the government shutdown.

    As officials brace for the upcoming travel period, safety remains top of mind.

    What You Need To Know

    • 4.2 million Floridians expected to hit the road during busy Thanksgiving travel period this year

    • FDOT and FHP officials are reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind this next week

    • Busiest travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving


    FDOT officials are reminding drivers to avoid any distractions and to be prepared.

    “Buckle up every time you get behind the wheel. Make sure that you are avoiding distractions. You don’t need to look at your text messages while you’re driving. You can wait until you stop, until you pull over at the next rest area,” FDOT District 5 Public Information Director Cindi Lane said.

    Lane said distracted driving attributed to 43% of last year’s road fatalities.

    In the event of a roadside emergency, whether it’s an accident or a flat-tire, drivers are being reminded to call the *FHP or *347 number for roadside assistance.

    Road Ranger Program Manager Garrett Popovich warned, “Be prepared. You’re going to encounter traffic. There’s no way around that. Plan your trip. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel — your tires are properly inflated.”

    Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase the number of state troopers on the roads to keep an eye out for reckless drivers.

    “The number one cause of crashes and fatalities here in Florida is reckless driving, so that’s making sure that you put that GPS in before you start driving. Give yourself plenty of time before you hit the road so that you have that extra buffer of time so you’re not tailgating, you’re not speeding,” FHP Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tara Crescenzi explained.

    Crescenzi also urges drivers to call *347 if they see reckless driving on the road.

    AAA expects the busiest road travel days to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

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    Sasha Teman

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  • Tampa International Airport expecting big Thanksgiving crowds

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Thanksgiving is growing closer, and Tampa International Airport is expecting more than 900,000 travelers from Nov. 20 through Dec. 1.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa International Airport estimates more than 900,000 passengers over a 12-day period 

    • Nov. 30 is the day they’re expecting to be the busiest

    • TPA officials say they’re expecting the number of passengers coming through the airport to be close to the same as last year


    “We’re expecting approximately 80,000 passengers a day,” Vice President of Operations Benjamin Robins said.

    Alan Moss is one of the passengers.

    He and his family flew into Tampa on Nov. 13, a day after the government shutdown ended.

    They flew in for a cruise and wanted to make sure they didn’t run into any issues.

    “It’s actually been really good,” he said. “We were a little worried about the government shutdown, so we actually booked our flight a day early. Our biggest concern was just missing that connection because our first flight may have been delayed.”

    That kind of concern is still felt among those working.

    Kirk Skinner, the Federal Security Director for Greater Tampa Bay, said the shutdown has created stress for everyone despite it being over for nearly two weeks.

    “We work and we get compensated,” he said. “Well, that fell through for six weeks. I don’t think I can say that stress is gone. I mean, it was almost a traumatic experience. For some folks, it was.”

    TPA said they’re expecting the number of passengers coming through the airport to be close to the same as last year.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Cincinnati airport expects more than 200,000 Thanksgiving travelers

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    HEBRON, Ky. — The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport urged travelers to pack their patience ahead of one of the year’s busiest travel periods. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 200,000 travelers are expected to pass through the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for Thanksgiving

    • Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 30 are expected to be the busiest days

    • All passengers are advised to arrive in the TSA line at least two hours before a flight within the U.S. and three hours before an international flight

    • AAA said more than 1 million Kentuckians are expected to travel 50 miles or more between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1


    More than 206,000 passengers are expected to travel through CVG between Sunday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 30, according to an airport release, with Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Nov. 30 expected to be the busiest days. 

    The airport recommended the following tips for travelers to ensure as smooth a travel experience as possible:

    • All passengers are advised to arrive in the TSA line at least two hours before a flight within the U.S. and three hours before an international flight.
    • Check TSA’s website for is allowed through security.
    • The security checkpoint now offers CLEAR eGates, speeding up the security screening process through biometric software matching the traveler’s facial image to their identity document and boarding pass.
    • Expected TSA wait times, parking availability and food options can be found by visiting the airport’s website.
    • Passengers needing special assistance, such as wheelchair assistance, should contact their airline in advance.
    • The airport offers parking reservations in CVG Terminal Garage, CVG ValuPark and CVG Economy Lot. Spots can be reserved online.
    • Those who are picking up someone at the airport should wait in the Cell Phone Lot. Drivers will not be able to wait at curbside; it’s reserved only for active loading and unloading.

    CVG said it’s offering more than 950 flights during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period to more than 50 nonstop destinations. Among the most popular spots include Orlando, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas.

    The busiest time for departures is expected to be between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., with arrivals remaining steady from mid-morning through 11 p.m. 

    According to an AAA release, more than 1 million Kentuckians are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1, an increase of about 1.6% from last year. 

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    Connor N. Smith

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  • Roundabout coming to problematic Mount Dora intersection

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    MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Changes are coming to a Mount Dora intersection that has been a source of confusion for drivers.

    In 2008, the intersection where Old Highway 441 meets Eudora Road and County Road 19A received an F grade for level of service.

    “It’s not a traditional intersection and I think that’s what makes it the most confusing for people,” said Allison Hartog from Set in Stone Monuments, a business located at the intersection.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Lake County investigation found that crashes are common at the intersection of Old Highway 441, Eudora Road and County Road 19A in Mount Dora

    • County leaders have approved a roundabout for the intersection

    • A county spokesperson says work will begin this winter


    Hartog’s family started the business at the beginning of the year.

    From the business’ front window, she spots drivers going every which way at Old Highway 441, Eudora Road and County Road 19A.

    Lake County found that from August 2020 to August 2025, there were 64 crashes at or near the intersection.

    “There are quite a few accidents here, and I think it’s just because people don’t realize which direction traffic is coming from because it’s so many different directions,” Hartog said.

    That’s why in July, Lake County Commissioners approved a single-lane roundabout that would connect Old Highway 441, Eudora Road and County Road 19A, to increase capacity through the intersection and reduce the number of crashes.

    According to a county spokesperson, construction should begin this winter.

    “It’s needed,” Hartog said of the project. “The community is growing, the traffic is getting busier. A lot of people don’t like the roundabouts, but I think at this particular intersection it’s going to be a great solution to the problem.”

    The project totals just over $8 million, with $1.3 million coming from the city of Mount Dora, $1.7 million from grant funding and the rest, $5 million, coming from Lake County.

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    Jerry Hume

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  • Public hearings set for Poinciana’s Southport Connector Expressway

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    POINCIANA, Fla. — Three public hearings will take place next week on the Southport Connector Expressway, called the “Great Wall of Poinciana” by some. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Public hearings are set for Sept. 16, 17 and 18 regarding the Southport Connector Expressway

    • Central Florida Expressway Authority says the elevated toll road would reduce congestion in Poinciana

    • Critics argue the toll road, built in the median of Cypress Pkwy, would split Poinciana in half


    The Central Florida Expressway Authority will hold public hearings on the Project Development and Environment study on Sept. 16, 17 and 18.

    Poinciana drivers have some of the worst commute times in the nation.

    “It was pretty bad when we first moved here. It has gotten much worse since then,” said Keith Laytham, a resident of Poinciana’s Solivita 55+ community for 17 years.

    The expressway authority said traffic on Cypress Parkway has increased 25% in the past 5 years, and they expect it to increase another 29% in the next 25 years.

    “Cypress Parkway is very heavily congested,” said Laytham.

    That is why early on, Laytham supported the Southport Connector Expressway, an elevated toll road built in the median of Cypress Parkway.

    “Right in the middle of the lanes here,” Laytham explained. “But the best part would be (it would) overpass all of the traffic lights at the intersections.”

    The expressway authority’s Southport Connector Expressway would stretch from Poinciana Parkway through Poinciana, below Lake Toho and over to Florida’s Turnpike.

    However, some residents aren’t for the plan, including Lita Epstein.

    “There’s no question that it’s going to divide the community,” said Epstein.

    Epstein started a group urging for an alternate route, concerned an elevated expressway down the middle of the community would split Poinciana in half.

    “There really is not much choice for Poinciana,” she said. “Poinciana has no alternative.”

    When it became apparent that officials would not consider an alternate route, Epstein pushed for this project to include more benefits for residents of Poinciana.

    Instead of building a wall down the middle of Cypress Parkway for the elevated toll road, the expressway authority agreed to make some of it a bridge-like structure.

    “It won’t be as much of a wall. The Great Wall of Poinciana won’t exist for most of the community,” said Epstein.

    Another big victory, according to Epstein, is the expressway authority agreeing to widen Cypress Parkway, so that local traffic not on the new toll road will have six lanes instead of four.

    There are still others who think the Southport Connector Expressway won’t benefit local drivers, the widened Cypress Parkway will have narrow lanes, and the construction will affect businesses and the environment.

    But Epstein and Laytham see more eye-to-eye now, agreeing something has to be done to tackle the crushing congestion in Poinciana.

    “We can’t go with the no-build alternative, leaving traffic conditions as they are,” said Epstein. “No, because it’s a parking lot already,” Laytham added.

    Here is information on the three public hearings:

    • Liberty High School
      • 4250 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee, FL
      • Tuesday, Sept. 16
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Virtual
      • Wednesday, Sept. 17
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
      • Register here
    • Poinciana Community Center
      • 445 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana, FL
      • Thursday, Sept. 18
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Anthony DePalma Center
      • 395 Marigold Avenue, Poinciana, FL
      • Thursday, Sept. 18
      • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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    Jerry Hume

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  • Aloma Park resident frustrated over drivers blocking entrance to neighborhood

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    WINTER PARK, Fla. — Drivers who seem like they are ignoring traffic signs off Aloma Avenue in Seminole County are causing concern and frustration for one Aloma Park resident. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Chris Hill says drivers ignore the ‘Do Not Block Intersection’ sign at the intersection of Aloma Avenue and Shale Court

    • Hill says a white X needs to be added to the pavement on Aloma Avenue to further emphasize drivers shouldn’t block the intersection

    • Florida Department of Transportation officials say there are plans to start a corridor study of Aloma Avenue soon


    Chris Hill said it’s difficult to get to and from his neighborhood off Aloma Avenue.

    “I have to sit here and wait to get in my own housing development,” he said.

    Hill lives off Shade Court, near where Aloma Avenue meets Howell Branch Road and Hall Road.

    It’s a busy spot where traffic gets backed up.

    “Sometimes the traffic will be backed up around the corner trying to get through this light,” he said.

    Even though there’s a sign that warns drivers not to block the intersection at Shale Court, Hill said they still do.

    He said he would like to see crews paint a white X on the pavement of Aloma Avenue at Shale Court to further emphasize that drivers should not block the intersection.

    He says it’s not just drivers ignoring signs — cyclists on the Cross Seminole Trail are also not stopping when he’s trying to pull onto Aloma Avenue from Shale Court.

    “As you see right there, there’s a stop sign. On the other side right there, there’s a stop sign,” Hill said. “They’re supposed to stop right here before they go through here, but they don’t.”

    Spectrum News reached out to the Florida Department of Transportation about the issue.

    FDOT spokesperson Tim Freed said the agency is planning to start a corridor study of Aloma Avenue, also known as State Road 426, from Howell Branch Road to Dean Road in the coming weeks.

    The study will look at improving safety and traffic efficiency along the roadway, including at Shale Court and the Cross Seminole Trail.

    “Somebody’s going to get killed, and when they get killed, somebody’s gonna be screaming bloody murder, and I’ll be like, ‘Hold on, time out. You didn’t listen to me when I told you. You have a problem,’” Hill said.

    Until something is done, Hill said he plans to use his online radio program, which he does from the patio of his house, to advocate for safety improvements.

    Do you have a traffic trouble spot? Or maybe a solution to a road-related problem? Tell us about it here.

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    Jerry Hume

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  • Some Bradenton residents torn over mini roundabouts

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Some Manatee County drivers are split over new roundabouts.

    What You Need To Know

    • County officials say the new road pattern is meant to make intersections safer for drivers, but some residents aren’t convinced

    • One resident tells Spectrum News it is causing confusion

    • The mini roundabouts are at 51st St. West and 33rd Ave. Drive West, and 51st St. West and 21st Ave. West


    County officials say the new road pattern is meant to make intersections safer for drivers, but some residents aren’t convinced.

    They’re concerned about the new mini roundabouts that were built at two busy Bradenton intersections.

    Every day, Adam Sahhar and his best bud, Winslow, go for a walk from their neighborhood to the park.

    But recently, the route has looked different because of a new mini roundabout at 51st Street West and 33rd Avenue Drive West.

    “People come down this road pretty quickly, and now they’re confused, and it causes weird traffic back-up,” Sahhar said.

    County officials say one of the goals of this mini roundabout is to alleviate traffic.

    It’s one of two mini roundabouts built over the summer. The other is at the intersection of 51st St. West and 21st Ave. West.

    The county says both are in high-traffic areas. For example, they estimate the one at 51st Street has between 8,000 and 10,000 cars traveling through it each day.

    But people who live nearby claim it’s not a big problem.

    “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense because this was never a major intersection,” Sahhar said. “We’ve lived here for almost seven years. I’ve never seen a single accident here. And outside of the times when G.T. Bray (Recreation Center) has a big event where they could use some traffic control, there’s never a whole lot of traffic coming through here.”

    County officials say they received public requests for crosswalks and complaints about speeding. They decided the best option was to build a mini roundabout, which they say will address speeding concerns and make it safer for pedestrians to cross.

    But Sahhar says it’s making things more difficult.

    “There’s no way for us to safely get across this way. And we’ve seen a lot of very confused drivers either come to a complete stop at the intersection — because it never was a stop sign before — or hesitate since it was always just a through road,” he said.

    Adam said he and Winslow will continue their walks as they try to take the changes in stride.

    According to the county, work on both mini roundabouts is substantially complete.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • First week back in school leads to hundreds of citations in school zones

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — There were nearly 700 traffic stops in school zones across Orange County during the first week of school. 

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that out of those stops, deputies handed out about 250 citations for speeding, for which fines are double.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly 250 drivers were cited for speeding in Orange County school zones the first week of school

    • All of those fines are doubled in a school zone

    • Deputies caught drivers going upwards of 40 mph over the speed limit in a school zone


    In a video posted by the sheriff’s office, one deputy even caught a driver going upwards of 40 mph over the speed limit

    “It is alarming that a lot of people are not following the law around schools, around where children are,” said Justin Battle, a dad in Orange County.

    Drivers from last week who were cited now have to pay hundreds of dollars, which is an expensive reminder to slow down in a school zone.

    Dozens of other Orange County drivers were let go with a warning, and that’s just one week.

    “It is wild,” said Katilin Page, an Orange County mom.

    Kaitlin walks home with her son Lucas every day.

    “He loves the school. He told me he almost likes it better than the weekend,” she said.

    Lucas loves school, but he also loves the crossing guard.

    The crossing guard keeps a close eye on speeders and distracted drivers.

    “Sometimes people aren’t paying attention, and he will blow his whistle multiple times, so we feel very safe with him guiding us through the crosswalk,” Kaitlin said.

    Kaitlin said she would love to see flashing lights and even more signage near Hillcrest Elementary to remind drivers, kids are here. 

    A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office says they do increase patrols in school zones now that school is back in session and the SROs who are already there, help keep an eye on speeders and distracted drivers.

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    Sarah Winkelmann

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  • Polk County pauses school bus camera program; changes underway

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County’s school bus camera program is on hold as district leaders work to make changes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials say nearly 13,000 violations have been issued since the Safe Stop initiative started. But some drivers claim many of those tickets were unfair

    • Cleo Davis said he tried to appeal the citation he received, but there were no instructions on how to do so, despite state law requiring them to be included

    • BELOW: Statement from Polk County Public Schools


    The Safe Stop initiative officially launched in August of last year. Since then, officials say nearly 13,000 violations have been issued. But some drivers, like resident Cleo Davis, claim many of those tickets were unfair.

    Davis says he was driving home from work in November when he saw a school bus stop at the railroad tracks on the opposite side of the road near Recker Parkway. Not thinking much of it, he said he kept driving, since buses are required to stop before crossing.

    “Common sense just said to me… you know, me thinking that it’s no way that they’re letting children off at that location, so that’s why I proceeded to go forward,” Davis said.

    To his surprise, he received a $225 notice of violation in the mail weeks later. The violation was for failing to stop for a school bus with its stop signal deployed, and it included photos of the incident. But Davis felt he did nothing wrong, saying there were no children being picked up or dropped off.

    He said he tried to appeal the citation, but there were no instructions on how to do so, despite state law requiring them to be included.

    “I got the statuette and everything, and it clearly says that the violation is supposed to have that, but it doesn’t exist. Now where it does exist is once you get the uniform citation,” he said.

    Up until recently, drivers in Polk County who were fined for passing a stopped school bus couldn’t appeal the violation until 30 days later — when it automatically became a $329 uniform citation.

    Thanks to a new law that went into effect July 1, drivers now have the right to immediately contest a violation.

    In a statement, Polk County Public Schools said:

    “Polk County Public Schools and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will continue to follow state law regarding the use of our Safe Stop program. At this time, we are working with local authorities to develop and implement an appeal process for motorists who receive a violation from our school bus cameras. Beginning July 1, no violations will be issued until the local appeal process is in place.” 

    However, Davis says an appeal process should have been in place from the start. Now, he’s calling on the county to issue reimbursements.

    “I want my money back. I want my money back,” he said. “I, at least, would like to be reimbursed for the cost. Although I know they can’t reimburse me for the time it took going down there, but the least they can do is reimburse the money for the citation.”

    The school district didn’t mention the possibility of reimbursement. However, it reiterated:

    “The PCPS Safe Stop program has always complied with state law, and student safety remains our top priority.”

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Crews remove fallen tree from I-75 South in Pasco

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Pasco County

    UPDATED 7:33 PM ET Jul. 14, 2025
    PUBLISHED 6:58 PM ET Jul. 14, 2025
    PUBLISHED 6:58 PM EDT Jul. 14, 2025

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • FDOT hosts workshop to discuss SunRail extension to Polk County

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — As the Sunshine State continues to grow, so does demand for public transportation.

    The SunRail commuter rail service could make its way into Polk County sooner rather than later.

    The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a special workshop to discuss what a possible extension would mean for local leaders and residents in Haines City.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT staff host a special workshop to discuss plans to extend SunRail commuter service to Polk County

    • Polk County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, with a projected population growth of over 1.2 million people by 2050

    • FDOT says an extension of the commuter service is necessary “to support this growth”

    • The 16-mile extension would extend service to Haines City, with stations in the Loughman and Davenport areas
    • A Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study is currently underway to assess costs, benefits and environmental factors


    Polk County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, with a projected population growth of nearly 1.2 million people by 2050.

    According to FDOT, more than half of this growth is projected to take place in the northeastern portion of the county.

    To account for this growth, it’s seeking to expand the SunRail commuter service to Haines City, with two additional stations in Loughman and Davenport.

    FDOT staff discussed what it calls Transit Oriented Development (TOD) concepts with elected officials and local planners.

    This concept focuses on a variety of factors, including “designing areas that are within a quarter- to half-mile of transit stations to promote transit use” and how it could benefit those who choose to walk or bike.

    “For communities investing in transit like SunRail, growth must align with TOD principles to maximize ridership,” says FDOT Communications Specialist Patricia Pichette.

    Factors like the design of streets, development, parking, housing, and jobs within walking distance of stations strongly influence the use of public transit like SunRail, according to FDOT.

    The workshop also provided the public an opportunity to engage in an open discussion with FDOT staff and ask questions.

    Right now, SunRail operates over 61 miles, with 17 stations connecting the Greater Orlando region, from Volusia County down to Osceola County.

    Some of those service areas include DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, Kissimmee and Poinciana.

    Poinciana is currently the southernmost point of the station.

    A first public meeting to discuss the SunRail extension Project Development and Environmental Study (PD&E) is scheduled for late September.

    The study, which is still in its early stages, will look at expansion benefits, environmental factors, preliminary conceptual costs and funding strategies.

    It will also serve as a way for FDOT staff to examine economic development opportunities and ways by which it could help improve mobility.

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    Sasha Teman

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