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  • FDOT studying plans to redesign I-175 in St. Petersburg

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is now studying plans to redesign I-175 in St. Petersburg.

    Called the I-175 Action Plan, FDOT is looking at ways to enhance the safety and connectivity around the small interstate that connects I-275 and 4th Street.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is now studying plans to redesign I-175 in St. Petersburg

    • The I-175 Action Plan will look at ways to enhance the safety and connectivity around the small interstate that connects I-275 and 4th Street

    • Neighborhood coalition Reimagine I-175 would like to see the interstate removed and replaced with a boulevard to reconnect the city

    • The findings are expected to be completed next April  

    That’s welcome news to Justin Cournoyer, co-founder of Reimagine I-175. It’s a coalition of neighbors who’d like to see the interstate removed and replaced with a boulevard to reconnect the city.

    “We see it as the Berlin Wall of St. Pete,” Cournoyer said. “It’s literally just a wall of concrete and earth. For people like me living in Campbell Park, you have 7 blocks of this where you can’t get across.”

    I-175 first opened in April 1980 to connect I-275 and 4th Street, but it effectively split the city and displaced neighborhoods.

    45 years later, Cournoyer says not enough traffic uses it.

    “It acts like a scar across the city. The permeability under the highway is not there. The connectivity is not there. It kind of separates our city into north and south St. Pete,” Cournoyer said.

    (Spectrum News)

    The only way across the interstate now is a pedestrian bridge, which Cournoyer says just takes people out of their way.

    “It’s kind of an eyesore. It’s covered in chain link. Graffiti most of the time. A lot of trash up here. It’s a neglected part of our city,” Cournoyer said.

    These are all reasons a 2022 City of St. Petersburg mobility study recommended a reconfiguration of the interstate.

    The study found that while I-175 is useful for emergency vehicles and connecting attractions, it comes at a cost to adjacent neighborhoods, especially has drivers go at high speeds.

    Since the road is managed by FDOT, the agency is now building on that study to look at what the future of I-175 could be.

    That comes as plans for a new ballpark at the Tropicana Field site fell apart in March. 

    “With or without a ballpark, I think removing 175 and replacing it with a boulevard is going to do wonders and be a huge positive impact on communities, especially disenfranchised communities in the south side,” Cournoyer said.

    The I-175 Action Plan study started in January. The findings are expected to be completed next April.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Innovative traffic tech now monitors some Pasco roads

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A new form of technology is being used by Pasco County Transportation engineers to better gauge traffic volumes.

    What You Need To Know

    • New technology is being used by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization to better gauge traffic volumes on busy roads

    • It’s part of a new grant with Marlin Engineering, monitoring traffic so that engineers and planners can learn how to make roads safer

    • Intersections along the U.S. 19 corridor are being monitored, helping hone in on near misses

    • The county is also using AI to distinguish between scooters, e-bikes and pedestrians with data used to count how many pass through an intersection


    It’s also helping hone in on near misses on some key roads, leading the way to safer roadways.

    At a busy intersection on U.S. 19 stands a new cutting-edge camera looking down on traffic below.

    “It’s making our intersections safer for our citizens to cross,” said Tania Gorman, executive director of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

    A camera looks down on an intersection on U.S. 19. (Spectrum News)

    It’s part of a new grant with Marlin Engineering, monitoring traffic so that engineers and planners can learn how to make roads safer.

    “We are now entering into a micromobility area looking at behavior of those that are driving at our most dangerous intersections,” said Gorman.

    Right now, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is monitoring intersections along the U.S. 19 corridor.

    A view from one of Pasco County’s traffic volume monitoring cameras. (Courtesy: Pasco County MPO)

    “We’ve actually just started monitoring over the last month,” Gorman said. “We’ve just taken down the data for collection results. So we’ll get that data and review it and that will give us more insight to the behaviors going on at that intersection.”

    The county is also using AI to distinguish between scooters, e-bikes and pedestrians, using different colors to identify them. That data can then be used to count how many pass through that intersection.

    “There’s darting across the street and you’re just like, ‘Oh man, I wish I knew what happened’ because in the past, that’s what we’d say,” said Gorman. “A lot of our reports come from the on-scene officer or highway patrol or whoever is on scene. Now we’re able to see the crash in real time and see what exactly transpired in that moment.”

    AI technology being used by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization can distinguish between different modes of mobility. (Courtesy: Pasco County MPO)

    Right now, the tech is being used at three different intersections, including U.S. 19 and Sea Ranch Drive. If successful, more intersections throughout the county may see the cameras.

    “That way we can have a comprehensive, cooperative and collaborative process of planning on how we’re going to identify and address these intersections that have these issues with safety concerns,” said Gorman.

    It’s all paving the way for safer roads throughout the county.

    Gorman says the next step will be to have a micromobility plan, allowing the county to expand where cameras are placed.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • 190-space parking garage in the works for downtown Dunedin

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    DUNEDIN, Fla. — The city of Dunedin is a well-known tourist destination that draws more than 1.8 million visitors, and leaders are now considering a new parking garage that would provide more than 190 parking spaces.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dunedin city leaders are considering a new parking garage with more than 190 parking spaces in downtown

    • The project could cost as much as $10 million

    • Work could start around September and be completed in December 2026 if approved

    The city chose a site at Scotland Street and Douglas Avenue — close to Main Street.

    Some business owners like Soozy Naylor O’Donnell love the idea of more parking.

    “I think it’s absolutely brilliant,” he said. “We were down in Clearwater Beach for 28 years and they desperately needed parking, and I think doing it now as the city is growing … is only going to help all of us small businesses.”

    But not everyone supports the project.

    City Commissioner Jeff Gow says he would like the city to look at alternative modes of transportation to help people get around.

    “We have all of this car traffic because we do not offer any alternative,” Gow said. “They have come by car.”

    The project is estimated to cost around $10 million.

    While plans are still in the preliminary phase, officials say construction could start in September — with an estimated completion date of December 2026.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Business owner concerned about project on U.S. 98 in Dade City

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Construction continues on a section of U.S. 98 in Pasco County called the Dade City Bypass to widen the road from two lanes to four.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is widening the Dade City Bypass (U.S. 98) from two lanes to four

    • The owner of a nearby business says he is concerned about how construction has affected customers

    • Work on the road is expected to be finished by the fall of 2026


    But a nearby business owner has concerns about what will change there.

    When folks visit Ken Woodard’s shop, the Quilted Twins, it’s for one reason.

    “This is people’s love,” Woodard said. “They’re making things with their hands for people that they love.”

    Over the past seven years, Woodard has built the business into a destination for those into quilting and in need of fabric.

    “We have some very loyal customers,” he said. “Our typical customer drives an hour to get here. But then when they get to Dade City and hit the construction, they’re a little bit frustrated when they walk in the store.”

    That construction he is talking about is on the Dade City Bypass east of downtown that started in March 2023.

    The Florida Department of Transportation is widening the road from two lanes to four between Seventh Street North and Seventh Street South to account for growth in the area.

    That’s something Woodard never thought he would see in Dade City.

    “When I got here 35-37 years ago, they were sand roads,” he said. “Now they’re two lanes and talking about four lanes. Traffic congestion has just boomed.”

    But the roadwork has caused some issues for his customers finding the shop due to road blocks and detours.

    Woodard also has concerns about the two roundabouts that will be added. One will be at Seventh Street South and the other will be on Old Lakeland Highway.

    Site of future roundabout on Old Lakeland Highway. (Courtesy of FDOT)

    “Folks in those lanes are going to be focusing on not crashing into somebody else,” Woodard said.

    According to the project website, the road is expected to be done in the fall of 2026. In the meantime, southbound traffic on U.S. 98 is detoured through downtown Dade City.

    Woodard’s hope is that when the project is finished, the final result is a positive for his business and his customers.

    “I want them to have confidence in coming into the store and enjoying their experience,” he said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • PSTA drivers transport thousands during back-to-back hurricanes

    PSTA drivers transport thousands during back-to-back hurricanes

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus drivers shared firsthand accounts of their lifesaving transportation efforts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton as the agency resumed normal service on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • PSTA drivers had 569,853 riders during the pre-storm and post-storm response

    • Pinellas County Emergency Management requested 1,229 targeted evacuation rides 

    • One bus driver lost his possessions when his condo flooded, along with two cars, during Helene  

    • The PSTA fueled up 20 of their oldest buses, which were ready for an immediate response after the storms


    “I’d be driving and having to grit my teeth to keep from crying as I watched,” said Connie Stein, a trolley driver. “I could never have imagined what I was to see on that first day driving that rescue trolley after Helene.” 

    PSTA drivers had 569,853 riders during the pre-storm and post-storm response for the back-to-back hurricanes, which includes 1,229 targeted evacuation rides requested by Pinellas County Emergency Management, according to the agency. Stein estimates she evacuated hundreds of those riders from the beaches who were hit hard by Helene.

    “Their cars were under water and under sand. They basically had nothing but the clothes on their back,” she said. “In some cases, million dollar homes and they lost everything. Some of them looked homeless. They just needed help. They needed to get out of there.” 

    Some drivers are storm victims themselves. Bus driver Leon Smiley said he could not help out during Hurricane Helene because his condo flooded and he lost two cars, but worked around the clock to transport evacuees when Hurricane Milton struck.

    “I got the chance to take my mind off my personal loss and it made me see that there was always somebody in worse shape than you are,” he said. “It made me stop feeling sorry for myself.”

    The largest single relocation operation happened at the Good Samaritan Church in Pinellas Park when Helene knocked out the power and air conditioning. Approximately 300 people had taken refuge in the church with more than 230 who had mobility issues.

    They were transported to a permanent shelter building on higher ground, according to PSTA.

    Dispatcher Chris Blackshear said he volunteered to drive a van to transport people with disabilities after his normal shift ended and it was hard to see all the suffering.

    “I got a heart for people and the stories, it just weighed in on me,” he said. “I felt like I was helping the community and I felt better at the end.” 

    The PSTA said they fueled up 20 of their oldest buses which were ready for an immediate response after the storms to transport people to shelters and for lifesaving kidney dialysis treatments. They moved the fleet of newer buses to higher ground.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

    Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

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    Transit Operations

    Toll Roads

    Tolls on roads on the Gulf Coast, in Central Florida and along Alligator Alley have been suspended to ease evacuation ahead of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

    Pinellas Suncoast Transit Association

    Beginning Monday, Oct. 7, all routes, including PSTA Access, will run as scheduled fare-free to assist with evacuation operations. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph. Routes will continue to run fare-free as scheduled until 2 p.m. Tuesday. After 2 p.m., PSTA will continue running specific evacuation services at the direction of the Pinellas County government. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph.

    PSTA services will be suspended on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The administrative office will be open on Monday but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Entertainment

    Straz Center

    The Straz Center is closed Oct. 8-10 in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The scheduled performances of “The Man Who Love Batman” are canceled, and ticket-holders will be contacted.

    Amalie Arena

    The Tampa Bay Lightning-Nashville Predators preseason game on Monday, originally re-scheduled from Sept. 27 due to effects from Hurricane Helene, has been canceled as the Tampa Bay region prepares for Hurricane Milton, the team announced Sunday. Single-game ticket-holders inquiring about refunds for Monday’s game should contact their original point of purchase. Bolt for Life Members will receive additional information from their account executives.

     

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bridge connecting Ohio, Kentucky to close for 30 days

    Bridge connecting Ohio, Kentucky to close for 30 days

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    CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Starting on Sept. 16, the Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge will undergo construction to restore the surface of the bridge. The bridge connects Ironton, Ohio with Russell, Kentucky.

    What You Need To Know

    • The current surface is about about eight years old, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation

    • Approximately 1.25 inches of the surface will be milled off and replaced with the new material

    • The closure is expected to last 30 days

    The current surface is about about eight years old, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. The life-span of the cable-stayed bridge itself is about 80 years.

    “We didn’t want to wait until the surface had passed its expected lifespan to make these critical repairs,” said Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 Deputy Director Mike Dombrowski in a news release. “Doing this preventative maintenance project now means the work isn’t as extensive as it might have been had we waited.”

    Approximately 1.25 inches of the surface will be milled off and replaced with the new material. 

    Because of the bridge’s narrowness, a partial rehab in order to keep one lane open was not feasible, ODOT said in a news release.

    “We know this will be an inconvenience to folks who use this bridge, but we want to ensure that we’re getting the best outcome from the project to maximize the life of the bridge deck, going forward,” Dombrowski said.

    The closure is expected to last 30 days. 

    Traffic headed to Kentucky during the closure will detour to Park Avenue (SR 93), east on US 52, south over the Ohio River on the Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge (12th Street) and west on Winchester Avenue (US 23) in Ashland.

    Traffic from Kentucky into Ohio will detour via Winchester Avenue (US 23) to the Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge (13th Street), west on US 52 and south on Park Avenue (SR 93).

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Manatee County works to beautify medians in south Bradenton

    Manatee County works to beautify medians in south Bradenton

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Crews in Manatee County are wrapping up part of a beautification project in south Bradenton.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crews in Manatee County are beautifying a median on El Conquistador Parkway 

    •  It’s part of a two-and-a-half year project to beautify a portion of south Bradenton

    •  Officials say they’re using money from the southwest tax increment financing, or TIF, fund to pay for the project


    The median that lines El Conquistador Parkway is getting fresh grass and plants to enhance the area for drivers and people who live there.

    There’s something so satisfying about freshly laid grass, it’s like connecting nature’s puzzle pieces to create a beautiful green space.

    Joel Thomas, the head of median beautification installations for Manatee County, says connecting these squares connects medians like this with its surrounding community.

    “We try to mimic some of the style of some of the houses or the businesses around,” Thomas said.

    This is the 13th median in a two-and-a-half-year project that’s adding greener plant life to south Bradenton.

    “We scrape it down, grade it properly, and then we install new irrigation, and whatever plants and trees that the landscape design calls for,” said Thomas.

    The one Thomas is working on calls for grass and other native plants for our region.

    Even in the summer heat, Manatee County crews are making sure this spot looks better than before.

    “It makes a good first impression on Manatee County to see beautiful roadways as they come into the neighborhoods,” Thomas said.

    According to Thomas, they’re using money from the southwest Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, fund to pay for the project and he says once they’re done here, they’ll move on to another median.

    At the same time, they’ll take pride in the work they just accomplished in beautifying this portion of Manatee County.

    “When you see what the median looks like before you start to when you finish, it’s definitely an improved product,” Thomas said.

    And that’s as satisfying as connecting those final puzzle pieces together.

    Thomas says he wants the public to get involved by giving their opinion on medians that could use some beautification.

    He hopes that once this project is fully done, it might be able to expand to other parts of the county.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Bartow Squeeze offers free golf cart rides around downtown Bartow

    Bartow Squeeze offers free golf cart rides around downtown Bartow

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    BARTOW, Fla. — There is a new way to get around downtown Bartow — by golf cart!

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bartow Squeeze launched earlier this month

    • It’s a free golf cart ride offered by Citrus Connection

    • It has several stops in downtown Bartow

    • The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


    The service called the Bartow Squeeze aims to help downtown workers on their lunch break.

    The Bartow Squeeze is a form of microtransit that launched earlier this month.  

    It’s a golf cart that is offered by Citrus Connection, in partnership with the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

    The downtown Bartow stops include the courthouse, government office, shops and restaurants.

    “A golf cart is extremely easy to get on to,” said Dr. Thomas Santarlas, Vice Chairman of the CRA. “It’s mobile. It makes things a lot more friendly. You’re able to talk with the people you’re riding with. And be able to enjoy the scenery of Bartow.”

    Santarlas said the goal is to bring together the business owners and the employees of the city.

    The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    It’s geared toward office workers who don’t want to give up their coveted parking spots but also want to get a quick bite during their break.

    Shana Bennett, owner of the Cookie Jar bakery, is excited to see the service launch and hopes it will have a positive impact on her business.

    “People can experience what we have to offer and enjoy what their hometown brings to the table and not have to worry if they’re going to make it back in time or not,” Bennett said.

    Citrus Connection has found success with similar services throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland Squeeze and the Lake Wales Squeeze.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco County leaders approve road tax, plan to pave 4,200 lane miles

    Pasco County leaders approve road tax, plan to pave 4,200 lane miles

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    LACOOCHEE, Fla. — Changes are on the way for Pasco County homeowners when it comes to paying for road paving and maintenance.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new countywide tax is changing the way road maintenance and improvements are being made in Pasco County

    • The new tax replaces a program that required residents to vote on road projects, instead opting with a tax that all homeowners will have to pay

    • For the average homeowner, officials say the tax would equate between $85 and $100 a year

    • The county has a total of 4,200 lane miles and the plan is to pave, on average, 130 lane miles per year


    County leaders recently approved a new countywide tax that changes how much homeowners pay for road improvements. The new tax replaces a program that required residents to vote on road projects.

    But the new tax is raising some concerns among existing homeowners.

    “Born here, raised here, all my life,” said Lacoochee homeowner Leon Mercer.

    Living on what was once a farm, Mercer’s home is surrounded by many unpaved roads. But due to the new countywide road tax, that may all change.

    Charging homeowners a tax to help with road maintenance, including paving, was a worrying thought for Mercer.

    “When they do that, they’re going to put a cul-de-sac at the end and more people are going to want to come down here and buy out some of these pieces like mine and my neighbor’s,” said Mercer. “If they sell, that’s the way of life.”

    But those within Pasco County government say that’s not the case. Instead, under the new tax, roads under the worst condition will be repaired first.

    “We’re going to equally base it out throughout five districts, five commissioners,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ronald Oakley. “So we’ll get paving in all of these districts that will help all across the county to improve our roads and they very much need to be improved.”

    Each homeowner’s tax, Oakley said, will be dependent on their property value.

    “It charges $51.84 per $100,000 value,” said Oakley. “To let you know what that means to a taxpayer, the median value of homes in Pasco County is $163,579.”

    Oakley said for the average homeowner this would equate to between $85 and $100 a year.

    Mercer’s only other concern is equal distribution of that tax money. Ensuring that all roads throughout the county are maintained.

    “If they do anything, put some money on this side of the county and don’t restrict anybody,” he said.

    Pasco County officials say they expect road work to start next year. Also saying they will stop billing property owners during paving projects under the old system.

    The county has a total of 4,200 lane miles and county leaders say the plan is to pave an average of 130 lane miles per year.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • PSTA pilot program offers Historic Kenwood members a yearly bus pass

    PSTA pilot program offers Historic Kenwood members a yearly bus pass

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority teamed up with the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association to try out a pilot program to encourage more public transit use.

    What You Need To Know

    •  If you join the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Assoication, you pay $35 for a bus pass for an entire year 

    •  The assoication has seen a 30% increase in members since the program launched in June 

    •  PSTA says the program is growing in popularity 


    The program is simple: Members of the association pay a flat fee of $35 to get a yearly transit card that is used on buses around Pinellas County. It costs $5 for one round-trip ticket.  

    Alexis Baum, with the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association, helped create the partnership with PSTA. She said the program has boosted association membership by 30% since it launched in June.

    “We all know it’s important for the growth of the city. It’s important for so many reasons — the environment and traffic,” Baum said.  

    PSTA Communications and Public Relations Manager Stephanie Weaver said others are taking notice about the pilot program’s success so far.

    “Our phones have been ringing off the hook from neighborhoods in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, who are interested in this. But again, we are going to wait until we see the data for the next year,” Weaver said.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Hillsborough votes to create more parking spots for big-rig trucks along I-4

    Hillsborough votes to create more parking spots for big-rig trucks along I-4

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    TAMP, Fla. —  The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization voted Wednesday to create more spots for big-rig truck drivers along Interstate 4, a project worth more than $5 million. 

    The proposal would create a new truck driver parking area on the Hillsborough-Polk County line along I-4. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are currently only 90 truck parking spaces available for drivers between Daytona Beach and Tampa

    • The Florida Trucking Association said the state would need to spend more than $1-billion to provide enough parking for drivers currently on the road

    • Professional truckers say the shortage of available spaces is a nationwide problem

    The West Central Florida Truck Parking Facility would include 120 parking spaces for trucks with the ability to expand by 250 parking spaces in the future.

    Trucking professionals say a shortage of rest areas and safe areas to park is a nationwide problem.

    The Florida Trucking Association said the state would need to make a more than $1-billion investment to meet the needs of truck drivers currently on the road.

    Currently, there are only 90 truck parking spaces between Tampa and Daytona Beach.

    Florida Trucking Association President and CEO Alix Miller says not only has the lack of safe parking hurt in the hiring of new drivers, but it is also hurting companies retaining drivers.

    “Trucking is hard. It’s a tough job,” said Miller. “And on top of that, not have somewhere safe to sleep, not have facilities at your disposal or even vending machines at the end of a long day. That makes the job even harder.”

    Miller says although any project that helps fill the void of truck parking spaces is good news for the industry, it only scratches the surface of the broader shortage of parking available for drivers.

    The project timeline has construction starting in the spring of 2025. 

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Pasco County offering voters free bus rides for Florida’s presidential primary

    Pasco County offering voters free bus rides for Florida’s presidential primary

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County voters who need transportation to the polls on Tuesday, March 19, will get a free bus ride through GoPasco.

    Pasco County Public Transportation and Supervisor of Elections have partnered to provide voters free bus rides when they show a valid voter information card.

    “This partnership to benefit the voters of Pasco County epitomizes good government and we are grateful to GoPasco for this program,” said Supervisor Brian Corley.

    View more information on Pasco County Public Transportation bus routes and schedules.

    The 2024 Presidential Preference Primary has no Democratic, Minor Party or Nonpartisan candidates. Only eligible Republican voters will receive a ballot.

    Check the status of your registration and verify your polling location.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Fare-free transportation becomes permanent for Manatee County bus riders

    Fare-free transportation becomes permanent for Manatee County bus riders

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners passed an ordinance Tuesday that would make the fare-free pilot program permanent in the county.

    In November 2022, Manatee County commissioners kick-started an 18-month pilot program that allowed residents to take the bus free of charge. It is only for certain bus routes with Manatee County Area Transit.

    “Instead of incurring some additional costs to our fare boxes, which were exorbitant. We decided just take the fare boxes out, put in a pilot program, and see if people would ride the bus, get off the road. And in a time when things are less and less affordable for our residence we were trying to create a little more affordability,” commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Commissioners voted during their Tuesday meeting to make the free fare pilot program a permanent addition

    • The 18-month free of charge bus rides were to expire in May of this year, but now it’s permanent

    • It’s a free fare for fixed routes, handy bus services, and the Longboat Key shuttle, and the Skyway and Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle

    With the program ending in May, commissioners decided to keep it permanently due to its success.

    “The program was wildly successful. Within six months ridership was up 28%. Now we are well over a 50% increase in just 18 months,” Ostenbridge said.

    It’s a way for everyone to save money, especially for life long bus rider Eric Williams, who is a Bradenton native.

    “I’ve been catching the bus since I was 13-years-old. I love it,” he said.

    Williams has been an MCAT bus rider since he was a kid. It was a transportation option that allowed his family to save money.

    He has carried that same mentality with him as an adult and continues to save money by riding the bus. Now that the county has announced select bus routes will be free of charge, Williams says he’s thankful.

    “It’s good because I go to dialysis three times a week. I do my shopping,” he said.

    Williams has been going to his weekly appointments for eight months. He says being able to ride for free has been a huge help.

    County commissioners also say traffic has decreased because of more people choosing to take the bus.

    Williams feels that is a good thing that will help other families who can’t afford transportation.

    “It’s really good. There’s going to be a lot of people riding the bus and you don’t have to pay any fare and that’s a good thing,” he said.

    It’s a free fare for fixed route buses, handy bus services, the Longboat Key shuttle, and the Skyway and Port Manatee ConneXion Shuttle.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Citrus Connection officials force change of Florida bill

    Citrus Connection officials force change of Florida bill

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida House bill would have allowed for the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority and Citrus Connection to be dissolved.

    However, House Bill 7013 was modified after Citrus Connection Executive Director Tom Phillips and his staff alerted law makers of the possibility.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Florida House bill would have allowed voters to dissolve Citrus Connection in Polk County

    • Citrus Connection officials quickly worked with lawmakers to change the bill 

    • 2.4 million riders use Citrus Connection each year

    The bill would have given voters the option to vote every 10 years to dissolve the tax district and only give Citrus Connection 90 days to liquidate all assets.

    Tax districts became a big issue with Governor Ron DeSantis amid a long-standing feud with the Reedy Creek Improvement District — which he later changed to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

    Phillips says that the service has 2.4 million riders each year and that more than half of the riders use the bus service to get to work.

    “Polk County is the fastest growing county in the fastest growing state,” said Phillips. “But we are also the 7th poorest suburban area in the United States and about 15% of our total population is at or below the poverty line,” Phillips said.

    Phillips worked closely with legislatures to make sure that the future of Citrus Connection is assured for the time being.

    “The moment we learned about this, our Government Affairs folks headed directly up to Tallahassee,” Phillips said. “I followed the next day and started knocking on doors…ultimately, they really heard it and the bill was amended.”

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

    Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As electric vehicles become more popular, new numbers show that Pasco County leads the Tampa Bay area in EV use.

    What You Need To Know

    • New numbers show Pasco residents are driving more miles in electric vehicles

    • Replica’s data estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year

    • One reason is the amount of drivers commuting between Pasco and nearby cities

    Residents are driving more EV miles in Pasco than any other Bay area county, according to the mobility analytics firm Replica.

    Former New Port Richey mayor Rob Marlowe was an early EV driver when the cars weren’t as common. Now he sees them all over Pasco.

    “I would go days, sometimes weeks, without seeing another plug-in car on the road,” Marlowe said. “That has changed. I just about can’t go out on a drive without seeing one or more EVs somewhere.”

    Replica’s data shows an estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year. Which is six miles more than Manatee County, the next-highest in the Bay area. It’s also 58% more than Pinellas County, which is more densely populated. 

    Marlowe’s believes it’s because drivers commute from Pasco to Tampa or St. Petersburg for work.

    “It makes sense,” Marlowe said. “If I were going down into Tampa, where it was 30 or 35 miles each way, I would rack up a lot of miles in a hurry.”

    Marlowe said he feels he helped with the high ratings, by encouraging the city of New Port Richey to add charging stations downtown while he was mayor.

    “It’s good for the environment and it’s good for people’s wallets. It also provides the city with a very positive image,” he said.

    As they add more charging stations across Pasco County, officials expect the use of EVs to continue to grow.

    Both Pasco and Manatee were in the top 10 counties for EV use in Florida.

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    Tim Wronka

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