Lake County - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding a public hearing regarding plans to improve safety in the area of State Road (S.R.) 25/U.S. 27 at the intersection of Highland Lakes Boulevard. The project addresses operational and safety concerns in the area by converting the full median opening to a southbound directional median opening. Also proposed is the addition of a designated northbound directional median opening for U-Turns to the north of this intersection. This modification reduces traffic conflict points at the intersection, improving safety.

The public hearing will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2017, at The Fellowship at 27 Church, 25900 U.S. Hwy. 27 Leesburg, FL 34748. There will be an open house at 5 p.m. during which staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions, followed by the formal hearing presentation at 6 p.m., after which participants may provide their verbal comments to all present.

Participants may provide verbal comments directly to a court reporter before and after the formal presentation. Written comments can be submitted at the hearing, sent by mail to Steven Buck, Florida Department of Transportation, District Five Roadway Design, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, M.S. #543, DeLand, FL 32720, or emailed to Steven.Buck@dot.state.fl.us, no later than November 6, 2017. All comments written and oral will become part of the project's public record.

The draft project documents and other information will be available for public review from October 5, 2017 to November 6, 2017 at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 East Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748, Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kelly Hiden, Public Involvement Coordinator by phone at 407-508-0839, or via email at kelly@valerin-group.com at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.  If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.  Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator by email at Jennifer.Smith2@dot.state.fl.us.