ORANGE AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding the State Road (S.R.) 535 (S. Apopka Vineland Road) Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from U.S. 192 (W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) to north of World Center Drive (S.R. 536) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (virtual), and Thursday, June 20, 2024 (in-person), at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate improvements to S.R. 535 to accommodate traffic demand and enhance safety while minimizing potential impacts to the natural and human environments.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public hearing in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet, or mobile device on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7673452505195615584. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. The virtual hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. as an open house to allow participants to view the hearing materials prior to the presentation. The presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by a formal public comment period. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

In-Person Option: Participants may attend in person by going to Embassy Suites – Lake Buena Vista South, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34746 on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The in-person hearing location will open the doors at 5:30 p.m. to allow participants to view the hearing materials prior to the presentation. The presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by a formal public comment period. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the hearing virtually.

Those who cannot attend the hearing may view all hearing materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/437174-2.

A copy of the draft project documents will be available for public review from Tuesday, May 28, 2024 to Monday, July 1, 2024 at the following locations, and on the project website:

1. Orange County Public Library – Southwest Branch, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
2. Osceola County Public Library – West Osceola Branch, 305 Campus Street, Celebration, FL 34747 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

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 Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at Melissa.McKinney@dot.state.fl.us.

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact David Graeber at 386-943-5392 or David.Graeber@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. 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).

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.