BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on State Road (S.R.) 524 from Friday Road (south) to Industry Road in Brevard County on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (virtual), and Thursday, January 22, 2026 (in-person), at 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of this PD&E study is to evaluate alternatives to improve roadway capacity, safety, and enhance multi-modal opportunities, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, while minimizing potential impacts to the natural and human environments.

In accordance with Section 335.188, Florida Statutes, this public hearing is also being held to provide the opportunity for public comment on the proposed access management reclassification for S.R. 524 from Friday Road (south) to Industry Road from Access Classes 3 and 4 to Access Classes 5 and 3, respectively, due to proposed changes from a non-restrictive to a restrictive median.

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, January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3540998539582115417. 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 Space Coast Convention Center at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cocoa, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, FL 32926 on Thursday, January 22, 2026, 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 meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comments through the project website at https://www.cflroads.com/project/437983-1.

A copy of the draft project documents will be available for public review from Tuesday, December 30, 2025 to Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Avenue, Cocoa, FL, 32922 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday; from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on the project website. The library will be closed on January 1, 2026 and January 19, 2026.

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 Maria Serrano-Acosta at (386) 943-5063 or Maria.Serrano-Acosta@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.