OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding project plans for two projects on U.S. 17-92 (S. Orange Blossom Trail/John Young Parkway) on Thursday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m.  

The purpose of the first project is to relieve congestion and improve operations at the intersection of U.S. 17-92 and Pleasant Hill Road. A new road will be constructed to connect the Fern Drive at Pleasant Hill Road intersection with the existing The Oaks Boulevard opening on U.S. 17-92. Other improvements include realigning The Oaks Boulevard to the west with a signalized connection to the new road and adding new traffic signals at Pleasant Hill Road and Fern Drive, as well as on U.S. 17-92 at the new road. 

The second project will resurface U.S. 17-92 from east of Ham Road to south of Portage Street to extend the life of the existing roadway. The project will improve safety for pedestrians by constructing concrete islands to facilitate new pedestrian crosswalks, adding sidewalk, and reconstructing sidewalk curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Bicycle through lanes will also be added next to some right turn lanes. Other improvements include drainage modifications, shoulder widening, and traffic signal upgrades. 

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the hearing. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live hearing. 

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join the Virtual Public Hearing (VPH) from a computer, tablet, or mobile device. A VPH is a free live presentation or webinar over the internet. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting the link below. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar. fdot.cc/jyp-vph 

Phone Option (Listen Only): Participants may join the hearing in listen-only mode by dialing 1-866-901-6455 and entering the passcode 500-276-793 when prompted.  

In-Person Option: Participants may attend in person by going to Kissimmee Civic Center Arena, 201 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741. The Department requests advance registration for this option to ensure all attendees are accommodated safely and according to social distancing guidelines. To register for the in-person option, please contact the FDOT Project Manager Naziru Isaac by phone at 386-943-5547, by email at Naziru.Isaac@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard, MS 552, DeLand, Florida 32720. 

Attendees will be asked to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines as well as adhere to any local ordinances. Persons who are not feeling well should not attend the in-person hearing. 

All hearing materials, including the presentation, will be available on the project websites at www.cflroads.com/project/418403-6 for the new road and www.cflroads.com/project/445210-1for the repaving project prior to the hearing. Also, a recording of the hearing will be available on the website within a week following the hearing. 

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, at Jennifer.Smith2@dot.state.fl.us. 

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Eric Trull at 407-569-8993 or eric@valerin-group.com 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).