FDOT Five-Year Work Plan Includes Major Longboat Key Projects

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has unveiled its draft tentative five-year work plan for fiscal years 2026-2030. The plan includes five projects specific to Longboat Key, two of which represent significant investments for the community.

One major project allocates $7.6 million for preliminary engineering to replace the Longboat Pass Bridge on the Manatee County side of the key. This section spans from North Shore Road to the Coquina Beach Park entrance. Discussions about the bridge design have sparked debate among commissioners and residents, with differing preferences for mid-span and low-span alternatives.

While plans for a replacement move forward, $1.46 million is earmarked in 2027 to repair the existing Longboat Pass Bridge. These repairs will include replacing a submarine cable for the drawbridge.

On the Sarasota County side, the most significant initiative is the resurfacing of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). The FDOT plans to begin work in 2027 with a $5.15 million investment to upgrade the roadway. Additional smaller projects include traffic control devices and highway lighting improvements, with costs spread over several years.

Residents can provide feedback during public hearings scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Hearings will be held at the FDOT Southwest Area Office in Fort Myers and District 1 Headquarters in Bartow, with virtual participation options available.

If you want more information or to submit comments, visit the FDOT work plan website.