Winter Haven to seek FDOT/TPO funding for multiuse trail projects on Cypress Gardens Boulevard and U.S. 17

City staff said the commission will consider resolutions to submit two transportation alternatives applications to the Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Staff described two proposed projects for the current FDOT application cycle, which funds work in fiscal years 2026–2031. The Cypress Gardens Boulevard project would run about 1.7 miles from Old Helena Road to Lake Florence Drive/Waterview Way near Winterset condominiums and would install a 10-foot multiuse path on at least one side, infill sidewalks where needed, street trees, upgraded street lighting, and intersection improvements at Legoland Way. Staff estimated the cost at approximately $14,240,000.

The U.S. 17 corridor project would extend about 2.8 miles from Third Street Southwest (at the south end where Cypress Gardens Boulevard begins) to Havendale Boulevard. Proposed improvements include converting portions of the continuous center left-turn lane to raised landscaped islands to create pedestrian refuges, widening sidewalks to a minimum of 6 feet in constrained locations, and upgrading lighting. Staff estimated the U.S. 17 package at approximately $8,220,000.

Staff said both projects originate from DOT-led vision plans adopted by the commission in 2021 and would be advanced by FDOT if funded; FDOT would be the managing agency in that case. Staff emphasized that these are DOT-owned corridors and that project details would be fleshed out during PD&E and design phases, with more public input expected as projects are developed. No final funding decision was made at agenda review; the resolutions would seek TPO consideration and FDOT funding programming.