Commission briefed on Eighth Street and Third Street Complete Streets projects and recent repaving work

Public Works staff told the Winter Haven City Commission the Eighth Street and Avenue L Northwest Complete Streets project will extend Eighth Street from Lake Howard Drive north toward Muir Terrace and Avenue L from Eighth Street to U.S. 17, and that the project had been removed from FDOT’s work program after carbon reduction funds were pulled. Staff said the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) has designated the project as the top priority Complete Streets project in the county and that FDOT has programmed construction funding for fiscal year 2028 and allocated about $167,000 for design in fiscal year 2026.

On Third Street Northwest, staff said Kimley-Horn completed 60% design and moved to 90% design; FDOT has programmed nearly $1.7 million in construction funding for the project in its current fiscal year, and staff said they hope to begin construction by next summer. The Third Street concept includes two new roundabouts, improved sidewalks and crosswalks and minor landscape improvements to connect downtown facilities.

Staff reviewed the city’s repaving achievements for the past year, saying the city repaved 31 roads with the poorest PCI ratings between October and December and used double microsurfacing on several corridors. City contractors rejuvenated about 15 miles of roadways with restorative oils and performed crack sealing and planned double-micro work and cape seal applications this fall to extend pavement life. Staff said they were developing an online interactive map for residents showing completed and upcoming work and PCI ratings.

Discussion only: staff presented funding status, design progress and pavement-preservation activities. Direction/assignment: staff plans to begin design in 2026 for Eighth Street and proceed toward construction for Third Street as FDOT funding becomes available. Formal action: none recorded in the transcript.