Residents tell Pasco MPO they oppose Ayers Road extension, citing water and rural impacts

Residents opposed FDOT’s proposed Ayers Road extension during the public‑comment period at the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting on Nov. 5, saying the project would cut through rural, ecologically sensitive land and worsen safety and traffic.

"We do not want it taken from us by multi lane roads ... that would allow for faster, deadlier traffic past our door," said Melanie Lamberson, who identified her address as 184 Spring Lake Highway and said her home lies in the path of all proposed corridors. She asked the board to consider the project’s ecological impact on the Central Ridge and local aquifer recharge.

Other speakers echoed that position. Nancy Hazelwood summarized the corridor study and said each proposed route would enter Pasco County across agricultural land and wetlands, arguing that Pasco citizens “do not want a highway through their rural protected area.” Shelby Gels said one corridor would cross her backyard and a lake with wetland habitat and bald‑eagle nests.

Commenters suggested alternatives such as improving existing corridors — including Culbreth (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard) and existing I‑75 access points — and adding targeted safety upgrades (for example, traffic signals) rather than building a new multilane extension that could encourage development.

Board members did not take formal action on the Ayers Road study during the meeting; staff and FDOT continue to develop corridor options and public outreach. The meeting record shows multiple residents asked for Pasco‑based public meetings on the study and for clearer information about project funding and expected county impacts.