Council approves FDOT off-system construction agreement for International Drive realignment

Council approved, on a 5-0 vote, a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an off-system construction and maintenance agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for a multi-segment project that realigns International Drive, adds stormwater infrastructure on several streets and will be deeded to the city after construction.

Tim Carlisle (speaker label S12), the city's capital improvements director, briefed the council on the four elements of the project (International Drive extension, and work at Jackson Avenue, Harrison and Long Point Road). He said FDOT will cover construction costs; the city will need to maintain stormwater and other infrastructure once FDOT completes work and records the monuments.

The agreement also includes small perpetual stormwater easements the city must convey to FDOT where the state will perform improvements. Carlisle and the city attorney said engineers reviewed plans and determined the improvements would collect stormwater earlier in the flow path and are unlikely to increase flood risk in neighborhoods.

Council members asked questions about curb styles and crossing islands; staff said some design elements (medians and islands) are part of distinct phases and that FDOT's timeline anticipates right-of-way actions in late 2026 and construction beginning as early as Feb. 2027 with completion and final monument recording in 2028, subject to FDOT scheduling and funding.

The council authorized the resolution (Resolution 2025-16) by roll call vote, 5-0.