10th Avenue Complete Streets Study

Envisioning the future of Downtown Palmetto

Last night the Palmetto CRA and Florida Department of Transportation held a visioning workshop for the community.  This workshop provided education on ‘Complete Streets’, as well as several design options for 10th Avenue ‘Complete Streets’ improvements.

What are complete streets?

A ‘Complete Streets’ Policy refers to the idea that our roads are not exclusively for freight movement and motorists.  ‘Complete Streets’ places an emphasis on the philosophy that our roads need to be designed for all users, of all ages, with all abilities.  Moreover, complete streets support healthy, walkable, livable, vibrant, thriving communities.  In 2014, Florida adopted a statewide 'Complete Streets' policy confirming, "… the Department will routinely plan, design, construct, reconstruct and operate a context-sensitive system of 'Complete Streets.' While maintaining safety and mobility, Complete Streets shall service the transportation needs of transportation system users of all ages and abilities, including but not limited to: cyclists, freight handlers, motorists, pedestrians, and transit riders."

Keeping this in mind, last night's visioning workshop was held in the Palmetto Library where citizens gathered to learn about improvements for 10th Avenue from Riverside Drive to 17th Street (Downtown Palmetto).  Each design presented to the community incorporated effective storm water drainage, car lanes, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, landscaping, etc.  Once FDOT finished presenting multiple options, community members asked important questions regarding the assorted designs, as well as potential community impacts. Additionally, people shared their aspirations for 10th avenue, helping to shape the outcome of this project.  

After a period for people to make their comments, concerns, and questions heard, FDOT project team members asked the attendees to complete a survey.  The survey consists of 16 questions and asks what you like and don’t like about certain details regarding the improvements.  Using 5^th Ave improvements as an example of the process, FDOT, Palmetto CRA, the Sarasota/Manatee MPO, and all those involved in the project want to know your thoughts, opinions, suggestions, comments, concerns, etc.  Your participation in this process helps to shape a feasible design that incorporates what the community wants before anything else.  Please make sure to take the survey if you want to help shape the future of Downtown Palmetto.

Want to be involved? Take the survey!

If you want to share your thoughts but weren’t able to make the Palmetto Library FDOT Visioning Workshop, there is still ways you can get involved! 

Follow this link for the FDOT 10^th Avenue Complete Streets Study Survey.   

Please email completed surveys to the FDOT project managers,

Patrick Bateman: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

David Turley: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OR

Visit the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to complete the survey in person. The Sarasota/Manatee MPO Public Involvement Coordinator will fax the completed surveys to the assigned FDOT project managers.

Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization

7632 15^th Street East

Sarasota, FL 34243

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.mympo.org

For any comments, questions, or concerns during this process, please feel free to contact Corinne Tucker, Sarasota/Manatee MPO Public Involvement Coordinator, by calling (941)359-5772 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Corinne is here to help ensure that the community’s voice is heard, noted, and considered during each phase of the project.