FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 28, 2019, a crowd of over 130 people from 40 unique areas inside and outside of Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District 1 gathered at the Venice Community Center to participate in the Southwest Florida 2045 TransForum. Each guest had the opportunity to meet and engage Five Futurists who set the stage for long range transportation planning. The first futurist, Alice Ancona, started the conversation by sharing with the audience aspects of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s long range plan. She explained the six engines for change and The Florida Scorecard.
The next futurist, Wayne Gaither, expanded the conversation to include transportation. Mr. Gaither discussed future considerations of FDOT. He shared information on Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), an advanced technology program set to optimize the performance of existing multimodal infrastructure through implementation of systems, services, and projects to improve safety, security, reliability, and capacity of our transportation system.
Dave Sanford, the third futurist, discussed the future needs of Port Manatee. He discussed the future expansion of Port Manatee as the demand for fuel and goods continue to grow throughout the Southwest Florida region. Ben Walker, the fourth futurist, captivated the audience in an autonomous vehicle discussion. He explained the infrastructure needs, the policy needs, and the future demand for Autonomous/Connected/Electric/Shared-use vehicles.
Mark Bontrager, the fifth futurist, shared the future of space tourism and air space. Private sector investors are leading space travel while public sector takes steps back. He explained the future of space tourism included more university involvement and research.
Alice Ancona wrapped up the event discussing industry disruption and innovation. She asked, “How do you plan for something like that when innovation is happening simultaneously across multiple industry sectors that impact how people move, how people visit, and also demographics?”
This question is something the MPO must keep into consideration as the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) process moves forward. The purpose of the 2045 LRTP is to develop future transportation facilities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The LRTP must consider the full complement of transportation modes – roads, bicycles, pedestrians, trails, transit, parking, railroads and airports. The plan includes at least twenty years and must be updated every five years. Taking all these factors into consideration, the identity for the Sarasota/Manatee MPO’s 2045 LRTP is Transform Tomorrow. 
Transform Tomorrow embodies the true nature of the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) development process. This tagline empowers you to shape this plan and the future of regional transportation. There will be several community forums, events, workshops, and surveys for you to attend, provide comments, recommendations, and ideas on how you want to transform tomorrow.
Leigh Holt, Sarasota/Manatee MPO Strategic Planning Manager, insists, “the regional community can learn more about future transportation needs and influence the investments the MPO makes over the next twenty-five years. People can really have an impact and pave the way to Transform Tomorrow.”
In partnership with the City of Sarasota, the next Transform Tomorrow engagement opportunity, TRANSFORUM: NEIGHBORHOODS | Bus, Bike, Walk, will be held on March 11th in the Bayfront Community Center, 803 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. This event will showcase the Sarasota/Manatee MPO’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP) that includes bicycling, walking, and transit. The plan identifies a system of existing and proposed bicycling and pedestrian facilities connecting to transit that serve the needs of Manatee and Sarasota County residents and visitors.
You are invited to share your ideas, provide comments on proposed projects, learn more about the MPO and the transportation planning process, and transform tomorrow. The meeting is an open house format from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Don't miss your chance to shape the future.
Connect and engage in the region’s long-range transportation planning. First, follow the Facebook and Twitter accounts, @Transform2045 and @TransformTomor1, respectively. Then, visit the Transform Tomorrow page regularly http://bit.ly/TransformTomorrow2045 . The webpage holds key information on previous or upcoming events, materials, maps, and other LRTP related items.
All interested parties are invited to appear and be heard on each of the above items. Written comments filed with the MPO will be considered. Copies of all the above proposed documents are available by calling the MPO Office at 941-359-5772.
This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Laws, Florida Statutes, and MPO Policy. No stenographic record by a certified court reporter is made of this meeting. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decisions involving the matter noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at this meeting upon which any appear is to be based.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the Sarasota/Manatee MPO at 941-359-5772 at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
The MPO’s planning process is conducted in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Any person or beneficiary who believes he/she has been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or family status may file a complaint with the Sarasota/Manatee MPO Title VI coordinator Leigh Holt at 941-359-5772 or by writing her at 7632 15th Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243.
