In 2024, FDOT completed a Collier to Polk Trail Master Plan to evaluate a paved, multiuse trail for bicyclists and pedestrians from Collier County to Polk County. The Master Plan included preliminary routing alternatives and associated recommendations to develop the project as a regionally significant trail within the Florida Shared Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network. The Master Plan set the stage to conduct PD&E studies for what is now called the Florida Heartland Regional Trail.

The Polk County segment of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail proposes the evaluation of a multi-use trail consisting of approximately 63 miles from the Hardee-Polk County Line near Bowling Green north to the TECO Auburndale Trail south of Interstate 4 (I-4) in Auburndale. The project is broken into two segments: the first segment is from the Hardee-Polk County Line to south of State Road (SR) 60 at the Fort Frasier Trail southern terminus, and the second segment is a Defined Planning Corridor from south of SR 60 to the TECO Auburndale Trail.

There are three alternatives being evaluated within the first segment of the project. Alternative A follows US 17 from the Hardee County line to south of SR 60 at the southern terminus of the Fort Frasier Trail. Alternative B follows the Peace River until it intersects U.S. Highway 98 (US 98) where the trail heads west along US 98 crossing the Peace River into Fort Meade, then the trail continues north for about 0.75 mile and transitions east to the western edge of the river. The trail continues north for several miles then heads west over the railroad track and US 17 to the southern end of Bartow. From there, the trail continues north through Bartow to the southern terminus of the Fort Frasier Trail south of SR 60. Alternative C follows Alternative B except for the southern and northern terminus. The southern section runs along Mt. Pisgah Road to the Peace River Trail (prior to Mt. Pisgah Road crossing the Peace River). From there it connects to Alternative B. The northern segment stays to the east instead of crossing the railroad track and US 17 to the south of Bartow. This section of the trail heads generally northeast along the river corridor until SR 60, then runs west along SR 60 to the southern terminus of the Fort Frasier Trail.

The Defined Planning Corridor extends from the southern end of the existing Fort Fraser Trail at SR 60 and continues north to where University Boulevard intersects with the Auburndale-TECO Trail crossing. This trail corridor is in advanced stages of trail development and planning and includes multiple existing trail segments such as Fort Fraser Trail, Lake Hollingsworth Trail, Lake Parker Trail, and University Boulevard Trail. This Defined Planning Corridor aligns directly with the SUN Trail corridor and local trail plans.

Public involvement is an integral part of the PD&E Study process. FDOT will use various activities to engage interested parties in the study process and there will be opportunities for public comment, including an alternatives public information meeting and a public hearing. You may also submit comments or questions about this project at any time during the study, by using the "Send a comment" button to the right.

If you are interested in being added to the mailing list to receive study information, please use the "Send a comment button" to provide your information to the project team.

What is a regionally significant trail?
The Florida Heartland Regional Trail has been identified and prioritized as a regionally significant trail by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council [Section 260.0142(4)(c), FS]. That means it is recognized for its potential to:

• Cross multiple counties
• Attract national and international visitors
• Provide opportunities for economic and ecotourism development
• Showcase the value of wildlife areas, ecology, and natural resources
• Serve as a main corridor for critical links and trail connectedness

Why are multiple PD&E studies being conducted?

Because of the project’s extensive length, PD&E studies are being conducted for each county that is part of the Florida Heartland Regional Trail planning area: Collier, Hendry, Glades, Highlands, Hardee, and Polk (see map). Each study will follow its own schedule to evaluate the Master Plan’s preliminary alternatives, assess environmental impacts, and solicit public input. A “no-build” alternative will also be considered which assumes that the trail will not be developed.

What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a phase of the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) project development process. A PD&E Study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of proposed roadway and other project improvements. The process follows procedures set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and federal and state laws and regulations. During the PD&E Study process, feasible alternatives are developed for improvement projects. These ‘Build’ alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for improvements or stormwater, if applicable, will also be evaluated during the PD&E Study phase. The ‘No-Build’ alternative is evaluated throughout the study process. This ‘No-Build’ alternative leaves the existing transportation infrastructure as it is, with only routine maintenance as required for existing facilities. If the study results in a ‘Build’ alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the design phase. The basic activities of a PD&E Study include:

Data Collection

The first major work effort is the collection of all available data pertaining to the study corridor including existing and planned infrastructure, existing and future land uses, drainage patterns, and environmental resources.

Alternatives Development and Analysis

Once data collection is completed, the Department develops and evaluates various alignment alternatives, including a ‘No-Build’ alternative. The ‘No-Build’ alternative assumes no improvements. The environmental impacts, social impacts and costs of these alternatives are quantified and summarized in an evaluation matrix.

Public Kickoff Meeting or Newsletter

A public kickoff meeting is held, or a newsletter is mailed, to introduce the project to the public and provide an opportunity to view and comment on the project’s need and objectives.

Alternatives Public Meeting

Combining the public input with the needs of the corridor, several improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated along with the “No-Build” alternative during the PD&E Study. This meeting presents the environmental and social impacts as well as estimated costs of the viable ‘Build’ alternatives as compared to the ‘No-Build’ alternative. The public is provided with an opportunity to view and comment on the alternatives under consideration.

Public Hearing

After all public comments are reviewed and the analysis of the alternatives has been refined, a formal public hearing is held to provide a forum for input from property owners and interested parties on the final recommendations. A final decision is not made until after the public hearing.

Final Acceptance

After the comments from the public hearing have been received, considered and addressed, the project reports will be finalized and submitted to the Office of Environmental Management for Location and Design Concept Acceptance. Once acceptance is granted, the PD&E Study phase of the project will be complete. The phases that follow the PD&E Study are design of the project, acquisition of right-of-way, if necessary, and construction of the improvements.