The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will facilitate each of the upcoming Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Task Force meetings and public engagement options this month.

M-CORES Task Force Holds Local Public Meetings for Members Meet to Review and Refine Draft Report

The meetings will once again be conducted in a hybrid format allowing members of the public the option to attend in person to view the meeting broadcast as well as provide public comment.

During the September meetings, subject matter experts serving on the Task Forces will further refine the draft reports with a focus on guiding principles, instructions and action plans. The final reports, which will guide FDOT in the program’s subsequent study phases, are due to the Governor and Legislature on November 15. The meeting agendas and supporting materials have been posted to FloridaMCORES.com.

The hybrid meeting format offers additional options for the public to stay connected and engaged in the M-CORES planning process, while allowing Task Force members and the public to attend virtually due to COVID-19. Those who prefer to participate through the virtual GoToWebinar platform should register online at FloridaMCORES.com/events-calendar by clicking on the meeting date. All persons wishing to provide live public comments via the GoToWebinar format must register online no later than:

• Northern Turnpike Corridor: Tuesday, September 22, no later than 4 p.m.

• Suncoast Corridor: Thursday, September 24, no later than 4 p.m.

Each Task Force meeting will have two locations open to the public that will broadcast the meeting live via GoToWebinar. Those who attend in person will be required to comply with all local rules and ordinances regarding COVID-19 safety precautions. Enhanced safety and sanitation measures will continue to be taken at all in-person M-CORES events, including: 

Using CDC-recommended products to sanitize high-touch areas before, during, and after the event:

•        Requiring all FDOT and consultant staff to wear masks
•        Requesting that all attendees wear masks
•        Providing hand sanitizer and masks for attendees
•        Limiting the number of people in a room at one time to 50
•        Utilizing signage and other tools to facilitate social distancing
•        Implementing the use of single-use sign-in materials and speaker cards

Members of the public attending virtually and in person will have the opportunity to provide comments to the Task Force members. Further details are below. Virtual and In-person Options for Members of the Public:

Northern Turnpike Corridor Task Force Meeting

Date: Tuesday, September 22

Time: The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Public comment will begin at approximately 5 p.m.

Virtual Option: Members of the public who choose to participate virtually should register online at FloridaMCORES.com/events-calendar by clicking on the meeting date.

In-person Viewing Locations: Those who wish to provide in-person comments must complete a speaker card at the physical location.

Public Viewing Location                                        Public Viewing Location

Plantation on Crystal River                                     Hilton Ocala

9301 West Fort Island Trail                                    3600 SW 36th Avenue

Crystal River, FL 34429                                         Ocala, FL 34474

Suncoast Corridor Task Force Meeting

Date: Thursday, September 24

Time:  Meeting begins at 9 a.m. Public comment will begin at approximately 5 p.m.

Virtual Option: Members of the public who choose to participate virtually should register online at FloridaMCORES.com/events-calendar by clicking on the meeting date.

In-person Viewing Locations: Those who wish to provide in-person comments must complete a speaker card at the physical location.

Public Viewing Location                                     Public Viewing Location

Madison Golf & Country Club                            Lafayette County Courthouse –

445 Country Club Road                                       Commission Meeting Room

Madison, FL 32340                                              120 W. Main Street

      Mayo, FL 32066