Winter Haven approves FDOT local agency agreements for Third Street NW and Roosevelt Drive complete‑street projects

The Winter Haven City Commission on Monday approved two local agency program agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation to accept state grants for “complete street” improvements on Third Street Northwest and Roosevelt Drive.

City staff said FDOT awarded a $1,690,315 grant to fund part of the Third Street NW complete‑street project from Avenue D NW to South Lake Silver Drive. The manager told commissioners that the city will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,690,000 for construction, and noted the project must be completed by Dec. 31, 2028. The city will have expended $282,600 in local funds for design work before construction, according to staff; no city match is required unless project costs exceed FDOT funding.

The commission also approved a LAP agreement for Roosevelt Drive from State Road 540 (Cypress Gardens Boulevard) to Register Road. FDOT awarded $926,935 for that project, staff said, and design costs of $145,656 will be incurred locally. Construction for Roosevelt Drive must be complete by June 30, 2029. The projects include traffic‑calming, pedestrian improvements, drainage and resurfacing, with some landscaping and additional on‑street parking planned for Third Street NW.

Staff recommended approval of both resolutions and authorized the city manager to execute the agreements and any supplemental modifications necessary to receive the funds and proceed with design and construction. The commission approved the resolutions by voice vote; staff said construction costs beyond FDOT funding would be requested in the fiscal year 2026 transportation fund budget.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized that the city’s transportation fund and capital budget will reflect any required matches or excess costs and that design work is already in progress for the projects. The Third Street NW and Roosevelt Drive improvements are part of a broader effort to upgrade pedestrian safety and improve roadway operations in targeted corridors.