Charlotte County staff says Harborview construction targeted for 2027 as commissioners press on funding and ROW

County Public Works Director John Elias told the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 12 that Harborview Road is divided into two phases, with Phase 1 100% plans expected in March and construction slated for 2027 under a Local Agency Program agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation. Elias said the county will manage the construction phase and intends to hire construction engineering inspection (CEI) services once right‑of‑way (ROW) acquisition is finalized.

Elias said the county currently holds a LAP agreement for ROW that expires March 31 and staff received approval to request an extension while coordinating with FDOT. He added that staff expects ROW‑related hearings and that the county will pursue eminent domain where necessary; Deputy County Administrator Emily Lewis told commissioners the first eminent domain case will go to court on March 2. "We officially go to court on March 2 for the first… our first eminent domain case," Lewis said.

Commissioners pressed staff on whether FDOT can allocate construction dollars in FY27 before all parcels are acquired. Elias acknowledged shifting ROW lines caused by environmental constraints and said some acquisition hearings are scheduled in late 2026 and early 2027. Commissioner Doherty asked whether the county can complete acquisitions in time for FDOT’s budget cycle; Elias replied staff is coordinating but could not guarantee timing.

Commissioner Constance, who said he raised the project years ago, criticized long delays and rising costs since the 2020 sales tax allocation. "This has quadrupled the cost," he said, and added he would not support funding Phase 2 locally if state leaders do not increase their share. Staff clarified the 2020 sales‑tax funding was earmarked for ROW and that construction estimates have risen as design and federalization have changed project costs.

Elias also briefed the board on related projects. Edgewater Drive and Flamingo Boulevard widening is split into phases 3–5; staff reported 100% design for Phases 3 and 4 is under review and construction is also slated for 2027, with an FDOT LAP grant funding the 776/Flamingo intersection. Elias said bids for a separate King’s Highway widening project were opened Jan. 12 and the Board of County Commissioners approved that project on Feb. 10.

The board asked for clearer graphics and recent aerial imagery in future presentations and requested ongoing updates on ROW schedules, eminent domain progress and how federal funding requirements change local estimates. Staff said it will return with finalized ROW maps and continue coordination with FDOT.