FDOT to Hold Public Hearing on Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Project July 16
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed Bradenton-Palmetto Connector and provide feedback during a public hearing hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Thursday, July 16.
The hearing is part of the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study, which is evaluating transportation improvements designed to increase roadway capacity, improve regional mobility, accommodate future traffic demand, and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists traveling across the Manatee River.
The in-person hearing will be held at Veterans Hall at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W. in Palmetto. An open house will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a formal presentation and public comment session at 6 p.m. Project displays will be available for review during the open house, and members of the project team will be available to answer questions.
An online option will also be available. Participants must register in advance and can join a webinar beginning at 5:45 p.m. with instructions on how to submit comments before the 6 p.m. presentation and comment period. The online event will include a livestream of the in-person presentation.
FDOT launched the PD&E study in January 2025 to evaluate three possible corridor alternatives for a new connector route between Bradenton and Palmetto. Following a public workshop held in February 2026, two of the three proposed corridors were eliminated. The study is now focused on Corridor A, the preferred alternative.
The study area extends from U.S. 301 near State Road 64 in Bradenton north to U.S. 41 near 25th Street East in Palmetto, crossing the Manatee River east of the existing DeSoto Bridge.
The public hearing will present the preferred alternative, review the environmental and engineering analysis completed to date, and gather public input on the proposed location, conceptual design, and potential social, economic and environmental impacts.
Because the project may affect land protected under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act, FDOT is also seeking public review and comments regarding any potential impacts to protected recreational, historic or environmental resources.
Project documents are available for public review through July 27 online and at the Central Library in Bradenton, the Palmetto Branch Library and the FDOT Manatee Operations Center. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.
Comments may be submitted at any time during the study but must be received or postmarked by Monday, July 27, 2026, to become part of the official project record. Residents with questions may contact FDOT Environmental Management Office representative Michelle Rutishauser at 813-380-7121 or by email at Michelle.Rutishauser@dot.state.fl.us.
