The Cove Road widening project was a central topic, with detailed presentations outlining a plan to expand the road from State Road 76 (Caner Highway) to State Road 5 (US1) to improve travel capacity and address increased traffic demand. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), along with consultants, presented plans for two segments of the project. Segment one, from Caner Highway to Avalon Drive, proposed two 11-foot travel lanes in each direction, separated by a 22-foot median, and included shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Segment two, extending from Avalon Drive to US1, mirrored this lane configuration. The design required a right-of-way of 119 feet and 90 feet for segments one and two, respectively.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact on approximately 8 acres of wetlands, which contradicts comprehensive plan policies prohibiting such disturbances. While mitigation through statewide mitigation banks was discussed, questions about FDOT’s adherence to county comprehensive plans were prominent. Residents voiced fears about the environmental implications of expanding the road into a four-lane corridor. The project would directly affect around 6.96 acres of wetlands, with secondary impacts on 1.29 acres. No effects on existing contamination sites or flood plains were anticipated.

Safety was another major concern, with varying opinions about the project’s potential to increase traffic congestion and encourage higher driving speeds. Community members, including Warren Newell, expressed reservations about the project’s width and the need for a design more sensitive to local needs. A shared-use path was proposed to accommodate both bicycles and pedestrians, but no dedicated bicycle lanes were included, prompting concerns about safety and practicality.

Residents of Montego Cove raised specific issues about the entrance configuration, with safety fears regarding the need to execute a right turn followed by a U-turn to access westbound traffic. Suggestions for redesigning entryways to improve stacking capacity and reduce risks were made. The reconfiguration of the entrance island and signage near Cove Road was also noted as a potential issue.

The project team committed to implementing measures to protect local wildlife during construction, including timing activities to avoid breeding seasons and conducting surveys for the Florida bonneted bat. Mitigation measures for wood storks and coordination on landscaping at roundabouts were also outlined. Public involvement was extensive, with meetings and hearings drawing significant attendance and feedback.

In addition to Cove Road, the council discussed the Turnpike Direct Connect project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike. The project was presented as a means to improve system linkage, emergency response, and safety, with substantial public feedback informing the preferred alternative. This alternative proposed four connections without modifying existing I-95 ramps, addressing right-of-way impacts and estimated costs. The project is expected to handle a significant traffic load by 2050, improving traffic flow at nearby interchanges.

The council also reviewed the fiscal year 27 to 31 list of project priorities, with an emphasis on addressing State Road 710 widening and other road improvements. Safety priorities included signal improvements and transit priorities, though funding and project timing remained points of contention. The discussion on project prioritization underscored the need for strategic planning to balance safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure development.