A major highlight of the meeting was the detailed presentation by Cesar Martinez of FDOT, who outlined the department’s draft tentative work program. This funding is set to cover safety improvements, resurfacing, bridge repairs, and right-of-way acquisitions. Notably, the plan includes a design-build initiative for the 714 and Monterey Road projects in Martin County, both fully funded for construction and design. Martinez also mentioned the completion of the 714 highway widening and minor improvements on Tommy Clemens Road, aimed at enhancing safety, along with ongoing construction on US 98 and US 1 in Stuart.

Martinez provided an overview of the projects slated for the upcoming fiscal years, crafted in coordination with local stakeholders, with a submission to state officials scheduled for December. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the design phase of the corridor from Okeechobee County to Alapata Road, with costs outlined as $10.7 million for design and $21 million for right-of-way acquisition set for fiscal year 2027. Construction costs for various segments were highlighted, including $2.2 billion for fiscal year 2030 and $6.9 million for the realignment of 714. New additions to the work cycle were also discussed, such as the segments BC and C, connecting Araata Road to the FPL power plant road, costing approximately $300 million.

Despite these plans, Martinez acknowledged several projects remain unfunded, including the East Commerce Avenue resurfacing and drainage improvements and the US 1 intersection reconstruction at West Palm City Road. He stressed the importance of community engagement and input, particularly for these unfunded projects, which may require additional public meetings and evaluations of safety and financial feasibility.

Following the presentation, a Q&A session allowed council members to inquire about the fluctuating funding for transportation in Florida, with references made to past economic challenges such as the Great Recession. A motion was subsequently made to accept the transportation report, which passed unanimously.

The meeting also addressed the Federal Highway Administration’s federal certification review, with Erica Thompson presenting the findings of the 2025 review for the Port St. Lucie Transportation Management Area. The review noted four commendable practices, no corrective actions, and two recommendations. Martin County Transit was praised for its transit efficiency study and regional collaboration, while the Martin NPO earned recognition for its interactive development review map and public engagement efforts. Recommendations included enhancing the map with demographic and transit layers and improving fiscal transparency. This presentation concluded with a unanimous approval of the federal certification review.

Further amendments to the transportation improvement program for fiscal years 26 to 30 were discussed, with Margie Tamblin presenting requests from FDOT for State Route 710 and the 5307 formula fund for transit operations. Both amendments were unanimously approved.

James Brown of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise presented the draft tentative work program, highlighting a $43 million bridge replacement south of Becker Road, expected to complete in fiscal year 2028, and plans for a new interchange between Florida’s Turnpike and I-95. Brown emphasized the importance of educating on teen driver safety, especially during National Teen Driver Safety Week.