The South Florida Avenue (SR 37) Charrette and Master Plan received the “Plan It Award” at the annual meeting of the Heart of Florida Section of the American Planning Association Florida Chapter on February 9, 2018. This award is given to planning documents, studies, reports, or analyses that reflect sound planning principles and that have been adopted by a public agency for use in a local jurisdiction.

The Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 (FDOT), in collaboration with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, supported by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council staff, and the City of Lakeland, entered into an agreement to study and implement ways to improve mobility, quality of life, and economic vitality along the South Florida Avenue (SR 37) corridor between Ariana Street and Pine Street in Lakeland, Florida.  A significant public involvement process, which included a “Complete Streets” public design charrette was conducted, and an economic development analysis and detailed traffic study on South Florida Avenue to assist FDOT in accomplishing the goal of promoting safety, quality of life, and economic development were prepared.  In addition, the Master Plan provides options and improvements that are market-based realities supported by the Market Overview which considers growth potential and impediments to housing, employment, and retail, as well as other factors.