FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL FEIS REEVALUATION 

APPENDIX E May 2010

APPENDIX E: 

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM 

Public Involvement Program

Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

Project Reevaluation of the 

2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement 

Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, and 

Orange counties 

 Prepared By: 

Florida Department of Transportation-Central Office 

605 Suwannee Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450 

September 2009
 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

 Public Involvement Program 

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P:\Projects\FDOT\FHSRA\FHSR 2009\Public Involvement 2009\Public Involvement Plan 2009\QC-Final PIP\08 Final Final for Production\FHSR-PIP-093009.doc 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Section Title Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................. i 

LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................... iii 

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................1 

1.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS .......................................................2

1.1 Purpose .............................................................................................2

1.2 Goals ................................................................................................3

1.3 Process .............................................................................................3

2.0 PUBLIC OUTREACH.................................................................................3

2.1 Mailing Lists ....................................................................................4

2.2 Website ............................................................................................4

2.3 Local Government Coordination Meetings .....................................4

2.4 ETAT Agency Coordination Meeting .............................................5

2.5 Public Information Meetings ...........................................................6

2.6 Display Newspaper Advertisements ................................................6

2.7 News Releases to Local Media ........................................................7

2.8 Medial Packets .................................................................................7

3.0 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCERNED PUBLIC .......................................8

3.1 Federal Agencies ..............................................................................9

3.2 State Agencies ..................................................................................9

3.3 Regional Agencies ...........................................................................9

3.4 Local Agencies.................................................................................9

3.5 Property Owners ..............................................................................9

3.6 Elected and Appointed Officials ....................................................10

4.0 DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................10

APPENDICES 

Appendix A: Planning and Transportation Agencies, 

Coordination Meeting #1 

June 29, 2009 

Appendix B: Planning and Transportation Agencies, 

Coordination Meeting #2 

June 30, 2009 

Appendix C: Orange County/GEC, 

Coordination Meeting #3 

July 20, 2009 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

Section Title Page

Appendix D: City of Lakeland/GEC, 

Coordination Meeting #4 

July 20, 2009 

Appendix E: City of Tampa/GEC, 

Coordination Meeting #5 

July 21, 2009 

Appendix F: OIA/GOAA/GEC, 

Coordination Meeting #6 

July 21, 2009 

Appendix G: City of Orlando/Orlando HSR Station, 

Coordination Meeting # 7 

August 12, 2009 

Appendix H: City of Tampa HSR Station - TBARTA and HART 

Coordination Meeting # 8 

August 13, 2009 

Appendix I: City of Plant City - Lakeland HSR Station, 

Coordination Meeting # 9 

August 13, 2009 

Appendix J: USF - Lakeland HSR Station, 

Coordination Meeting # 10 

August 13, 2009 

Appendix K: ETC - Orlando HSR Station, 

Coordination Meeting # 11 

August 14, 2009 

Appendix L: ETAT Agency, 

Coordination Meeting 

September 11, 2009 

Appendix M: Public Information Meetings 

September 15, 16, and 17 2009 

Appendix N: Public Officials List 
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LIST OF TABLES 

 Table 

Number Title Page

1 Local Government Coordination Meetings ................................................ 5

2 Public Information Meetings ...................................................................... 6

3 Hillsborough County Media ....................................................................... 7

4 Polk County Media ..................................................................................... 7

5 Osceola County & Orange County Media .................................................. 8
 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

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INTRODUCTION 

The potential for high speed rail to address a portion of the transportation needs of the 

State of Florida has a long history. The current effort to evaluate high speed rail’s 

potential was initiated following an enactment by Florida’s voters. In November 2000, 

Florida’s voters adopted an amendment, Article 10, Section 19, to the Constitution of the 

State of Florida that mandated the construction of a high speed transportation system in 

the state. The amendment required the use of train technologies that operate at speeds in 

excess of 120 miles per hour (mph) and consisted of dedicated rails or guideways 

separated from motor vehicle traffic. The system was to link the five largest urban areas 

of Florida and construction was mandated to begin by November 1, 2003, to address a 

high speed ground transportation system. 

The purpose of Article 10, Section 19 of the Constitution of the State of Florida was, “to 

reduce traffic congestion and provide alternatives to the traveling public.” In June 2001, 

the Florida State Legislature, through the Florida High Speed Rail Authority Act, created 

the Florida High Speed Rail Authority (FHSRA) and charged the organization with the 

responsibility for planning, administering, and implementing a high speed rail system in 

Florida. The act also mandated that the initial segment of the system be developed and 

operated between St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Orlando areas with future service to the 

Miami area. 

Following its creation in 2001, the FHSRA proceeded to implement the responsibilities 

set forth in the Florida High Speed Rail Authority Act. The FHSRA’s proposal included 

the provision of high speed rail passenger service between downtown Tampa and 

Orlando International Airport. This project, while viewed by FHSRA as the eventual 

achievement of the constitutional goal, has independent utility, in that it serves as an 

important transportation purpose in its own right and its implementation is not dependent 

upon future actions that may or may not be taken to expand high speed rail service 

beyond this project’s limits. The FHSRA, with guidance from the lead federal agency, the 

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), had undertaken a number of actions to advance 

the high speed rail system; including preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

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Statement (DEIS) approved by FRA in August 2003. Production of the Final 

Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) began in fall 2003. 

On November 2, 2004, Florida voters repealed Article 10, Section 19 to the Constitution 

of the State of Florida in its entirety resulting in removal of the constitutional mandate for 

a high speed rail system. This action, however, did not affect the legislative mandate for 

the FHSRA and the Florida High Speed Rail Authority Act remains in effect pending any 

action that the Florida Legislature may take. The FHSRA determined, and FRA agreed, 

that it was in the best interest of the State of Florida to complete the FEIS. The FEIS was 

subsequently approved by FRA on July 19, 2005. However, a Record of Decision (ROD) 

was not issued at that time. 

In October 2008, the Federal High Speed Rail Bill was passed, national competition for 

federal funds launched in December 2008, and initial interest responses were submitted 

in January 2009. The Federal Stimulus Bill in February 2009 titled the America Recovery 

& Reinvestment Act (ARRA) made $8 billion available for HSR. In April 2009, the 

Obama Administration unveiled its High Speed Rail Vision Plan, initially targeting 

federally-designated high speed rail corridors, including corridors in Florida. In order to 

obtain a ROD and become eligible for submittal of an application for ARRA, 

FRA required a reevaluation of the FEIS. 

The following Public Involvement Program identifies the techniques and methodologies 

used throughout the high speed rail reevaluation process. The groups and individuals that 

were notified are also identified in this document. This program was updated throughout 

the Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) Reevaluation of the FEIS, as necessary. 

1.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS 

1.1 Purpose

This proactive public involvement program focused on achieving public awareness and 

community interaction. The purpose of this program was to help ensure that the 

appropriate input from all concerned citizens, agencies, private groups and governmental 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

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entities was received for the reevaluation of the high speed rail project. The Florida High 

Speed Rail Public Involvement Program is in compliance with the Florida Department of 

Transportation (FDOT) Project Development and Environment Manual and incorporates 

all requirements of 23 Code of Federal Regulations 771 and Florida Statute 339.155. 

1.2 Goals

The Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) Reevaluation documents changes to the 

FHSR project since the approval of the FEIS in 2005. Therefore, the goals of this Public 

Involvement Program included the following: 

Identify changes to the project and surrounding areas 

Solicit comments where impacts or project components change 

Respond to the people that project changes potentially affect 

1.3 Process

FDOT collected and evaluated input/data regarding project changes from the residents 

and property owners along the potential project corridors, various jurisdictions within and 

adjacent to the project corridors, and all interested reviewing agencies. To ensure 

opportunities for public participation in the reevaluation process, a flexible database was 

created incorporating local, regional, state, and federal agencies and individual citizens, 

property owners. and public interest groups having a direct or expressed interest in the 

project (i.e., residential, business, commercial, historic, minority, ecological or 

environmental). As other concerned individuals or groups were identified during the 

reevaluation, they were also listed and contacted. 

2.0 PUBLIC OUTREACH 

A six-month public involvement schedule was developed for the Florida High Speed Rail 

(Tampa – Orlando) Reevaluation. By meeting with interested citizens and agencies 

during this reevaluation phase, FDOT ensured public participation and input on the 

changes to corridor alignments, aesthetics, landscaping, noise, safety, and other potential 

and/or perceived community impacts. The following tools ensured that all interested 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

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members of the public and agencies received direct communication, in several formats. 

All comments were documented and available to the FRA to expedite the issuance of 

the ROD. 

This public awareness program was developed to make certain that federal, state, and 

local officials, property and business owners, interested groups and organizations, and 

residents receive the correct information concerning project changes and the status of the 

current reevaluation activities. Efforts also focused on creating a dialogue with the public 

in order to incorporate public input within the reevaluation. 

The following direct communication techniques were employed to notify the public about 

the proposed transportation improvements, to inform the public about the current status 

of the project and future project activities, and to solicit public comment during the 

reevaluation. 

2.1 Mailing Lists

Microsoft Access database technology provided a flexible database system for collecting 

and sorting a newly developed list of individuals, organizations, and agency 

representatives. The list was updated throughout the process as concerned individuals or 

groups were identified. 

2.2 Website

The existing project website (http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/) was used to 

communicate project information, contact information, as well as notices of small group 

meetings and presentations. 

2.3 Local Government Coordination Meetings

As shown in Table 1, a total of 11 meetings were held with the local governments to 

obtain information about changes to transportation facilities and land use plans that have 

occurred since the approval of the FEIS. A summary of the comments received and land 

use and transportation changes since the approval of the FEIS were identified during the 
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initial reevaluation portion of this study. Please see Appendices A – K for meeting 

summaries. 

Table 1 

Local Government Coordination Meetings 

Organization(s) Date Location 

Misc. Planning and 

Transportation Agencies June 29, 2009 FDOT District Seven Tampa, Florida 

Misc. Planning and 

Transportation Agencies June 30, 2009 

FDOT District Five, Urban 

Office 

Orlando, Florida 

Orange County July 20, 2009 Orange County Offices 

Orlando, Florida 

City of Lakeland, Polk 

County, Polk County TPO July 20, 2009 City of Lakeland Offices Lakeland, Florida 

City of Tampa July 21, 2009 FDOT District Seven 

Tampa, Florida 

Greater Orlando Airport 

Authority 

July 21, 2009 GOAA Annex Building 

Orlando, Florida 

City of Orlando August 12, 2009 City Hall 

Orlando, Florida 

Tampa Bay Area Regional 

Authority and Hillsborough 

Area Regional Transit 

Authority 

August 13, 2009 FDOT District Seven 

Tampa, Florida 

City of Plant City and 

Hillsborough County August 13, 2009 FDOT District Seven Tampa, Florida 

University of South Florida 

Polytechnic August 13, 2009 FDOT District One Bartow, Florida 

International Drive/ETC August 14, 2009 Embassy Suites 

Orlando, Florida 

2.4 ETAT Agency Coordination Meeting

FDOT understands the importance of coordination with affected agencies, interested 

groups, or organizations with specific knowledge about the high speed rail corridor to 

identify project changes throughout the reevaluation process. This includes all federal, 

state and local agencies that will have input into the permitting process for the high speed 

rail corridor. Therefore, an agency coordination meeting was held on 

September 11, 2009. Invitees included the Environmental Technical Advisory Teams 
Florida High Speed Rail (Tampa – Orlando) 

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from Districts One, Five, and Seven. A summary of this meeting is included in 

Appendix L. 

2.5 Public Information Meetings 

As shown in Table 2, three Public Information Meetings were held along the project 

corridor in September 2009. This series of meetings provided the public with an 

opportunity to review the information on the high speed rail reevaluation process and 

results. The meeting included a video presentation and aerial exhibits and displays for the 

purpose of enhancing public understanding of the changes expected to the proposed high 

speed rail project. A multi-disciplinary consultant team explained the project to attendees 

and answered public questions. All oral and written comments received were documented 

as part of the project records. A summary of these meetings is included in Appendix M. 

Table 2 

Public Information Meetings 

Date/Time Location 

September 15, 2009 

4:00 pm-7:00 pm 

Florida State Fairgrounds 

Tampa, Florida 

September 16, 2009 

4:00 pm-7:00 pm 

The Lakeland Center 

Lakeland, Florida 

September 17, 2009 

4:00 pm-7:00 pm 

International Plaza Resort 

and Spa 

Orlando, Florida 

2.6 Display Newspaper Advertisements

Newspaper advertisements were placed in the Tampa Tribune, Lakeland Ledger, and the 

Orlando Sentinel. They were used to announce specific public meetings and dates and 

locations relating to the proposed corridor alignments for the high speed rail project. 

Newsletters, advertisements, and press releases provided access to the public and 

agencies through a variety of channels and methods. 
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2.7 News Releases to Local Media

News releases were prepared and distributed to area electronic and print media in 

advance of public meetings as identified in Tables 3, 4, and 5, respectively. 

2.8 Medial Packets

Media packets were distributed to the electronic and print media upon demand. 

Table 3 

Hillsborough County Media 

Print Radio TV 

• The Tampa Tribune

• The Business Journal

• New Tampa Neighborhood News

• La Gaceta

• Nuevo Siglo

• WDAE- am

• WFLA- am

• WMNF

• WUSF

• WQYK

• WTMP

• WQBN

• WTVT

• WFLA 

• WTSP

• WFTS

• Hillsborough 

County 

Government TV

Table 4 

Polk County Media 

Print Radio TV 

• Polk County Press

• The Polk County Democrat

• The Fort Meade Leader

• The Lake Wales News

• Frostproof News

• The Ledger

• The News Chief

• WBAR- am

• WWBF- am

• WLVF

• WLKF- am, 

WONN- am, 

WPCV, WWRZ

• WTWB- am

• WWAB- am

• WHNR- am

• Bay News 9 – 

BNN/TWC
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Table 5 

Osceola County & Orange County Media 

Print Radio TV 

• Orlando Sentinel

• Orlando Business Journal

• Orlando Sentinel – Osceola 

Edition

• Osceola News Gazette

• WDBO- am

• WJRR

• WMGF

• WTKS 

• WFLF

• WXXL

• WESH

• WFTV

• WKMG

• WMFE

• WOFL

• WRBW

• WTGL

• Orange County 

Government TV

• News Channel 13

3.0 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCERNED PUBLIC 

The first task of the public involvement effort was to create a flexible database including 

all agencies, groups, and individuals interested in the high speed rail project. The 

database included: the residents and property owners within 300 feet of the potential 

corridor alignments in Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, and Orange counties; elected and 

appointed officials within various jurisdictions within and adjacent to the project 

corridors; and all state, federal, and non-governmental reviewing agencies. 

These agencies, groups, and individuals were contacted at the onset of the project, and 

were kept informed throughout the course of the reevaluation to ensure that their input is 

incorporated into the planning process. As other concerned individuals or groups were 

identified during the reevaluation, they were also listed and contacted. To assure 

compliance with Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related statutes, and 

with Executive Order 12898, issued in 1994, this public involvement program included 

notifications to minority populations and low-income populations. 
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3.1 Federal Agencies

• Federal Highway Administration 

• Federal Railroad Administration 

3.2 State Agencies

• Florida Department of Transportation 

• Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise 

3.3 Regional Agencies

• Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) 

• Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council 

• Central Florida Regional Planning Council 

• St. Johns Water Management District 

• Southwest Florida Water Management District 

3.4 Local Agencies

• City of Orlando Transportation 

• City of Orlando Planning Division 

• LYNX 

• Greater Orlando Aviation Authority 

• Orange County Growth Management 

• Orlando Utility Commission 

• METROPLAN Orlando 

• Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority 

• Osceola County Growth Management 

• City of Tampa Growth Management 

• Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority 

• Hillsborough County Planning & Growth Management 

• Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization 

• City of Lakeland 

• Polk Transportation Planning Organization 

3.5 Property Owners

Owners of property falling in whole or in part within 300 feet of the proposed changes 

along I-4 from Tampa to Orlando were included on the mailing list. 
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3.6 Elected and Appointed Officials

As listed in Appendix N, the following elected and appointed officials were included on 

the mailing list: 

• Federal and State Senators and Representatives 

• Hillsborough County Federal and State Legislative Delegations 

• Hillsborough County Commission 

• Hillsborough County Administrator 

• Hillsborough County Constitutional Officers 

• Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization 

• Mayor of City of Tampa 

• Polk County Federal and State Legislative Delegations 

• Polk County Commission 

• Polk County Administrator 

• Polk County Constitutional Officers 

• Mayor of City of Bartow 

• Mayor of City of Lakeland 

• Mayor of City of Winter Haven 

• Mayor of City of Auburndale 

• Osceola County Federal and State Legislative Delegations 

• Osceola County Commission 

• Osceola County Administrator 

• Osceola County Constitutional Officers 

• Mayor of City of Kissimmee 

• Orange County Federal and State Legislative Delegations 

• Orange County Commission 

• Orange County Administrator 

• Orange County Constitutional Officers 

• Mayor of City of Orlando

4.0 DOCUMENTATION 

Comments received throughout the public involvement effort were summarized for 

further consideration by FRA. Responses were prepared to all public inquiries, as 

necessary. This Public Involvement Program summarizes the comments received 

throughout this reevaluation. 
APPENDIX A 

Planning and Transportation Agencies 

Coordination Meeting # 1 

June 29, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

AGENCY COORDINATION MEETING 

Monday, June 29 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven 

Executive Conference Room 

Invitees: Donald Skelton ( FDOT District Seven), Scott Collister ( FDOT District Seven), 

Ming Gao ( FDOT District Seven), Elba Lopez ( FDOT District Seven), Amy Perez 

(FDOT District One), Robert Clifford (TBARTA), Michelle Greene (TBARTA), 

Jim Studiale (City of Lakeland), Helen Sears (CFRPC), Peter Alluto (Hillsborough 

County), Ray Chiaramonte (Hillsborough County MPO), Manny Pumariega 

(TBRPC), Joe Smith (Tampa Bay Partnership), David Steele (USF Polytechnic), 

Cassandra Ecker (Jacobs), Howard Newman (WSA) 

Presentation Team: Nazih Haddad (FDOT), Gibran Hadj-Chikh (Parsons), Susan Roux 

(Parsons), Jennifer Lewis, (Parsons), Sharon Phillips (PBS&J), Lee Strickland 

(PBS&J), 

Nazih Haddad opened the meeting and described the Federal High Speed Rail American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the history of high speed rail initiatives in Florida. 

The balance of his presentation described the 2005 FEIS FHSR recommended alignment 

between Orlando and Tampa, and the reevaluation that is currently underway in order to receive 

a Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Rail Administration (FRA). 

Susan Roux continued with a description of, and the recommendations, resulting from the June 

5, 2009 meeting with FRA staff, FDOT and consultant staff. The qualitative data presented to 

FRA resulted in an agreement between FDOT and FRA that a reevaluation of the FEIS be 

prepared in order to move to the ROD stage and in order to submit the prequalification for 

ARRA funds. 

The last portion of the meeting, led by Sharon Phillips, used the 2005 FEIS concept plans as an 

attempt to identify any additional regulatory changes, land use developments, planning efforts, 

and/or transportation improvements that had occurred since the FEIS approval in July, 2005, and 

might need to be addressed as part of the reevaluation. 

Throughout the three presentations, attendees identified the potential issues, new reports and 

designs. The following is a list of that information: 

• There are several highway improvements that have advanced since the 2005 FEIS and 

will need to be coordinated with the re-evaluation. Specific improvements noted 

included: 

o Proposed improvement of I-275 to I-4 ramp may impinge on FHSR ROW (URS 

traffic analyses underway). 
o Connection between Crosstown Expressway and I-4: bids on this design are 

scheduled to be received by September 16, 2009. 

o I-75/I-4 interchange: study is underway, anticipated to be completed in Fall 2009 

o Polk Parkway interchange: variances may be required as part of interchange 

reconstruction 

• The size and design of the Tampa CBD Station need to be evaluated by FDOT District 

Seven to ensure multi-modal connectivity. 

• A new additional potential Polk County Station site at the new USF Polytechnic is 

proposed by USF to be considered as a station because the new campus is midway 

between Orlando and Tampa and the FEIS lists just options. The campus is estimated to 

have over 16,000 students. 

• Pinellas/Hillsborough Joint MPO Meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2009. A 

presentation by FDOT or consultant staff is likely to be requested. 

• Tampa CBD FHSR O&D traffic (amount and location) is desired by FDOT and 

TBARTA. 

• If endorsements by local governments are made they should be sent to Nazih Haddad for 

inclusion in the FHSR application to FRA. 

• Ridership update will be conducted by WSA & AECOM. 

• The Engineering review process needs to be initiated with (1) a request for 

as-builts, (2) set up review meetings and (3) meet with FDOT and local governments. 

• Noise and vibration analyses will be conducted as part of the reevaluation. Note that the 

USF Polytechnic campus may be a vibration sensitive site. Plant City High School also 

noted as possible sensitive site. 

• Will FRA anticipate the air quality update to address greenhouse gases? 

• Local governments, MPO and private groups such as the Tampa Bay Partnership will 

request presentations and meetings during the reevaluation process. 

• Stakeholders in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County are requesting clarification as to the 

status of a linkage to the high speed rail system from their jurisdictions. This issue will 

need to be coordinated with TBARTA’s transit plan. 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

AGENCY COORDINATION MEETING 

Monday, June 29, 2009, 1:00 p.m. 

Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven 

Executive Conference Room 

AGENDA 

I. INTRODUCTION AND MEETING PURPOSE – N. Haddad 

II. PRESENTATION ON FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL PROGRAM - N. Haddad 

III. FOCUS ON CHANGES (EXISTING AND PLANNED) – S. Phillips 

A. Regulatory (Post ETDM) 

B. Transit/Roadway Improvements 

C. Land Use Changes 

IV. IDENTIFICATION OF CHANGES – S. Phillips 

A. Public Outreach and Coordination 

B. Existing FHSR Concept Plans Available on CD 

C. Concept Plans Aerial Photography Review 

V. SUMMARY – S. Phillips 
 
APPENDIX B 

Planning and Transportation Agencies 

Coordination Meeting # 2 

June 30, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

AGENCY COORDINATION MEETING 

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Florida Department of Transportation, District Five 

Orlando Urban Center 

Invitees: Teresa Jacobs (FDOT District Five), John Zielinski (FDOT District Five), Randy 

Fox (Florida Turnpike Enterprise), Barbara Davis (Florida Turnpike Enterprise), 

Jennifer Stults (Polk County Transportation Planning Organization), Bradley Friel 

(Greater Orlando Aviation Authority), Leslie Griffin (Orange County Expressway 

Authority), Lemoyne Adams (Orlando Utility Commission), David Groudall 

(Metroplan Orlando), Tiffany Homler (Osceola County), Howard Newman (WSA) 

Presentation Team: Nazih Haddad (FDOT), Gibran Hadj-Chikh (Parsons), Susan Roux 

(Parsons), Sharon Phillips (PBS&J), Lee Strickland (PBS&J) 

Nazih Haddad opened the meeting and described the Federal High Speed Rail American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the history of high speed rail initiatives in Florida. 

The balance of his presentation described the 2005 FEIS FHSR recommended alignment 

between Orlando and Tampa, and the reevaluation that is currently underway in order to receive 

a Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Rail Administration (FRA). 

Susan Roux continued with a description of, and the recommendations, resulting from the June 

5, 2009 meeting with FRA staff, FDOT and consultant staff. The qualitative data presented to 

FRA resulted in an agreement between FDOT and FRA that a reevaluation of the FEIS be 

prepared in order to move to the ROD stage and in order to submit the prequalification for 

ARRA funds. 

The last portion of the meeting, led by Sharon Phillips, used the 2005 FEIS concept plans as an 

attempt to identify any additional regulatory changes, land use developments, planning efforts, 

and/or transportation improvements that had occurred since the FEIS approval in July, 2005, and 

might need to be addressed as part of the reevaluation. 

Throughout the three presentations, attendees identified the potential issues, new reports and 

designs. The following is a list of that information: 

• I-4/US 27 Interchange modifications are in final design and nearly complete. 

• Plans completed since 2005 to widen the Beachline to eight lanes may impinge upon the 

area north of the Beachline identified in 2005. 

• Improvements to Taft/Vineland roadways may affect the FHSR corridor identified in 

2005; plans for widening to be completed later this year 

• New construction has occurred in the Tradeport area and may affect the FHSR alignment. 
• An Intermodal Study from International Drive to the OIA has been completed 

by FDOT. 

• GOAA has delayed the construction of the new South Terminal, which incorporated the 

FEIS intermodal location and FHSR connection. 

• GOAA has constructed a parking lot at one site identified in the FEIS as an Operation 

and Maintenance Site option in the FEIS. 

• The City of Orlando is about to begin a study of Boggy Creek. 

• The railroad bridge crossing Boggy Creek is to be replaced. 

• Sunrail continues to be discussed and its current crossing of the Beachline does not occur 

near either proposed intermodal site. 

• GOAA requested a schedule for completing Memoranda of Understanding; Nazih 

Haddad indicated that FDOT would like some level of MOU completed in time for the 

October 2009 applications for FRA funding. 

• Wetherbee Road Extension is under construction and will need to be considered as part of 

the re-evaluation. 

• Noted that one of the two maintenance sites identified in the 2005 FEIS is located on a 

conservation area 

• Polk County has interest in considering station sites both east and west of Lakeland 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

AGENCY COORDINATION MEETING 

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:00 a.m. 

Florida Department of Transportation, District Five 

Orlando Urban Center 

AGENDA 

IV. INTRODUCTION AND MEETING PURPOSE – N. Haddad 

V. PRESENTATION ON FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL PROGRAM - N. Haddad 

VI. FEIS REEVALUATION- S. Roux

IV. IDENTIFICATION OF CHANGES – S. Phillips 

B. Public Outreach and Coordination 

B. Existing FHSR Concept Plans Available on CD 

C. Concept Plans Aerial Photography Review 

V. SUMMARY – S. Phillips 
 
APPENDIX C 

Orange County/GEC 

Coordination Meeting # 3 

July 20, 2009
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

ORANGE COUNTY/I-DRIVE STATION @ ORANGE COUNTY 

July 20, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed to serve the Orange County 

Convention Center/International Drive area as part of the Tampa-Orlando HSR system. 

The briefing was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the 

HNTB/WSA General Consultant team. The meeting included staff members of Orange 

County, LYNX, FDOT District 5 and FDOT District 5 Sunrail team. Other members of 

the GEC and PD&E teams participated in person or a call-in. An attendance sheet is 

attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. 

Mr. Gilhooley of HNTB followed by providing a brief overview of the project and its 

proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 2002. This document is currently 

being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: Parsons-PBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the primary intent of the meeting: to review the station 

location that was previously cleared environmentally for the FEIS in 2002; determine if 

this location was still applicable or needed updating; request information that may impact 

the updated ridership forecasts that are being performed for the HSR project (with a 

particular focus on transit or multi-modal connections); and discuss the development of a 

Memorandum of Understanding that could be included in the HSR Application that will 

be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU would document the willingness of the 

County and surrounding stakeholders to participate in the project and have a station on 

the system. 

From Orange County staff’s point of view, there is clearly very positive support for a 

station in this location, and much planning has been done to accommodate and tie in to 

other modes. Ms. Carla Bell Johnson provided an update of the developments in or near 

the proposed intermodal station that is located primarily within the same proposed HSR 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

station site. There has been a significant amount of planning work done on this and 

surrounding sites that accommodates HSR and provides strong transit connection 

opportunities with current and future transit systems. Proposed connecting systems 

would include the I-Drive Circulator, which Orange County is currently advancing into 

an implementation phase. Also considered is a future light rail connection, and rubber 

tire service connection to the Sunrail commuter rail system. Ms Johnson provided copies 

of previous planning studies for reference and input to the HSR process. 

A discussion was held regarding the geometry of the site and the area that was previously 

cleared as shown on the attached plans. The alignment of the HSR system in this 

segment is challenging both horizontally and vertically to land at an ideal location exactly 

within the proposed station footprint. This can be studied further in the PD&E update, 

and it appears a reasonably efficient and workable solution can be achieved. 

Orange County staff recommended that in addition to seeking their input and potential 

endorsement, a similar meeting should be held with OCCC leadership and with the ETC 

that represents the transportation interests of the I-Drive area businesses. Ms. Bell 

Johnson offered to assist in setting such a meeting up in the very near future. 

Ridership was discussed as relates to any significant developments, which appear to be 

focused primarily on the previously mentioned transit connections, and on recent or 

planned developments in the areas such as a major new Hilton hotel. 

The meeting concluded with commitments by all to follow up with requested information 

and to keep updated and apprised of progress. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX D 

City of Lakeland/GEC 

Coordination Meeting # 4 

July 20, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

LAKELAND STATION @ CITY OF LAKELAND 

July 20, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station locations with local staff of: City of Lakeland, Polk County, 

Polk County TPO, Lakeland Area Mass Transit District and the Regional Planning 

Council. The briefing was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of 

the HNTB/WSA General Consultant team. FDOT District 1 also attended. A record of 

attendees is attached to this summary. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. 

Mr. Gilhooley of HNTB followed by providing a brief overview of the project and its 

proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 2002. This document is currently 

being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: Parsons-PBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the primary intent of the meeting: to review the station 

locations for Lakeland that were cleared environmentally for the FEIS in 2002; determine 

if these locations still were applicable or needed updating; request information that may 

impact the updated ridership forecasts that are being performed for the HSR project (with 

a particular focus on transit or multi-modal connections); and discuss the development of 

a Memorandum of Understanding that could be included in the HSR Application that will 

be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU would document the willingness of the local 

community to participate in the project and have a station on the system. 

Lakeland and Polk County representatives expressed great support for the project and 

willingness to have a HSR station, noting that much planning has been done in the region 

for transportation in general and transit services in specific. Mr.Barmby of the City of 

Lakeland the provided an overview of five sites shown on the attached handouts that 

could be considered currently. Three of these are in the vicinity of the Kathleen Rd site 

previously cleared, one (two possible locations) at the proposed University of South 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

Florida campus, and one near the western Polk Parkway site previously cleared. 

Advantages and disadvantages of each location were discussed. 

Both Lakeland and Polk County representatives noted the significant investments that 

have been made in local infrastructure to plan for future transit connections feeding the 

US98 core through the City of Lakeland. These investments total near $100 million. Mr. 

Share requested that these investments be documented such that the FHSR application 

could note this given the importance and emphasis on transit connections in the 

competition for HSR funding. 

Also noted was the recent approval by the Florida Legislature to allow the creation of a 

Polk County Transit Authority that has the ability to dedicate funding to transit. Mr. 

Share recommended that a Resolution from the City and County in support of HSR be 

developed that highlighted this ability as another positive element to include in the HSR 

application. 

Other information requested from Polk and City staff was any data that would potentially 

impact a ridership update for HSR service in Lakeland. Staff agreed to provide this 

information and also recommended follow up with FDOT D1 for traffic model 

information. 

The meeting concluded with commitments by all to follow up with requested information 

and to keep updated and apprised of progress. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX E 

City of Tampa/GEC 

Coordination Meeting # 5 

July 21, 2009
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

TAMPA STATION @ FDOT DISTRICT 7 BUILDING 

July 21, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed in downtown Tampa. The briefing 

was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the HNTB/WSA 

General Consultant team. The meeting included staff members of the City of Tampa and 

FDOT District 7. Other members of the GEC and PD&E teams participated in person or a 

call-in. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. 

Mr. Gilhooley of HNTB followed by providing a brief overview of the project and its 

proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 2002. This document is currently 

being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: Parsons-PBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the primary intent of the meeting: to review the station 

location that was previously cleared environmentally for the FEIS in 2002; determine if 

this location was still applicable or needed updating; request information that may impact 

the updated ridership forecasts that are being performed for the HSR project; and discuss 

the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that could be included in the HSR 

Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU would document the 

willingness of the City to participate in the project and have a station on the system. 

City of Tampa and FDOT staff noted that much planning has occurred on the proposed 

site in the last few years since the HSR system was put on hold. This planning has 

revolved around the development of an intermodal center that can accommodate HSR 

and interface with other modes such as buses. A concept map was provided at the 

meeting by FDOT staff and is attached. City and FDOT noted that there is a light rail 

system under development that would not connect to the site as currently planned. Other 

systems envisioned by TBARTA such as commuter rail may connect to the site, called 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

the Marion Transit center, and provide a connection to HSR. Other future opportunities 

include a connection to Tampa International Airport and to the Port of Tampa for cruises. 

Ridership was discussed to identify new factors that may influence revised projections. 

Mr. Danny Lamb of FDOT was identified as a source for all the latest model information. 

The consensus from City staff was the development of the HSR station downtown may 

serve as a magnet for other modes to join in, and also to provide TOD around the site 

location. They committed to discuss the idea of providing a supportive resolution from 

the City. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX F 

OIA/GOAA/GEC 

Coordination Meeting # 6 

July 21, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT STATION @ GREATER ORLANDO 

AVIATION AUTHORITY ANNEX BUILDING 

July 21, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed at the Orlando International Airport 

as part of the Tampa-Orlando-Miami HSR system. The briefing was led by Nazih 

Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the HNTB/WSA General Consultant 

team. The meeting included staff members of LYNX, FDOT District 5 and FDOT 

District 5 Sunrail team. Other members of the GEC and PD&E teams participated in 

person or a call-in. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. 

Mr. Haddad complemented the GOAA for its visionary planning for High Speed and 

other rail modes through the significant investments made to accommodate rail corridors 

and to plan for rail station(s). Mr. Haddad noted that FDOT had included these visionary 

investments as part of the State contribution in the Pre-application for the HSR corridor. 

Mr. Gilhooley of HNTB followed by providing a brief overview of the project and its 

proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 2002. This document is currently 

being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: Parsons-PBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the primary intent of the meeting: to review the station 

location that was previously cleared environmentally for the FEIS in 2002; determine if 

this location was still applicable or needed updating; request information that may impact 

the updated ridership forecasts that are being performed for the HSR project; and discuss 

the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that could be included in the HSR 

Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU would document the 

willingness of the Authority to participate in the project and have a station on the system. 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

Mr. Share also noted that the routing of the HSR on to OIA property included a proposed 

maintenance facility that was previously contemplated for the HSR Greenway alignment 

that is no longer under consideration. The alternate location for a maintenance facility in 

the previous FEIS is now very challenging to make work, so ideally the one on OIA 

property could be made to work. 

GOAA Executive Director Steve Gardner began by renewing the commitment that the 

airport has to be part of the system as noted by Mr. Haddad. He stated that while the 

previous FEIS performed in 2002 had the HSR system ending with a station at the future 

South Terminal, that both the North and future South terminals should be included in the 

HSR planning. Mr. Rob Brancheau briefed on previous and recent planning efforts 

GOAA has made to accommodate an entry from the south and exit from the north for 

HSR to continue to Miami or other points. 

Additional input provided by GOAA staff included the following: 

• Mr. Bob Gilbert asked for the format of endorsement sought as part of the 

application process, and FDOT committed to provide this; 

• Mr. Gilbert also brought up the issue of potential electric interference with FAA 

control equipment that may occur from an electric train, and shared his 

recollection of a study done at LAX on this topic that may be of assistance on 

analyzing this issue. 

• Mr. Brancheau noted that the site where the proposed maintenance facility is 

located is a Conservation site, so an alternate location may need to be explored. 

• Any alternate site for the HSR maintenance facility on GOAA property may 

require fair market value compensation due to FAA regulations. 

• There is a need to shift the existing South Access Road alignment to remove any 

conflict with the HSR alignment. 

• GOAA committed to provide a set of updated plans that show the latest planning 

that would impact HSR. . 

Factors influencing ridership included a commitment by GOAA to provide recently 

compiled enplanement and deplanement data. LYNX noted that they are working to 

develop bus service from OIA to potential connection with Sunrail near I-Drive. GOAA 

also noted the success of the Disney Magical Express, which they anticipated we would 

hear from WDW when a station meeting is held with them. The meeting concluded with 

commitments by all to follow up with requested information and to keep updated and 

apprised of progress. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX G 

City of Orlando/Orlando HSR Stations 

Coordination Meeting # 7 

August 12, 2009
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

City of Orlando @ City Hall, Orlando 

August 14, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed to serve the Orange County 

Convention Center/International Drive area as part of the Tampa-Orlando HSR system. 

The briefing was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the 

HNTB/WSA General Consultant team. The meeting included staff of the City of 

Orlando and FDOT District 5. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. Mr. Haddad then followed by providing a 

brief overview of the project and its proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 

2002. This document is currently being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: ParsonsPBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the station locations that were previously cleared 

environmentally in the Orlando area for the FEIS in 2002, including Orlando Airport, the 

Orange County Convention Center Intermodal center at Canadian Court, and at Walt 

Disney world/Celebration. He noted that previous meetings had been held with the 

greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Orange County, and Walt Disney World to confirm 

previous locations, and to verify that the Beachline alignment route is the one that will be 

used by the current High Speed Rail plan. He also discussed the development of a 

Memorandum of Understanding or Resolution that could be included in the HSR 

Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU or Resolution would 

offer support from the City to participate in the project and have a station on the system. 

Roger Neiswender, Director of Transportation for the City, offered support on behalf of 

the city for the HSR project, and noted the importance of this system and its connection 

to other planned transportation systems such as commuter rail and light rail. He also 

noted the importance of facilitating connections to the development on the eastern side of 

the Airport and City with the new UCF Medical School, the Burnham Institute and 

others, all of which could benefit greatly from the system. 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

A discussion was also held by all about the importance of having a consensus vision of 

what future transportation systems are planned for the region, and that a meeting between 

the City, County, Metroplan, LYNX, GOAA and District 5 could facilitate the 

achievement of that common vision. 

The meeting concluded with an agreement to follow up with any additional information 

requests from the City. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
Orlando Area High Speed Rail Stations 

Agenda 

August 14, 2009 – 11:30 am 

Teleconference 866-603-2932, Pass code – 8552509 

1. Project Overview 

a. Phase I – Tampa to Orlando International Airport (OIA) 

b. Phase II – OIA to Miami 

c. Stimulus Funding Application 

2. Orlando Area Stations 

a. Review Station Footprints 

b. Factors Influencing Ridership 

c. Stakeholder Agreements 
 
APPENDIX H 

City of Tampa HSR Station – TBARTA and HART 

Coordination Meeting # 8 

August 13, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

TAMPA STATION @ FDOT DISTRICT 7 BUILDING 

August 13, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed in downtown Tampa. The briefing 

was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the HNTB/WSA 

General Consultant team. The meeting included staff members of HART, TBARTA and 

FDOT District 7. Other members of the GEC and PD&E teams participated in person or a 

call-in. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. Mr. Haddad noted that the FEIS that had 

been prepared previously was being updated and would be included as part of the 

application to the FRA in October. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the primary intent of the meeting: to review the station 

location that was previously cleared environmentally for the FEIS in 2002; determine if 

this location was still applicable or needed updating; request information that may impact 

the updated ridership forecasts that are being performed for the HSR project; and discuss 

the development of a Memorandum of Understanding that could be included in the HSR 

Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU would document the 

willingness of key stakeholders such as TBARTA and HART to participate in the project 

and support a station in the downtown Tampa area. 

TBARTA staff noted their support for the High Speed Rail project and how well it fit 

with their vision of bringing more rail/transit to the region including a potential initiative 

on next year’s ballot for funding. They support the downtown site for the Tampa station, 

and prefer the station location that is closest to Hillsborough County of the alternatives 

that had been included in the original FEIS for a Lakeland station. Mr. Share noted that 

the locations previously cleared in 2002 will be the same ones cleared in the FEIS update. 

The exact final locations will be determined by a number of factors including the amount 

of funding FDOT receives, input from private sector vendors, and local input. 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

TBARTA also noted that High Speed Rail is a good solution to come into downtown 

Tampa. They believe that an extension to St. Pete/Pinellas County is well into the future 

due to the inevitable major cost of a Bay crossing, and that this extension would be best 

served by some other form of transit for the foreseeable future. This was to be a topic of 

discussion at an upcoming Hillsborough-Pinellas MPO coordination meeting. 

HART staff noted that they have just initiated a study for light rail in the downtown 

Tampa area, and they are performing an Alternatives Analysis that would be impacted by 

the ongoing High Speed Rail initiative. All agreed it would be important to coordinate 

these efforts on factors such as ridership modeling and on potential station locations. A 

coordination meeting will be set up in the near future. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment by all to maintain open communication and 

coordinate on a regular basis. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX I 

City of Plant City – Lakeland HSR Station 

Coordination Meeting # 9 

August 13, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

PLANT CITY & HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY @ FDOT DISTRICT 1 

August 13, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station locations in the Lakeland area. The briefing was led by 

Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the HNTB/WSA General 

Consultant team. The meeting included participants from Plant City and Hillsborough 

County. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. Mr. Haddad noted that the FEIS that had 

been prepared previously was being updated and would be included as part of the 

application to the FRA in October. 

Mr. Haddad also noted that in the past few weeks a similar meeting had been held in 

downtown Lakeland with members of the City, Polk County and the TPO. At that 

meeting, the City of Lakeland had brought up the possibility of a station being considered 

at or near the proposed USF campus that will be built in the near future, and that a 

meeting had been held earlier in this day with representatives of USF. 

Mr. Share of WSA then reviewed the station locations that were previously cleared 

environmentally for the FEIS in 2002, noting that these same locations would be 

proposed in the FEIS update that will be submitted as part of the October 2 Application to 

the FRA. He noted that this conceptual location is totally appropriate at this point in the 

development of the project, and that the actual final location was going to be determined 

by a number of factors, including the input of private sector proposers who will likely 

operate and maintain the HSR system. These operators will be required to assume the 

risk of ridership revenue and will therefore be looking for the best business model 

location for a station. The main intent currently for FDOT is to meet the requirements of 

the federal process and provide the strongest response possible in this very competitive 

arena for funding. 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

Plant City and Hillsborough County members noted that they understood the process, and 

that at the appropriate time they would advocate for a station location that is closest to the 

Hillsborough County line. They also brought to attention a major expansion area being 

proposed in the future near Plant City that included 22 square miles and 34,000 housing 

units over a twenty year span. The plans for this can be found on the City’s website at 

www.plantcitygov.com as the NE Area Masterplan. 

There was further discussion about the development of a Memorandum of Understanding 

that could be included in the HSR Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. 

The MOU would document the support of key stakeholders in the region to have a single 

station in the Polk County/Lakeland area, without specifying location until appropriate. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment by all to maintain open communication and 

coordinate on a regular basis. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
APPENDIX J 

USF – Lakeland HSR Station 

Coordination Meeting # 10 

August 13, 2009 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC @ FDOT DISTRICT 1 

August 13, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station locations in the Lakeland area. The briefing was led by 

Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the HNTB/WSA General 

Consultant team. The meeting included participants from the University of South 

Florida, representatives for the Williams properties (MSCW and Gray Robinson), the 

City of Lakeland, and FDOT District 1. Other members of the GEC and PD&E teams 

participated in person or a call-in. An attendance sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. Mr. Haddad noted that the FEIS that had 

been prepared previously was being updated and would be included as part of the 

application to the FRA in October. 

Mr. Haddad also noted that in the past few weeks a similar meeting had been held in 

downtown Lakeland with members of the City, Polk County and the TPO. At that 

meeting, the City of Lakeland had brought up the possibility of a station being considered 

at or near the proposed USF campus that will be built in the near future. 

Mr. Share of WSA then reviewed the station locations that were previously cleared 

environmentally for the FEIS in 2002, noting that these same locations would be 

proposed in the FEIS update that will be submitted as part of the October 2 Application to 

the FRA. He noted that this conceptual location is totally appropriate at this point in the 

development of the project, and that the actual final location was going to be determined 

by a number of factors, including the input of private sector proposers who will likely 

operate and maintain the HSR system. These operators will be required to assume the 

risk of ridership revenue and will therefore be looking for the best business model 

location for a station. The main intent currently for FDOT is to meet the requirements of 

the federal process and provide the strongest response possible in this very competitive 

arena for funding. 
FHSR Meeting Summary 

July 20, 2009 

Page 2 of 2 

USF leadership and others stated they understood the process and would look for the 

appropriate time to advocate for a location of a station near their campus. They noted 

this location was in their opinion the strongest based on the major investments being 

made at USF, and the vision of this being a magnet for the region as a whole. They also 

noted their close efforts working together with the City of Lakeland as a partner. 

Representatives of Williams Properties also voiced support for the USF location and 

provided updated plans for the proposed Research Park adjacent to the USF campus. The 

City of Lakeland noted that the planned development in the area required that a bus 

transfer facility be built by 2016. 

USF noted they would provide growth projection information that they have available for 

future use. 

There was further discussion about the development of a Memorandum of Understanding 

that could be included in the HSR Application that will be submitted on October 2, 2009. 

The MOU would document the support of key stakeholders in the region to have a single 

station in the Polk County/Lakeland area, without specifying location until appropriate. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment by all to maintain open communication and 

coordinate on a regular basis. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 

Note: See attached graphic of potential Lakeland station sites. 

APPENDIX K 

ETC – Orlando HSR Station 

Coordination Meeting # 11 

August 14, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL 

MEETING SUMMARY 

International Drive/ETC @ Embassy Suites, Orlando 

August 14, 2009 

NOTE: Below is a Meeting Summary that is intended to capture the major points of 

discussion at the subject meeting. Detailed meeting minutes are not provided or 

necessary. 

The subject meeting was held for the purpose of providing an update on the Florida HSR 

project and to review station location that is proposed to serve the Orange County 

Convention Center/International Drive area as part of the Tampa-Orlando HSR system. 

The briefing was led by Nazih Haddad of FDOT, and supported by members of the 

HNTB/WSA General Consultant team. The meeting included members of the business 

coalition for International Drive, Orange County, and FDOT District 5. An attendance 

sheet is attached. 

Mr. Haddad started the meeting by describing the ongoing application process for 

funding under the Vision for High Speed Rail in America ARRA Stimulus program. He 

explained that three separate Pre-applications had been submitted on July 10, 20009 by 

the FDOT. One of the Pre-applications was for the Tampa-Orlando-Miami High Speed 

Rail corridor. The meeting today was related to the Tampa-Orlando segment of this 

corridor, which is deemed most “ready to go”. Mr. Haddad then followed by providing a 

brief overview of the project and its proposed alignment based on the FEIS performed in 

2002. This document is currently being updated by the FHSR PD&E Team: ParsonsPBS&J. 

Mr. Share of WSA then described the station location that was previously cleared 

environmentally at the Orange County Convention Center site on Canadian Court for the 

FEIS in 2002. He noted that a previous meeting was held with the County to confirm this 

location, and to verify that the Beachline alignment route is the one that will be used by 

the current High Speed Rail plan. He also discussed the development of a Memorandum 

of Understanding or Resolution that could be included in the HSR Application that will 

be submitted on October 2, 2009. The MOU or Resolution would offer support from the 

I-Drive stakeholders to participate in the project and have a station on the system. 

The I-Drive businesses are quite supportive of the HSR system, particularly since it will 

be on the Beachline route and include a station at the Convention Center. They also 

understand the intent is to have a private sector partner that will be responsible for 

operations and maintenance of the system, which may include development of the station 

and amenities. 

End of meeting Summary. 

ENCLOSURES: meeting handouts and sign-up sheet 
Orlando Area High Speed Rail Stations 

Agenda 

August 14, 2009 – 2:30 pm 

Teleconference 866-603-2932, Pass code – 8552509 

1. Project Overview 

a. Phase I – Tampa to Orlando International Airport (OIA) 

b. Phase II – OIA to Miami 

c. Stimulus Funding Application 

2. Orlando Area Stations 

a. Review Station Footprints 

b. Factors Influencing Ridership 

c. Stakeholder Agreements 
APPENDIX L 

ETAT 

Agency Coordination Meeting 

September 11, 2009 
 
MEETING NOTES 

 

Date/Time: September 11, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. 

Location: FDOT District One Headquarters – Mike Rippe Auditorium 

 801 North Broadway Avenue 

 Bartow, Florida 33830 

Subject: Agency Coordination Meeting 

 Florida High Speed Rail-Tampa to Orlando 

 2009 Environmental Reevaluation of the 

 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement 

 Hillsborough, Polk Osceola, and Orange Counties, Florida 

Attendees: FDOT Central Office Staff (by phone) including Marjorie Bixby, Nazih 

Haddad, Teresa Jacobs with FDOT District 5 

PBS&J: Sharon Phillips, Randy Cimini, Lee Strickland, Sherry Carver, 

Melanie Calvo, Shannon Niles, Heather Mathews 

 Parsons Transportation Group (PTG) (in person): Jim Kory, Jennifer Lewis 

 PTG (by phone): Gibran Hadj-Chikh, Susan Roux 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Chuck Schnepel 

U.S. Coast Guard: Evelyn Smart 

Wilbur Smith: Howard Newman 

National Marine Fisheries Service: Dave Rydene 

Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization: Bob Herrington 

Written By: Shannon Niles, PBS&J 

Copies To: File 

 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Central Office conducted an agency 

coordination meeting to obtain feedback on the project reevaluation prior to the public meetings 

that were scheduled for September 15, 16, and 17, 2009. The purpose of the reevaluation is to 

identify changes to the environmental impacts that were documented in the 2005 Final 

Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) including updates to land uses, roadways and 

regulations within the approved Florida High Speed Rail (FHSR) corridor. Some of the attendees 

were available by phone and were able to follow along with the PowerPoint presentation. The 

following bullets summarize key topics of discussion from this meeting: 

• Sharon Phillips (PBS&J), the project’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

Manager, began the meeting with introductions from FDOT Central Office and 

consultant staff. 

• Ms. Phillips acquainted the attendees with the federal funding process and requirements. 
Florida High Speed Rail Reevaluation 

Meeting Minutes –September 11, 2009 

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• A PowerPoint presentation of the project was shown and the attendees were provided 

with PowerPoint handout. This presentation will be shown at the public meetings the 

following week. 

• Ms. Phillips discussed key issues associated with the FHSR Reevaluation. Most of the 

changes are at the Tampa Station (downtown Tampa) due to construction of the 

downtown Tampa interchange and FDOT’s purchase of the Morgan Street Jail property. 

In the Orlando area, the Disney site has changed location and International Drive was 

expanded. The Orlando International Airport location has been changed because the 

anticipated terminal has not been built. 

• Melanie Calvo (PBS&J), Environmental Scientist, is evaluating wetland species/impact 

to the project site. For the FHSR Reevaluation, 95 miles (23.6-40 acres) were impacted, 

but only a total of 11 acres were considered “high quality”. Coordination is currently 

taking place with all permitting agencies. There are no significant changes to wetland 

involvement. Wetlands are anticipated to be mitigated through Florida Statute 373.4138. 

Specifics of the mitigation have not been developed. The permitting timeframe is 

anticipated to be 180 to 365 days following permit application submittal. Several changes 

have been made to protected species regulations since the 2005 FEIS. The bald eagle has 

been delisted and is no longer protected under the Endangered Species Act. However, it 

is still afforded protection under the Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle Protection Act as well 

as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and management guidelines of those acts must be 

followed. There has been a reduction in the radius of the Core Foraging Area (CFA) of 

the wood stork in Central Florida. However, even with that reduction, most of the 

corridor is still within the CFA of a wood stork colony. Finally, “Incidental Take” 

Permits are no longer allowed for the gopher tortoise. A relocation permit must be 

acquired and recipient sites located for the gopher tortoises impacted by the project. A 

consultation area is now placed over much of Polk and Osceola counties for the Snail 

Kite, which includes part of our corridor. However, we do not anticipate snail kites in 

our project corridor. Informal consultation with the USFWS will be necessary to acquire 

the agency's concurrence that the project will not affect the snail kite. 

• Jim Kory (PTG), Drainage Engineer, discussed drainage for the project. FDOT will need 

to comply with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP’s) new 

stormwater management regulations. New standards for phosphate and nitrogen are in the 

FDEP handbook. Jim Kory made mention of Florida’s high water table and wet retention 

ponds. New, larger retention ponds need to be constructed. Utilizing existing ponds and a 

pre-treatment approach to dry retention ponds was discussed. Coordination for acquiring 

ROW for additional ponds is in progress. Overall, there will be no significant drainage 

impacts to the project locations. 

• Sherry Carver (PBS&J), Senior Transportation Planner, provided a brief status report on 

planning coordination/land-use issues. All of the local government comprehensive plans 

must contain multi-modal element. In addition, all of the metropolitan planning 

organization (MPO) long range transportation plans (LRTP) need to include this project. 
Florida High Speed Rail Reevaluation 

Meeting Minutes –September 11, 2009 

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Project is consistent with Hillsborough County MPO 2025 LRTP, Polk County TPO 

2030 LRTP, Metroplan 2030 LRTP, which are all referenced in FHSR. Additional 

coordination is taking place with the City of Orlando, Orange County, and Reedy Creek 

District, which are not yet in total compliance. 

• Ms. Phillips stated that a ridership study has been completed and has shown a slight 

increase in ridership. However, it does not increase the number of trains or the 

operational plans; therefore, there are no anticipated noise or vibration impacts to the 

project. 

• The Perry Harvey Sr. Park site will not impact 4(f) property. As a result of I-275 – I-4 

interchange constitution, park boundaries have changed from impacting 0.14 to 0.05 

acres of land. No significant impacts to project – which will be noted in the public 

involvement meetings (9/15, 9/16, 9/17) next week. 

• Ms. Phillips noted that all letters and notifications for the upcoming public meetings went 

out to elected officials, agencies, and property owners. 

• Ms. Phillips opened the floor up for Q&A. There was one question from Chuck Schnepel 

with USACE, for Ms. Calvo with PBS&J. The question referred to mitigation, and 

whether was it already in place for the project. Melanie Calvo’s response was that the 

mitigation is not currently in place but they are in the process of negotiations with the 

water management districts and will proceed according to the Florida Statute. 

• The floor was opened up for final comments. No additional comments were made and no 

other questions were posed. Sharon Phillips adjourned the meeting at 10:26 a.m. 
 
APPENDIX M 

Public Meetings 

September 15, 16, and 17, 2009 
 
FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL TAMPA TO ORLANDO 

PROJECT REEVALUATION 

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS-SEPTEMBER 15, 16, AND 17, 2009 

MEETING SUMMARY 

INTRODUCTION 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Central Office is conducting an 

environmental reevaluation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Florida 

High Speed Rail from Tampa to Orlando which was approved by the Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA) in July 2005. As part of the reevaluation effort for the FEIS, the FDOT 

held a series of Public Information Meetings in Hillsborough, Polk, and Orange counties. The 

meeting details are as follows: 

• Hillsborough County: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Florida State 

Fairgrounds, Florida Center Building, 4800 Highway 301 North, Tampa. 

• Polk County: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., The Lakeland Center, 

Sikes Hall K, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland. 

• Orange County: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., International Plaza 

Resort and Spa, Mediterranean and Coral Rooms, 10100 International Drive, Orlando. 

The purpose of the meetings was to solicit input from the public regarding changes in the project 

and environmental impacts that have occurred since the FEIS was approved. Several site 

locations approved in the FEIS had been slightly reconfigured, and additional sites in Polk 

County had been proposed for evaluation. 

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION 

FDOT utilized numerous methods in an effort to invite the public to the information meetings. 

On September 2, 2009, applicable federal, state, and local government elected officials, were 

extended a meeting invitation via first class mail. On September 4, 2009, FDOT distributed 

notification letters to individuals whose property, or a portion of their property, was within 300 

feet (ft.) of the centerline of the project. FDOT also sent notification letters to federal, state, and 

local government agencies, and civic organizations, including local Metropolitan Planning 

Organizations (MPOs). The notification letter is included in the project files. 

On September 8, 9, and 10, 2009, the FDOT published a legal advertisement in the Tampa 

Tribune, Lakeland Ledger, and Orlando Sentinel, respectively. The date of ad publication was 

one week prior to the Tampa, Lakeland, and Orlando public information meetings, respectively. 

MEETING FORMAT 

All three of the information meetings were conducted in an informal format with no formal 

presentation. After signing in, each participant received a handout package, which included a 

project location map showing the original proposed sites from the FEIS, a copy of the 
PowerPoint presentation that was shown at the meeting, a typical section graphic, and a comment 

form. The participants were also encouraged to review the audiovisual presentation that was 

continuously shown throughout the meeting. A copy of the handout and PowerPoint presentation 

are included in the project files. 

The project display area featured graphics illustrating changes to station locations (size, 

configuration, etc), as well as the location of additional station sites, that are being analyzed as 

part of the reevaluation effort. The project display area also provided an opportunity for public 

comment, and several tables for viewing 11 x 17 plans sets of the entire corridor, along with the 

FEIS. The following presentation boards were shown: 

• Project Location Map 

• Typical Section 

• Tampa Site Location 

• Possible Polk County Site Locations 

• Disney Site Location 

• International Drive Site Location 

• Orlando International Airport Site Location 

FDOT representatives were available to answer questions and discuss the project. 

The Public Information Meetings were held in accordance with 23 CFR 771 and Titles VI and 

VIII of the Civil Rights Act. Anyone in need of special accommodations under the Americans 

with Disabilities Act was encouraged to contact the designated FDOT representative prior to the 

meetings. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Special accommodation was made for collecting public comments at each of the three Public 

Information Meetings. Participants could either fill out the comment form the night of the 

meeting and submit it in the comment boxes provided in the project display area, or they could 

mail the comment form to FDOT using the address on the back of the form. In order for the 

reevaluation to process to continue, participants were asked to submit or mail comments on or 

before September 23, 2009. 

In order to identify the concerns unique to each geographic area, comments received at the public 

information meetings have been summarized by individual meeting location and are outlined 

below. Sign In sheets and written comments for all meetings are included in the project files. A 

summary of the public comments from each of the meetings is included in the following 

sections. 

TAMPA MEETING 

Approximately 77 individuals participated in the Tampa Public Information Meeting, along with 

15 project team members. Ten written comments were submitted at the meeting, including two 

from elected officials: St. Petersburg City Councilman Wengay “Newt” Newton, and Florida 

Representative Betty Reed (District 59). One comment and one request for information were 

received via email. A summary of the comments is provided in the following bulleted list: 
• 8 of the 11 comments received were in favor of the project 

• 1 comment opposed the project because of its funding source (American Reinvestment 

and Recovery Act of 2009) 

• 1 opposed the project because of noise issues 

• 2 questioned why there wasn’t a connection to Pinellas County 

• 3 wanted to ensure a connection to Hillsborough County’s proposed light rail system 

• 1 questioned the number of site locations in Tampa and Lakeland 

• 1 requested consideration be given to implementing a comprehensive approach to design 

sensitive issues like landscaping 

• 1 requested additional project information 

LAKELAND MEETING 

Approximately 160 individuals attended the Lakeland Public Information Meeting, along with 19 

team members. Forty-eight written comments were submitted at the meeting, and one was 

received by mail. One request for project information was received by email. The bulleted list 

below provides a summary of comments: 

• 37 of the 48 comments received were in favor of the project 

• 3 opposed the chosen technology (electric) and instead favored MAGLEV 

• 2 expressed concern about modes of transportation available to and from the high speed 

rail site locations 

• 1 expressed concern regarding the preservation of wildlife crossings 

• 2 wanted the system to connect to Tampa International Airport (TIA) 

• 1 ranked the sites in varying order 

• 1 opposed Lakeland Option 4 

• 2 suggested a station at I-4 and US 27 

• 1 supported Location Option 1 

• 3 supported Location Option 4 

• 2 favored the Kathleen Road option 

• 4 supported Location Option 2 

• 2 favored Location Option 5 

• 2 favored the Mall Hill Road option 

• 1 wanted any location in central Polk County 

• Other concerns included: 

- information on the economic impact of high speed rail 

- consideration be given to adding more stops in the future 

- availability and location of power plants used to run the system 

- concerns regarding safety of vehicular traffic adjacent to the median 

- location of the Tampa station 

- concern regarding increase in noise 

- cost of “downtown” for repairs 

ORLANDO MEETING 
Approximately 65 individuals attended the Orlando Public Information Meeting, along with 19 

project team members. A total of six written comments were submitted at the meeting. A 

summary of the comments is provided in the bulleted list below: 

• 2 of the 6 comments received were in favor of the project 

• 1 preferred MAGLEV technology 

• Other concerns included: 

- request for information, and that it be placed on the website 

- advertisement of the meeting 
APPENDIX N 

Public Officials List
 
UNITED STATES SENATE AND HOUSE OF 

REPRESENTATIVES 

United States Senators 

Bill Nelson 

United States Senator 

224 East Robinson Street 

Suite 410 

Orlando, FL 32801 

407-872-7161 

George LeMieux 

United States Senator 

356 Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington Dc 20510 

 202-224-3041 

United States Representatives (By District) 

Corrine Brown (District 3) 

United States Representative 

219 Lime Avenue 

Orlando, FL 32802 

407-872-0656 

Ginny Brown-Waite (District 5) 

United States Representative 

16224 Spring Hill Drive 

Brooksville, FL 34604 

352-799-8354 

Alan Grayson (District 8) 

United States Representative 

455 N. Garland Avenue 

Orlando, FL 32801 

407-841-1757 
Gus Bilirakis (District 9) 

United States Representative 

35111 U.S. Highway 19 North 

Palm Harbor Professional Center 

Suite 301 

Palm Harbor, FL 34684 

727-773-2871 

C.W. Bill Young (District 10) 

United States Representative 

9210 113th Street 

Seminole, FL 33772 

727-394-6950 

Bill.Young@mail.house.gov 

Kathy Castor (District 11) 

United States Representative 

4144 N. Armenia Avenue 

Suite 300 

Tampa, FL 33607 

813-871-2817 

Adam H. Putnam (District 12) 

United States Representative 

650 East Davidson Street 

Bartow, FL 33830 

863-534-3530 

Bill Posey (District 15) 

United States Representative 

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Building C 

Melbourne, FL 32940 

321-632-1776 

Suzanne M Kosmas (District 24) 

United States Representative 

12424 Research Pkwy, Suite 135 

Orlando, FL 32826 

407-208-1106 
Florida State Senators (By District) 

Andy Gardiner (District 9) 

Florida State Senator 

1013 East Michigan Street 

Orlando, FL 32806 

407-428-5800 

gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov 

Ronda Storms (District 10) 

Florida State Senator 

313 East Robinson Street 

Brandon, FL 33511 

813-651-2189 

storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov 

Mike Fasano (District 11) 

Florida State Senator 

8217 Massachusetts Avenue 

New Port Richey, FL 34653-3111 

727-848-5885 

fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov 

Victor D. Crist (District 12) 

Florida State Senator 

11961 N. Florida Avenue 

Suite B 

Tampa, FL 33612 

813-975-6658 

crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov 

Dennis L. Jones, D.C. (District 13) 

Florida State Senator 

8940 Seminole Boulevard 

Seminole, FL 33772 

727-549-6411 

jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov 

Paula Dockery (District 15) 

Florida State Senator 

P.O. Box 2395 

Lakeland, FL 33806-2395 

863-413-2900 

dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov 
Charlie Justice (District 16) 

Florida State Senator 

Gateway Executive Center 

8601 Fourth Street North, Suite 100 

St. Petersburg, FL 33702 

727-217-7972 

justice.charlie.web@flsenate.gov 

JD Alexander (District 17) 

Florida State Senator 

151 First Street South 

Suite B 

Winter Haven, FL 33880 

863-298-7677 

alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov 

Arthenia L. Joyner (District 18) 

Florida State Senator 

508 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard 

Suite C 

Tampa, FL 33603-3415 

813-233-4277 

joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov 

Gary Siplin (District 19) 

Florida State Senator 

1436 North Pine Hills Road 

Orlando, FL 32808 

407-297-2071 

siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov 

Lee Constantine (District 22) 

Florida State Senator 

378 Centerpointe Circle 

Suite 1268 

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-3442 

407-331-9675 

constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov 

Thad Altman (District 24) 

Florida State Senator 

6767 North Wickham Road 

Suite 211 

Melbourne, FL 32940 

321-752-3138 

altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov 
Mike Haridopolos (District 26) 

Florida State Senator 

3270 Suntree Boulevard 

Suite 122 

Melbourne, FL 32940 

321-752-3131 

haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov 

Florida Representatives (By District) 

Steve Crisafulli (District 32) 

Florida State Representative 

2460 North Courtenay Parkway 

Suite 108 

Merritt Island, FL 32953-4193 

321-449-5111 

Sandra "Sandy" Adams (District 33) 

Florida State Representative 

2074 Winter Springs Boulevard 

Oviedo, FL 32765-9347 

407-977-4020 

Chris Dorworth (District 34) 

Florida State Representative 

1055 AAA Drive 

Heathrow, FL 32746-5072 

407-333-1815 

Dean Cannon (District 35) 

Florida State Representative 

1992 Mizell Avenue 

Suite 200 

Winter Park, FL 32792-4117 

407-623-5740 

Scott Randolph (District 36) 

Florida State Representative 

701 East South Street 

Suite 100 

Orlando, FL 32801-2953 

407-893-3084 

Scott Plakon (District 37) 

Florida State Representative 

1855 West State Road 434 
Longwood, FL 32750-5071 

407-262-7520 

Bryan Nelson (District 38) 

Florida State Representative 

409 South Park Avenue 

Apopka, FL 32703-5261 

407-884-2023 

Geraldine F. "Geri" Thompson (District 39) 

Florida State Representative 

511 West South Street 

Orlando, FL 32805-2761 

407-245-1511 

Eric Eisnaugle (District 40) 

Florida State Representative 

2003 Curry Ford Road 

Orlando, FL 32806-2419 

407-893-3141 

Stephen L. Precourt (District 41) 

Florida State Representative 

310 South Dillard Street 

Suite 400 

Winter Garden, FL 34787-3515 

407-814-6138 

Thomas "Tom" Anderson (District 45) 

Florida State Representative 

2236 US Highway 19 

Mount Vernon Professional Center 

Holiday, FL 34691-4351 

727-943-4760 

Kevin C. Ambler (District 47) 

Florida State Representative 

3820 Northdale Boulevard 

Suite 301-A 

Tampa, FL 33624-1865 

813-558-1333 
Peter Nehr (District 48) 

Florida State Representative 

Tarpon Tower - Suite 430 

905 E. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-4829 

727-943-4880 

Darren Soto (District 49) 

Florida State Representative 

Kissimmee City Hall 

101 North Church Street 3rd Floor 

Kissimmee, FL 32822-1751 

407-935-3777 

Ed Hooper (District 50) 

Florida State Representative 

2963 Gulf to Bay Boulevard 

Suite 206 

Clearwater, FL 33759-4259 

727-724-3000 

Janet C. Long (District 51) 

Florida State Representative 

5511 Park Street North 

Colonial Bank Building, Suite 101 

St. Petersburg, FL 33709-6399 

727-545-6421 

Bill Heller (District 52) 

Florida State Representative 

Alexander Building 

535 Central Avenue 

St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3703 

727-552-2573 

Rick Kriseman (District 53) 

Florida State Representative 

1700 66th Street N. 

St. Petersburg, FL 33710-5510 

727-552-1380 

James C. "Jim" Frishe (District 54) 

Florida State Representative 

125 Indian Rocks Road North 

Suite A 

Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770-1727 

727-518-3902 

Darryl Ervin Rouson (District 55) 

Florida State Representative 
442 45th Avenue South 

St. Petersburg, FL 33705-4510 

727-552-1370 

Rachel V. Burgin (District 56) 

Florida State Representative 

410 South Ware Boulevard 

Tampa, FL 33619-4439 

813-740-7655 

Faye B. Culp (District 57) 

Florida State Representative 

4302 Henderson Boulevard 

Tampa, FL 33629-5608 

813-272-2920 

Michael Scionti (District 58) 

Florida State Representative 

4221 North Himes Avenue 

Suite 102 

Tampa, FL 33607-6228 

813-673-4673 

Betty Reed (District 59) 

Florida State Representative 

2109 Palm Avenue 

Suite 204 

Tampa, FL 33605-3907 

813-241-8024 

Ed Homan (District 60) 

Florida State Representative 

9385 N. 56th Street 

Suite 311 

Temple Terrace, FL 33617-5505 

813-983-3330 

Will W. Weatherford (District 61) 

Florida State Representative 

78963 State Road 54 

Suite A 

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 

813-558-5115 

Richard "Rich" Glorioso (District 62) 

Florida State Representative 

110 W. Reynolds Street 
Plant City, FL 33563-3379 

813-757-9110 

Seth McKeel (District 63) 

Florida State Representative 

250 E. Highland Drive 

Lakeland, FL 33813-1725 

863-647-4896 

Kelli Stargel (District 64) 

Florida State Representative 

2000 East Edgewood 

Suite 109 

Lakeland, FL 33803-3639 

863-614-9156 

John Wood (District 65) 

Florida State Representative 

702 Jones Avenue 

Haines City, FL 33844-4342 

863-419-3470 

Baxter G. Troutman (District 66) 

Florida State Representative 

44 4th Street SW 

Winter Haven, FL 33880-2910 

863-298-5220 

Ron Reagan (District 67) 

Florida State Representative 

7011 15th Street East 

Suite B-1 

Sarasota, FL 34243-6205 

941-727-6447 

Bill Galvano (District 68) 

Florida State Representative 

1023 Manatee Avenue West 

Suite 715 

Bradenton, FL 34205-7829 

941-708-4968 
Mike Horner (District 79) 

Florida State Representative 

323 Pleasant Street 

Kissimmee, FL 34741-5763 

407-943-3077 
COUNTY AND CITY OFFICIALS 

Hillsborough County

Board of Commissioners: Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners 

Post Office Box 1110 

Tampa, FL 33601 

813-272-5660 

County Commissioners 

(By District): Rose Ferlita (District 1) 

813-272-5470 

Ken Hagen (District 2) 

813-272-5452 

Kevin White (District 3) 

813-272-5720 

Al Higgenbotham (District 4) 

813-272-5740 

Jim Norman (District 5) 

813-272-5725 

Kevin Beckner (District 6) 

813-272-5730 

Mark Sharpe (District 7) 

813-272-5735 

County Administrator: Patricia G. Bean 

 County Administrator 

 County Center, 26th Floor 

P.O. Box 1110 

Tampa, FL 33601-1110 

813-272-5750 

Metropolitan Planning 

Organization: Raymond Chiaramonte, AICP 

Executive Director 

Hillsborough County MPO 

County Center, 18th Floor 

P.O. Box 1110 

Tampa, FL 33601-1110 

813-272-5940 
Constitutional Officers: Pat Frank 

 Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court 

 George E. Edgecomb Courthouse 

 800 Twiggs Street 

 Tampa, FL 33602 

 813-276-8100 

 Rob Turner 

 Property Appraiser 

 County Center, 16th Floor 

 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard 

 Tampa, FL 33602-4932 

 813-272-6100 

 Doug Belden 

 Tax Collector 

 2506 N. Falkenburg Road 

 Tampa, FL 33619 

 813-635-5200 

 Phyllis Busansky 

 Supervisor of Elections 

 County Center, 16th Floor 

 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard 

 Tampa, FL 33602 

 813-272-5850 

David Gee 

Sheriff 

Post Office Box 3371 

Tampa, FL 33601-3371 

813-247-8200 

Mayor: Pam Iorio 

 Mayor 

 City of Tampa 

 306 East Jackson Street 

 Tampa, FL 33602 

 407-274-8251 

 
Orange County 

Board of Commissioners: Orange County Board of County Commissioners 

Administration Building, 5th Floor 

 201 S. Rosalind Avenue 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-836-7350 

County Commissioners

(By District): Richard T. Crotty, County Mayor 

 407-836-7370 

mayor@ocfl.net

S. Scott Boyd (District 1) 

407-836-7350 

district1@ocfl.net

Fred Brummer (District 2) 

407-836-7350 

district2@ocfl.net

Mildred Fernandez (District 3) 

407-836-5309 

district3@ocfl.net

Linda Stewart (District 4) 

407-836-7350 

district4@ocfl.net

Bill Segal (District 5) 

407-836-7350 

district5@ocfl.net

Tiffany Moore Russell (District 6) 

407-836-7350 

district6@ocfl.net

County Administrator: Ajit Lalchandani 

 County Administrator 

 Administration Builidng, 5th Floor 

 201 S. Rosalind Avenue 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-836-7370 
Metroplan Orlando: Harold W. Barley 

 Executive Director 

 Metroplan Orlando 

 315 E. Robinson Street, Suite 355 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-481-5672 

Constitutional Officers: Lydia Gardner 

 Orange County Clerk of the Court 

 425 N. Orange Avenue 

 [P.O. Box 4994] 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-836-2000 

 Bill Donegan, CFA 

 Property Appraiser 

 200 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1700 

 Orlando, FL 32801-3438 

 407-836-5044 

 Earl K. Wood 

 Tax Collector 

 The SunTrust Center 

 200 S. Orange Avenue 

 Suite 1600 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-836-2709 

 Bill Cowles 

 Supervisor of Elections 

 119 W. Kaley Street 

 Orlando, FL 32806 

 407-836-2070 

 Jerry L. Demings 

 Sheriff 

 2500 West Colonial Drive 

 Orlando, FL 32804 

 407-254-7000 

Mayor: Buddy Dyer 

 Mayor 

 City of Orlando 

 400 South Orange Avenue 

 P.O. Box 4990 

 Orlando, FL 32802-4990 

 407-246-2221 

buddy.dyer@cityoforlando.net
Osceola County 

Board of Commissioners: Osceola County Board of County Commissioners 

1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4700 

Kissimmee, FL 34741 

407-742-2000 

County Commissioners

(By District): Michael E. Harford (District 1) 

407-343-2200 

michael.harford@osceola.org

John Q. Quinones (District 2) 

407-343-2200 

johnq@osceola.org

Brandon Arrington (District 3) 

407-343-2200 

barr@osceola.org

Ken Smith (District 4) 

407-343-2200 

ken.smith@osceola.org

Fred Hawkins, Jr. (District 5) 

407-343-2200 

fhaw@osceola.org

County Administrator: Michael J. Freilinger 

 County Manager 

 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4700 

 Kissimmee, FL 34741 

 407-742-2385 

Metroplan Orlando: None 

 
Constitutional Officers: Malcom Thompson 

 Osceola County Clerk of Circuit Court 

 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000 

 Kissimmee, FL 34741 

 407-742-3500 

 Katrina S. Scarborough 

 Property Appraiser 

 2505 E. Irlo Bronson Highway 

 Kissimmee, FL 34744 

 407-742-5000 

 Patsy Heffner 

 Tax Collector 

 2501 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway 

 Kissimmee, FL 34744 

 407-742-4000 

 Mary Jane Arrington 

 Supervisor of Elections 

 2509 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway 

 Kissimmee, FL 34744 

 407-742-6000 

Bob Hansell 

Sheriff 

2601 East Irlo Bronson Highway 

Kissimmee, FL 34744-4912 

407-348-2222 

Mayor: Jim Swan 

Mayor 

City of Kissimmee 

101 North Church Street 

Kissimmee, FL 34741 

407-847-2821 

jswan@kissimmee.org
Polk County 

Board of Commissioners: Polk County Board of County Commissioners 

330 West Church Street 

Bartow, FL 33830 

863-534-6000 

County Commissioners

(By District): Bob English (District 1) 

863-534-6450 

bobenglish@polk-county.net

Randy Wilkinson (District 2) 

863-534-6434 

randywilkinson@polk-county.net

Edwin V. Smith (District 3) 

863-534-6050 

Ed.Smith@polk-county.net 

Jean S. Reed (District 4) 

863-534-6422 

jeanreed@polk-county.net

Sam Johnson (District 5) 

863-534-6049 

samjohnson@polk-county.net

County Administrator: Michael Herr 

 County Manager 

 Drawer BC01 

 P.O. Box 9005 

 Bartow, FL 33531-9005 

863-534-6444 

Metroplan Orlando: Harold W. Barley 

 Executive Director 

 Metroplan Orlando 

 315 E. Robinson Street, Suite 355 

 Orlando, FL 32801 

 407-481-5672 
Constitutional Officers: Richard Weiss 

 Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court 

 255 N. Broadway Avenue 

 Bartow, FL 33830 

 863-534-4540 

Marsha M. Faux, CFA, ASA 

Property Appraise 

255 N. Wilson Avenue 

Bartow, FL 33830 

863-5344777 

 Joe G. Tedder, CFC 

 Tax Collector 

 430 E. Main Street 

 Bartow, Florida 33830 

 863-534-4700 

 Lori Edwards 

 Supervisor of Elections 

 P.O. Box 1460 

 Bartow, FL 33831 

 863-534-5888 

 

Grady Judd 

Sheriff 

455 North Broadway Avenue 

Bartow, FL 33830-3398 

863-534-6200 

Mayor: J. Adrian Jackson 

Mayor 

City of Bartow 

450 North Wilson Avenue 

Bartow, FL 33830 

863-534-0100 

ajjack@cityofbartow.net