March 2025 Luncheon - On the Road with FDOT: Lakewood Ranch Update

Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

Whether you're a local resident, business owner, or just interested in the future of regional transportation, join us for a regional update from the Florida Department of Transportation. Gain a deeper understanding of the state and county's roles, the process behind project development, and what’s on the horizon for transportation in the Lakewood Ranch region. During this session, we'll take a closer look at key FDOT projects impacting Manatee and Sarasota counties, specifically those funneling into the Lakewood Ranch area, including:

• Ongoing Projects: Updates on active construction and upgrades to roads, bridges, and interchanges in the region.
• Pipeline Projects: A preview of upcoming initiatives, detailing how these future developments will affect commuting, local growth, and economic activity in LWR and neighboring communities.
• Funding and Selection: An explanation of how FDOT secures funding for transportation projects, how funds are allocated, and the data-driven process behind selecting and prioritizing projects.

Key Takeaways

• Gain insights into what’s currently being constructed and the expected timelines for completion. This section will address current road expansions, safety upgrades, and the anticipated impact of these projects on daily traffic flow.
• Learn about the Florida Department of Transportation's role at the state and county level, and its influence on transportation projects throughout the Lakewood Ranch region
• Hear an update on current and future regional projects, including active construction 

Speaker

Wayne Gaither - Southwest Area Office Director
Florida Department of Transportation

Wayne currently works for the Florida Department of Transportation in District One and serves as the Southwest Area Office Director. Wayne received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Urban Planning. After graduating, he started a career in public sector planning with experience in various planning disciplines. His twenty plus years of service is directly related to the transportation field through work at the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) level, Lee County Transit, and the Florida Department of Transportation. Through these positions, Wayne gathered experience in working with various levels of government in addressing road development and management as well as the integration of multi-modal transportation services.

In addition to the transportation field, Wayne worked as a Comprehensive Planner at both the City and County level with responsibilities that dealt with land-use and zoning development issues.