The Rewind: November TPO Board Meeting 

The November meeting began with a solemn moment of reflection and some thoughtful remarks from Chair Ross about the senseless crash in Ybor City. The TPO will keep the friends & families of all the victims in their thoughts.

Following that intercession, Rick Fernandez and Harmoni McGee shared committee updates, summaries, and comments. The consent agenda passed unanimously.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) presented their Tentative Work Programs for FY27-31. Questions centered on Streetcar funding, which was cut when the State New Starts funding was rescinded. Presenters also provided a brief update on the phasing and construction plans for the Westshore Interchange and some members inquired whether transit service is a part of that project. FTE noted statutory limits to providing transit service but confirmed that transit vehicles are permitted to utilize Turnpike facilities. District 7 reported that 87% of the wrong-way driving project is complete, with full completion expected within a year. Law enforcement involvement in wrong-way driving incidents is required in only 6% of cases. The TPO Board members requested a page summarizing the data.

The Letter of Comment on the Tentative Work Programs was approved unanimously. The Board opened a planning study solicitation for the TPO to begin building out its FY27-28 UPWP, which sparked conversations among members about the impact of Brightline and advanced technologies on the region.

Status reports included an annual progress report from HART’s Transit Development Plan for 2026-2035, which reviewed successes and funding needs. A question was raised about student riders receiving discounted fares, to which HART staff confirmed that special tickets are available. The former Lakeland Traffic Operations manager presented some information about the city’s Intersection Collision Avoidance Safety Program, which attracted positive attention. Early data look promising, and while the program is relatively low-cost, members discussed potential risks, such as rear-end collisions from distracted drivers, and how autonomous vehicles might factor in. The growing penetration of driver‑assistance technology was noted as positive, though concerns remain about cost and integration with existing infrastructure.

The Executive Director’s Report covered a trip to MetroPlan Orlando; Commissioner Cohen urged sticking with the current apportionment plan after reviewing MetroPlan’s approach.  A preview of the 2026 meeting calendar was shared.

That’s a wrap for this month’s update! You can view the recording of the meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yECnphBQVds&list=PLZwNyAnHaDIv63Lu79P_lialZv-KmFvV3&index=53.