Verandah View
Another Seabreeze Publication VOL. 9 NO. 2
www.seabreezecommunications.com
FEBRUARY 2024
Florida Department Of Transportation Announcing A Explores Local Traffic Issues Three-Part Series
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in the early stages of exploring two highway projects that will impact Verandah residents. State Routes 31 And 80 (Including The Bridge Over The Caloosahatchee) At a November 2023 public hearing, FDOT reviewed and invited public comment on initial options for improvements to a portion of Route 31 from its intersection with Palm Beach Boulevard (Route 80) north to the intersection with Bayshore Road (approximately 1.4 miles long). One version of the project would include widening Route 31 to six vehicular lanes, three in each direction, plus protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes on each side. They are considering replacing the existing drawbridge over the Caloosahatchee River to a height almost 60 feet above water level to allow vessels to pass underneath. The proposal is based on current conditions, projected population growth in the Fort Myers Shores area and Babcock Ranch, and the deterioration of the existing drawbridge. In the presentation, FDOT noted that Route 31 is an important link in regional freight hauling, with 25 percent of its traffic consisting of delivery trucks. They also noted that Route 31 is an important part of the area’s hurricane evacuation route. FDOT officials emphasized the project is in its early planning stage. Comments can be provided through the project webpage www.swflroads.com/project/441942-1 or
by email to Patrick.Bateman@dot.state.fl.us or by mail to FDOT District One, Attn: Patrick Bateman, P.E., MS 1-40, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. Intersection Of Verandah Boulevard And Palm Beach Boulevard/Route 80 The Florida Department of Transportation has released a traffic analysis of the Palm Beach Boulevard/Verandah Boulevard intersection adjacent to Verandah’s main gate. The report, which is referred to as a Signal Warrant Analysis, is based on onsite observation and data collected by an independent engineering firm hired by FDOT between Jan. 1, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2022. The September 2023 report reviews several criteria (e.g. traffic volume, delay times at the intersection, collision data, etc.) in reaching the conclusion that installation of a traffic signal at this intersection is the most likely viable option to improve safety in the area. It documents there had been 33 crashes reported in the study area during the 60-month study period. Although no fatalities had been reported, eight of these crashes resulted in 10 personal injuries. It was also noted that 24 of the crashes occurred during daylight hours and all but one crash occurred when road conditions were dry. The Verandah Community Association’s (VCA) Traffic and Safety Committee continues to monitor this project and will report progress to the community as it unfolds.
All About Verandah Verandah View is pleased to announce an upcoming threepart series entitled All Things Verandah that will begin in our March issue. Part One – Our Natural Environment will explore the world of Verandah’s land and natural resources, which are home to many different plant and animal species.
Part Two – The Built Environment will describe the human made surroundings that provide the setting for our activities and how we work to preserve our natural heritage.
Verandah Rings In The New Year As 2023 came to an end, Verandah residents of all ages ushered in 2024 with celebrations of all kinds. It began with a Christmas Golf Cart Parade on the 23rd, that was followed by the New Year’s Eve celebration at the club. 110 Verandah residents enjoyed the celebration, reveling with friends and family as they looked back on 2023 and forward to 2024. The evening was a smashing success! The culinary team hand rolled sushi and there was a full cold bar of seafood. The band was incredible (Renata) and the crowd danced into the New Year. Even the children celebrated at a special noon New Year’s Eve get-together. 224 golfers, each fortified with a Bloody Mary, headed off to their tees on a beautiful New Year’s Day to take part in the annual Verandah Bloody Mary Open. And those who did not play in the Bloody Mary Open were able to follow along with live scoring via the Golf Genius App!
We live in a unique community, one where residents feel connected to the beauty of our natural environment and the people in it. Let’s continue by making the most of 2024 together. Part Three – The People and Governance will describe who lives in Verandah and how we work together as a community.
New Year’s Eve at the club
New Gate Access Sticker Distribution Days Dates
Wednesday, Feb. 21 Thursday, Feb. 22
Location
Verandah Community Association Office
Hours
Golf cart parade
Annual Bloody Mary Open
9 to 11:30 a.m. 1 to 4 p.m.