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Gov DeSantis - Advancements for Congestion Relief in Central
Bartow, FL October 16, 2025
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced major steps for congestion relief in Central Florida. These include 17 miles of new express lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Hillsborough County and a new truck parking facility along the I-4 corridor in Polk County. The state is also breaking ground on the nation’s first infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an entirely new mode of transportation.
“Florida’s conservative policies and sound fiscal management have produced one of the strongest economies in the nation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Through our Moving Florida Forward initiative, we are making record infrastructure investments and completing projects ahead of schedule to meet the needs of our growing state.”
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve successfully brought revolutionary congestion relief projects to life for Florida’s residents and visitors,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Our work to accelerate congestion relief, especially along the I-4 corridor, is a commitment we will continue to deliver on.”
Projects included in today’s announcement build upon Governor DeSantis’ commitment to reducing congestion along Florida’s busiest travel and freight corridors through the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which has expedited major projects 10-15 years in advance.
As Governor DeSantis continues to take bold action to ensure families spend less time in traffic, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be constructing 17 miles of a new single express lane facility on I-4 in Hillsborough County in both directions from Interstate 75 (I-75) to County Line Road. These express lanes will bring significant congestion relief to the traveling public by separating long-distance traffic from local commuter traffic, providing additional reliable travel options and enhancing the quality of life for residents traveling in the area. This project has officially been programmed within FDOT’s project pipeline and will be advanced by ten years, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
To further support Florida’s freight traffic along the I-4 corridor, which has one of the largest truck parking deficits throughout the state, FDOT will also be constructing a new 100-space truck parking facility in Polk County at the Polk Parkway and I-4 interchange. This advancement reflects the state’s commitment to fiscal prudence by maximizing available resources, as the new truck parking facility will utilize existing right-of-way within the interchange. With 75 percent of Florida’s total freight moved by trucks, Governor DeSantis has remained committed to expanding critical truck parking facilities throughout the state to support this vital industry.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced today that the construction of the first of two AAM vertiports is officially underway at the FDOT’s SunTrax testing facility, which will be expanded to a statewide network of interconnected commercial vertiports. This facility will establish the nation’s first-ever AAM aerial test bed and dedicated airspace, driving innovative research and development for this emerging technology. Additional announcements related to Florida's role in AAM will be released by FDOT in the coming months.
Governor DeSantis Announces Major Infrastructure Investment
Tampa, Fla. August 26, 2025
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement Project and the groundbreaking of the I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project. Together, these projects represent more than $1.3 billion in investments to reduce congestion, strengthen hurricane evacuation routes, and improve mobility for families and businesses across the Tampa Bay region.
“Today, I was proud to announce significant progress on two critical infrastructure projects in the Tampa Bay area: the new Howard Frankland Bridge and the I-275 Moving Florida Forward project in Pinellas County,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our Moving Florida Forward Initiative is delivering major improvements years ahead of schedule, reducing delays for families and businesses, and making long-term investments that will support Florida's growth for generations to come.”
The Howard Frankland Bridge replacement, the largest transportation project ever delivered in FDOT’s District 7, opened to traffic earlier this summer and as built has increased capacity by 50%. The new modernized bridge has been fortified to withstand hurricanes and ties directly into the recently completed Gateway Expressway and I-275 Express project.
The Governor also announced the groundbreaking of the I-275 expansion in Pinellas County. This project will widen the interstate, add new express lanes, and flow into the new Howard Frankland Bridge. Once complete, it is expected to reduce travel delays by up to 85% and generate more than $1.4 billion in regional economic value, while ensuring I-275 remains a vital hurricane evacuation corridor. Thanks to the investments included in Moving Florida Forward, the project will be delivered 15 years ahead of schedule.
“Governor DeSantis’s Moving Florida Forward Initiative is transforming Tampa Bay’s transportation system and connecting communities,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “I’m proud of the work of our FDOT team who is making quick work of the demolition of the old Howard Frankland Bridge and beginning construction of the much needed expansion of I-275 in Pinellas County.”
Launched in 2023, Florida’s Moving Florida Forward Initiative is accelerating more than 20 major congestion relief projects statewide, delivering improvements years ahead of schedule. Florida has committed more than $68 billion to transportation improvements over the next five years, ensuring that the state’s infrastructure continues to meet the demands of residents, visitors, and business alike.
Gov DeSantis Reappoints 2 to FL Transportation Commission
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Richard Burke and Al Lastra
Richard Burke
Burke is an Operating Partner at Energy Capital Partners Management, LP. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Biffa and is a member of the K9s for Warriors Board of Directors and the Environmental Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors. Burke earned his bachelor’s degree from Randolph Macon College.
Alex Lastra
Lastra is the Managing Partner of Desarrollo Florida, LLC. Previously, he served as the Senior Managing Director of Atlantic Pacific Development and was the President and executive board member of the Latin Builders Association. Lastra earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida International University.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate