Complete Streets Improvement study underway on Anna Maria Island

The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a Project Development and Environment Study for potential improvements to the corridor from State Road 789 from north of the Longboat Pass Bridge to State Road 64, and Gulf Drive from State Road 64 to White Avenue.

The project length is about six miles total and will evaluate multimodal alternatives for the corridors in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Aspects like pedestrian safety, bicyclist safety and quality of life will be considered in the study.

“Minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing the future transportation network consistent with the community’s vision and character is also a project goal,” an FDOT release stated. 

This PD&E will not include Longboat Key. Looking forward, Longboat Key is also eyeing a similar project with its Gulf of Mexico Drive Complete Street Corridor Project. 

The project was listed as a priority for the town and the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, which set aside $18.3 million for the project in its long-range planning from 2025 to 2045.