This is a Design Change Reevaluation Public Hearing. This hearing is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning proposed design changes for the widening of U.S. 17 in Hardee County. The Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E) (Financial Project ID Number: 412631-1-22-01), approved July 11, 2006, recommended the widening of U.S. 17 from two to four lanes from the DeSoto/Hardee County Line to Third Avenue in Zolfo Springs. The reevaluation of the original approved PD&E study is being done at the request of Hardee County. The limits of the reevaluation extend from the Desoto/Hardee County Line to just north of Charlie Creek, a distance of approximately 3.5 miles. This design change includes using the railroad right-of-way that was purchased by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to create a one-way pair system around the Brookside Bluffs Community and the Bluffs Golf Course. Additional right-of-way is required on the west side of the existing U.S. 17 roadway to accommodate a required curve correction at Fish Branch Road. Right-of-way acquisition will also be required for proposed crossover connections and stormwater management facilities.