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letter to the editor

FDOT Should Abandon Bridge Option Near Braden Castle Park

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When Hurricane Helene's storm surge invaded our quaint historic community bordered by the Manatee and Braden Rivers on September 26, Braden Castle Park residents thought we had seen the worst that could be thrown at us. Then, a week later, Milton came through with heavy winds but spared us the forecasted 10-15 foot storm surge. Thankful, we began returning our homes and lives back to "normal."

Things were slowly moving along when suddenly, word spread through our community like wildfire that the FDOT was hosting a public update of the Bradenton-Palmetto Connector Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) Study. The last we heard about this project, Braden Castle Park (BCP), was one of ten corridor options. Residents quickly learned that the FDOT had whittled down the ten options to five earlier in the year and now we’re on the short list of three!

To say we were stunned is an understatement. We immediately commenced with a letter writing and email campaign appealing to the FDOT to remove BCP from their shortlist. A committee invited the FDOT and a Study engineer to speak to our residents. The meeting was attended by 102 residents plus others on Zoom. We were told another "cut" will be announced in July/August once the Study determines whether Corridor A (the flyover option) is viable or not. In the meantime, BCP residents are in homeowner limbo, unsure whether to fully repair their damaged homes because they may be investing money on improvements that they will not recoup after the Corridor announcement.

We believe our community deserves better. The City of Bradenton was named after Dr. Joseph Braden, who originally settled the land and built his "castle," where BCP now exists. In 1985, we were placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and on our 100th anniversary, the Bradenton City Council proclaimed March 7, 2024, as Braden Castle Park Day.

Aside from BCP's historical significance, the bridge would have a devastating social impact on our community. If it were taken by eminent domain, where in Manatee County could seniors on fixed incomes afford to move?

No one denies that the DeSoto Bridge/Rt 41 area gridlock must be addressed. But abandoning historic preservation and disrespectfully discriminating against an elderly community when there is a logical alternative makes no sense. We implore the FDOT to proceed with Corridor A (the flyover bridge) and allow BCP to remain for generations to come.

Linda Graumann
Bradenton, FL

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  • luvbradenton

    I agree the flyover bridge holds merit to be strongly investigated. It was highly controversial in Tampa when they did their flyover above Gandy Ave., but it has made a huge improvement to traffic both ways. It will not take away from local business, those who need gas, food etc. will follow current 41, those who are traveling directly north can save a lot of time without suffering through the lights and traffic as it is right now.

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