City campaign to move up project was a success.
Park Road stretches for five miles. On the south end, it begins at an intersection with East Alexander, and stretches north past I-4 and Sam Allen Road to a dead end between North Park Isle and Park East residential developments. The road is pitted with potholes, cracks, and seams, but sometimes has upgrades of wavy, uneven patches. “Park Road has been heavily traveled by many Plant City residents and all other users for years without repair,” Dodson commented. “The intense use has caused severe wear on the road surface and created a hazard for cars and trucks.”
Since Park Road runs near the center of Plant City, it is natural for people to assume the responsibility for maintaining the road lies with the City of Plant City, and blame Plant City for the poor condition of the road. For years, City Commissioner Bill Dodson has heard complaints from residents about the rough ride. However, the city doesn’t own Park Road. Park Road is divided into ownership jurisdictions. From Baker Street north to Sam Allen Road is a state road, and as such, is the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)—except for the ending portion at Sam Allen, which goes back to the county. From Baker Street south, Park Road belongs to the county. “We have asked Hillsborough County to repair and resurface the road on many occasions during the past several years,” Dodson said.
In response to the condition of the road and resident complaints, City Manager Bill McDaniel began a campaign with Hillsborough County to move up the scheduled road repair from 2027 to as soon as possible, and for the county to coordinate with FDOT to repair Park Road in a single project rather than piecemeal…