BROOKSVILLE — The City Council on May 18 approved an agreement that gives the city eventual control of its downtown streets and could end the one-way pairs and heavy truck traffic that have long frustrated officials.
The 4-1 roll-call vote, with Council Member Betty Erhard dissenting, clears the way for the Florida Department of Transportation to spend about $18 million on improvements before turning the roads over to the city.
FDOT owns and maintains several roadway segments in Brooksville, including portions of U.S. 41 and U.S. 98 in and around downtown. Under the agreement, the state will complete operational and safety improvements along U.S. 98 near Broad Street and resurface portions of U.S. 98/East Jefferson Street, work tentatively scheduled for early fiscal year 2027. The city will assume maintenance once the improvements are finished and final transfer documents are signed.
Erhard questioned why the state would pay for the work and then hand over the roads.
“They’re just going to put in the money and give us the road?” she asked.
Public Works Director Richard Weeks said the resurfaced roads would hold up for 15 to 20 years. Mayor Christa Tanner said local control was worth it, particularly because the city could then restrict the large rock trucks that have hurt walkability and safety downtown.
“I think it’s important that we control the roads in our downtown,” Tanner said. “I just want the trucks out of downtown.”
Council Member Louis Hallal said Weeks had convinced him the deal was the right move. Vice Mayor Thomas Bronson also voiced support.
Tanner said the long-term goal is to eliminate the downtown one-way pairs.
A long-running debate
Broad and Jefferson streets were converted to one-way pairs in March 1993. The idea of reversing that change has surfaced since — in 2001 and 2016 — amid concerns about the economic effect on downtown businesses and the toll heavy trucks take on roads, buildings and pedestrian safety.
The city took its first formal step toward the transfer in January 2024, when the council unanimously approved a road transfer framework tied to FDOT resurfacing and intersection improvements expected in fiscal 2027.
“This is our first step in moving away from the ‘one-way pairs’ downtown,” then-Mayor Blake Bell said at the time. “This has been a long time coming.”
In other action
The council recognized the D.S. Parrott Middle School softball, tennis and golf teams for their seasons. Members also approved proclamations marking the retirement of longtime city employee Joseph Valadao and recognizing May as Brain Cancer Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month.
The next council meeting is set for June 1.