Take action, write to Tallahassee Lawmakers... DEMAND removal of Express Lanes & No More Tolls!
Facebook posting gathers residents reaction and one questioned the article because it provides little if any details… We are researching The Florida Senate Legislative website to find the video to review why and how this happened: https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/Videos
Amy Jessica Lipson What a joke and misappropriation of funds
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Too angry and disappointed for words! Highway Robbery - Taxation without Representation!
Jorge Llerena They refuse to give up the money.....we are being taxed to death in South Florida
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Consider this Jorge Llerena, FDOT spent $270 Million dollars to create this mess... now they will move the dividers to one lane spending how much? The Palmetto X-Way is our road and has been since we came from Cuba, so we have paid taxes for that road for decades... they then spend this money to charge us more money and refuse to hear the cry of the people... What do you think we ought to do as Americans?
Jorge Llerena Only way is to vote for those that will have our best interest at heart and not just lip service
Armando G Valdes Jorge Llerena it’ll never happen because you know the Democrats are communist.
Luli N Chris McArthur Poorly written article - all we got was: “That push stalled out and ultimately failed.” No more details as to exactly why it failed.
Joni Owen Purge…
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Luli N Chris McArthur A great observation... Look up through the videos and watch why...
https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/Videos
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Luli N Chris McArthur Just finished calling Tallahassee and speaking with the Clerk's office. They told me I had called the wrong office so I insisted giving lots of details on what I wanted and finally was helped navigate through the Florida Legislative websites understanding these bills were never heard by the Senate / House because they did not pass the committees where they were heard. This means we are given lots of BS by all elected officials... finally was guided to find the 01-27-2020 Senate committee on Infrastructure and Security where they are supposed to discuss this... Hope you also watch the video to determine where on the dial we can pin point to the information
01-27-2020 01-27-2020 Senate committee on Infrastructure and Security Video: https://thefloridachannel.org/.../1-27-20-senate.../
But... the more we interact with government the more we realize it is a show... political strategies... empty words that promise solutions yet left for election campaign empty speeches and hardly if ever do we really get the government we deserve…
Ok… at 12:13 on the dial, Senator Manny Diaz comes forth for Senate Bill #1090… Let’s see what happens:
Bill related to express lanes in Miami Dade County / 826 expressway
Another transportation bill may have had conflict, but all in Miami-Dade County are on the same side on this one, including the FDOT. Put into operation last fall, congestion / confusion experienced by users, road had never had a toll on it, additional lane but a net loss of one lane by general traffic. Improvement to the design required, access issues to Hialeah 2nd largest city in our State. Bring this to a conclusion and put rules into statute.
Q. 14:10 on the dial: Curious, why can’t we remove these without creating a law
Through Administrative process, but issues within a district sometimes hit a boiling point and we are trying to do something about it as it has reached the point of vitriolic so we want to act to conclude. Department has been nothing but cooperative, we file bills for transformational process, sometimes we write because we need legislation, but to keep it narrow as we have different needs, local control is sometimes is important. How much funding will FDOT lose? Exact numbers not available, but our research / Avila / Diaz monitor the lanes and while it is designed to create space, the number of users is below projections, below expectations, don’t want to throw the number out. Do you have / science that proves removal will decrease the congestion? Personally don’t like them, but I am curious. Actual data on use / peak time / speaker Oliva, 30 year experience driving that road and know what happens, congestion points creating a backup all inside my district, toll is a secondary issue, pretty low tolls but people get frustrated for the lack of access, creating backup in the regular lanes
17:56 Appearance cards: Doctor Soresco speaking for the bill and Bacardi waiving in support of the bill
- all the public testimony… last year Senator Diaz and I were on opposite sides, but this time we are together as all constituents do not our lines and what divide us, people are so upset, in Hialeah, without an entrance, it has been a bottle neck of traffic, have been stuck in ti myself, important to our community to send a strong message. FDOT is very receptive, please support this bill, we need the relieve in Miami-Dade County…
- Senator Tom Lee: The toll, lack of egress / ingress, looks like no one is using them, appropriate to bring this forth. But I learned there are $9 million owed back to FDOT, we didn’t learn about it until… the response was late, we don’t know until we know.. Trust Fund needs to be made whole
- 20:45 on the dial, Senator Manny Diaz brings the bill to closure: Responsiveness by the agency, they were aware of the problem. We have secretaries changing in that chair, project inherited by a certain person, we should reach a resolution which is the ultimate goal.
- $7 Million, you just saved $2 million… closed… call the roll
- Bing: All voted in favor and yet… nothing happens… What on Earth is that all about?
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Josh Dieguez; Marilyn Olazabal Ruano; Luis Collazo;
What do we do next???
Why, if approved by the Committee... did this bill not pass?
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Committee on Infrastructure and Security Members for everyone interested in resolving these issues to write and DEMAND the return of the lanes that will bring back our ability to move with ease through Palmetto Expressway; REMOVAL of express lanes; STOP to tolls on Palmetto Expressway... and A REQUIREMENT OF THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE FOR ANY FURTHER ATTEMPT TO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION... We have had enough!!!
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz Armando G. Armando G Valdes... The numbers do not work in favor of what you stated 'it will never happen because you know the Democrats are communists' guess what: Five Republicans and three democrats on the Committee that heard Bill 1090 The Florida Senate - 2018-2020 Committee on Infrastructure and Security: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/IS/
Esperanza Amelia Rodriguez Diaz If every person on this group does the same... we may get the government we deserve!
Chair: Senator tom Lee - Republican
Vice Chair: Senator Keith Perry - Republican
Members: Senator Aaron Bean - Republican
Senator Janet Cruz - Democrat
Senator Ed Hooper - Republican
Senator Travis Hutson - Republican
Senator Linda Stewart - Democrat
Senator Annette Taddeo - Democrat
The Florida Senate - 2018-2020 Committee on Infrastructure and Security: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/IS/
Chair: Senator Tom Lee - Republican
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S20
District Office: 915 Oakfield Drive, Suite D, Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 653-7061 - Senate VOIP: 42000
From: "Lee, Tom (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Automatic reply: Other (flsenate.gov)
Date: March 16, 2020 at 10:57:04 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Constituent feedback is very important to me and I welcome the opportunity to be of service. This inbox is monitored regularly, however, due to the high volume of emails we receive, it is sometimes difficult to reply in a timely manner. If you are a resident of Senate District 20 and you need assistance with a state government issue, please contact my office at (813) 653-7061. I look forward to hearing from you.
Tom Lee, Florida State Senator, 20th District
Vice Chair: Senator Keith Perry - Republican
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S8
District Office: 2610 NW 43rd Street, Suite 2B, Gainesville, FL 32606
(352) 264-4040 - Senate VOIP: 40800
From: "Perry, Keith (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Automatic reply: Other (flsenate.gov)
Date: March 16, 2020 at 11:13:08 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns to me. Your feedback helps me in my mission to best represent the people of Florida’s Eighth Senate District.
Due to the large volume of emails that my office receives, it is not always possible to send a timely and personal response to every email. However, rest assured that someone in my office has taken a note of your communication and will contact you directly if necessary. If you need immediate assistance, please call my office at
(352) 264-4040 to speak with my staff.
Thank you again for contacting me. It is an honor to serve you in the Florida Senate. For more information on my work in the Senate, or to contact me regarding this or any other issue, please visit my website, https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S8. If I may be of service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Keith Perry
Florida Senate, District 8
Members: Senator Aaron Bean - Republican
District Office, Duval Station, 13453 North Main Street, Suite 301
Jacksonville, FL 32218 - (904) 757-5039 - Senate VOIP: 40400,
FAX 1-888-263-1578
From: "Bean, Aaron (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Automatic reply: Other (flsenate.gov)
Date: March 16, 2020 at 11:17:47 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Constituent feedback is very important to me and I welcome the opportunity to be of service.
This inbox is monitored regularly, however, due to the high volume of emails we receive, it is sometimes difficult to reply in a timely manner. If you are a resident of Senate District 4 and you need assistance with a state government issue or an agency, please contact my office at (904) 757-5039. I look forward to hearing from you.
Senator Aaron Bean, Florida Senate 4th District, 13453 North Main Street, Suite 301, Duval Station | Jacksonville FL 32218 - Main 904.757.5039
405-SOB | 404 S. Monroe St. | Tallahassee FL 32399-1100
Main 850.487.5004
Senator Janet Cruz - Democrat
District Office, 210A S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 348-1017, Senate VOIP: 41800, FAX (888) 263-3681
Senator Ed Hooper - Republican
District Office, 3450 East Lake Road, Suite 305, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
(727) 771-2102 - Senate VOIP: 41600
Senator Ed Hooper
Thank you! Your message has been sent to Senator Ed Hooper.
Senator Travis Hutson - Republican
District Office, 4875 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Suite 5, Palm Coast,
FL 32137, (386) 446-7610, Senate VOIP: 40700, FAX (888) 263-3475
Senator Travis Hutson
Thank you! Your message has been sent to Senator Travis Hutson.
From: "Hutson, Travis (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Response To Your Email
Date: March 16, 2020 at 11:25:33 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Thank you for your e-mail message. Because I receive such an overwhelming number of daily e-mails, I send this automatic response to verify receipt of your correspondence. Unfortunately it is not always possible for me to personally respond so I use this medium primarily to obtain opinions from constituents regarding legislative issues. However, it is important that your name, address with zip code and phone number be on your e-mail in the event that I need to contact you. Should you require more information or assistance, please contact me at the numbers given below. I will be happy to assist you. CAPITOL OFFICE: (850) 487-5007;
Fax: 850-410-4804
Suite 312, Senate Office Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Your thoughts are important to me and help keep me well informed. Please be assured I will take note of your comments and appreciate both your input and your activism.
Senator Travis Hutson, Florida Senate District 7
Senator Linda Stewart - Democrat
District Office, 1726 South Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 893-2422, Senate VOIP: 41300, FAX (888) 263-3680
From: "Stewart, Linda (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Other (flsenate.gov)
Date: March 16, 2020 at 11:29:36 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Hello,
Thank you for your email and for reaching out to me! I greatly appreciate the time you have taken to contact me. Due to the high volume of emails I receive, this automated message serves as my response and confirmation that your email has been received.
As State Senator for District 13 your concerns, inquires, issues, opinions, and feedback mean a lot to me, and our office strives to respond to messages promptly. Your voice matters and makes a tremendous difference in the legislative process and within our community. Thank you again and have a great day!
Sincerely,
Senator Linda Stewart, District 13
[email protected] | www.flsenate.gov
District Office: Tallahassee Office:
1726 S. Bumby Avenue 205 Senate Office Building
Orlando, FL 32806 404 South Monroe Street
407-893-2422 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Fax: 888-263-3680 850-487-5013
Senator Annette Taddeo - Democrat
District Office, 10689 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33176
(305) 596-3003 - Senate VOIP: 44000
From: "Taddeo, Annette (Web)" <[email protected]>
Subject: Automatic reply: Other (flsenate.gov)
Date: March 16, 2020 at 11:33:00 AM EDT
To: Hope Reynolds
Thank you for contacting Senator Annette Taddeo's office. A member of her staff will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that due to the large volume of emails we receive, there may be a delay of up to 5 business days in replying to you.
To keep up with Senator Taddeo, please follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For media/press inquiries, please email [email protected]
03-16-2020 Message through web sites:
If the Committee on Infrastructure and Security on 01-27-2020 unanimously approved Bill 1090... why do we read in the news: Lawmakers fail to pass bill nixing Palmetto X-Way toll lanes! https://floridapolitics.com/archives/323450-palmetto-toll-lanes-relief We... DEMAND the return of the lanes that will bring back our ability to move with ease through Palmetto Expressway; REMOVAL of express lanes; STOP to tolls on Palmetto Expressway... and A REQUIREMENT OF THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE FOR ANY FURTHER ATTEMPT TO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION... We have had enough!!!
Provided e-mail address, name & home address, phone number, zip and telephone number, click off for I do not want to receive updates from any other politician via e-mail, had to answer a math question to make sure I am a human with a brain… and sent e-mail…
Two phone calls to Tallahassee: 1-850-717-5400
Lawmakers fail to pass bill nixing Palmetto X-Way toll lanes! https://floridapolitics.com/archives/323450-palmetto-toll-lanes-relief
- Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), agreed to rework tolled express lanes;
- Sen. Manny Diaz and Rep. Bryan Avila introduced legislation
- SB 1090: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/1090
- HB 829: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/829
C. Expressway already busy prior to lane openings;
D. Drivers contended express lanes made the situation worse;
E. Non-express lane drivers now have fewer lanes to use;
F. Effective July 1, 2020, FDOT may not operate express lanes
G. Also, FDOT may NOT impose any tolls on State Road 826;
H. July 1, 2020, FDOT shall remove all express lanes on State Road 826 and convert those lanes to general purpose lanes and remove the imposition of all tolls.
That push stalled out and ultimately failed.
Now:
- FDOT consented to rework the express lane system!
- FDOT agreed to eliminate one northbound express lane — going from two express lanes to one. That leaves drivers with as many non-express lanes as existed prior to the revamp.
- Officials also agreed to add an additional southbound lane.
- FDOT said it would suspend those tolls.
- Agency to finalize plan for when that construction will take place and how long the toll suspension will last.
- The agreement doesn’t reach Diaz and Avila’s ultimate goal — outright permanent suspension of all Palmetto Expressway tolls. But it will provide drivers with a bit more leeway. We’ll have to wait until 2021 to see if the lawmakers are satisfied with the changes or whether they once again push for a toll-free future.
Comments: Town of Miami Lakes Residents.
- Bonnie Cintron: Hope, thanks for the super job of keeping us informed. The news about the Palmetto is infuriating! We need to get a handle on this!!! Desperate times call for desperate measures! Will write to State Representatives and FDOT
- Incognito: ‘From the bottom of my Jewish heart, thank you Hope. Shocked and disappointed on the outcome of the removal of the express lanes on the Palmetto. This is outrageous!
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