Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in Fruitville, FL
Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.
People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:
- Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
- Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
- Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
- Trouble with Balance and Coordination
- Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
- Digestive and Bladder Control Issues
While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.
If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Fruitville, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.
But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Service Areas
Neuropathy 101
Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.
What Causes Neuropathy?
When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.
Lack of Vitamins
Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.
Autoimmune Disorders
In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.
Genetics
Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Infections in the Body
There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.
Physical Trauma
Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.
What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Fruitville, FL.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs
Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.
Symptoms can include:
- Sensations of Pins and Needles
- Numbness
- Soreness
- Cramping
- Shooting Pains
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.
Focal Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in a Specific Area
Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.
Other symptoms can include:
- Muscles Don't Work Correctly
- Sharp Pains
- Localized Pain and Weakness
Autonomic Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions
This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness When Standing Quickly
- Issues with Sexual Intercourse
- Constipation
- Issues Regulating Body Temperature
Compression Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed
This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:
Symptoms can include:
- Sharp Shooting Pain
- Weakness in the Affected Body Part
- Numbness
Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Fruitville, FL, becomes crucial.
Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy
Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.
By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
Our advanced therapeutic options include:
Nerve Regeneration Equipment
We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.
Vaso-Pulse Technology
This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.
Antioxidants
By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms
Minerals and Vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.
Immunomodulators
For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.
Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.
Diabetes 101
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.
The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Fruitville, FL to learn more about this disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Genetics
You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes
Autoimmune
Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care
As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in Fruitville, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.
We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.
Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:
Book Appointment
The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in Fruitville, FL
At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.
Latest News in Fruitville, FL
Here's Where To Find Gas, Groceries In FL After Hurricane Milton
Amanda Lumpkinhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/heres-where-find-gas-groceries-fl-after-hurricane-milton
FLORIDA — Hours after the fatal Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, causing a catastrophe and killing at least seven people, residents looking to replenish supplies may be wondering about store hours.Hundreds of grocery stores were either closed or operating on modified hours while multiple gas stations reported either power outages or gas outages, according to multiple status maps. However, some managed to open Thursday.See store openings below:Grocery Stores...
FLORIDA — Hours after the fatal Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, causing a catastrophe and killing at least seven people, residents looking to replenish supplies may be wondering about store hours.
Hundreds of grocery stores were either closed or operating on modified hours while multiple gas stations reported either power outages or gas outages, according to multiple status maps. However, some managed to open Thursday.
See store openings below:
Grocery Stores
Publix: Multiple stores in central Florida had modified hours Thursday. Some Bradenton planned to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday while others were set to reopen at noon. Stores in the Deltona and Holly Hill areas were not scheduled to reopen until 2 p.m. Thursday.
Aldi: Several Aldi locations were closed Thursday, including those in Port St. Lucie, Clearwater and Tampa. They were set to reopen either at 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. Friday.
Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Walmart/Sam's Club: About 200 Walmart and Sam's Club stores were closed, from near the top of Florida toward the bottom of the map, early Thursday afternoon. Orlando and Port St. Lucie showed at least one store open Thursday. Walmart did not say when the closed stores would reopen.
Winn Dixie: Several stores in Fort Myers, Melbourne, Cape Coral, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota and other cities closed Wednesday. Winn Dixie's closure list had not been updated as of 1:15 p.m. Thursday, and it is unknown when the stores will reopen.
Target: Some Target locations seemed to open late, but the retail giant seemed to have some of its stores open early Thursday afternoon.
Gas Stations
Sarasota: Wawa, 2257 Fruitville Road, was open Thursday but had no regular gas as of Wednesday. Speedway, 600 N. Washington Blvd., had gas but no power as of Wednesday. Texaco, 2788 Fruitville Road, had diesel and power Wednesday but no gas. Their statuses as of Thursday were unknown. However, Sunoco, 1012 N. Tamiami Trail, seemed to be fully operational Thursday.
Tampa: Marathon, 1098 Channelside Drive, did not have regular gas Wednesday. Citgo, 1901 E. Adamo Drive, and Circle K, 2220 W. Kennedy Blvd., did not have regular gas or diesel Wednesday. Their statuses were not immediately known Thursday. Sunoco, 4802 N. Nebraska Ave., had power and gas Thursday.
Orlando: 7-Eleven, 2720 E. Robinson St., had no gas Thursday. Wawa, 3100 S. Orange Ave., had gas but no power Thursday. Mobil, 2705 E. Colonial Drive, had no regular or diesel fuel Wednesday.
Port St. Lucie: RaceTrac, 1755 NW Federal Hwy., had no regular gas as of Wednesday. Its status was not immediately known Thursday.
Bradenton: RaceTrac, 111 12th Ave. E, had no power, regular gas or diesel fuel Thursday. Wawa, 2509 Cortez Road W., and Circle K, 836 301 Blvd. E., did not have regular gas, diesel fuel or power Thursday. Shell, 1240 8th Ave W., did not have diesel fuel Wednesday. 7-Eleven, 2712 26th Ave. E., did not have regular gas Wednesday. Their statuses were not immediately known Thursday.
Clearwater: Citgo, 1301 S. Missouri Ave., did not have gas or power Thursday. Circle K, 1501 Gulf To Bay Blvd., had no power or regular gas Thursday. The following stations did not have gas Wednesday: Marathon, 1801 N. Highland Ave.; Mobil, 500 S. Fort Harrison Ave.; Shell, 1277 S. Missouri Ave.; Citgo, 1285 Cleveland St.; BP, 1280 S. Highland Ave.; Mobil, 1285 S. Highland Ave.; Thorntons, 1698 Gulf to Bay Blvd.; and 7-Eleven, 1725 Drew St. Their statuses were not immediately known Thursday.
Sarasota, FL – Vehicle Crash with Injuries at 5350 Fruitville Rd
Police Accident Reports (888) 657-1460https://localaccidentreports.com/sarasota-fl-vehicle-crash-with-injuries-at-5350-fruitville-rd/
Sarasota, FL (September 28, 2024) – A vehicle crash occurred at the Target location on Fruitville Road, resulting in injuries. Emergency responders were alerted to the scene following reports of the incident, which took place on September 27 at approximately 3:18 PM.Fortunately, authorities confirmed that there were no roadblocks in the area, allowing traffic to continue flowing. Emergency services arrived promptly to assess the situation and provide medical assistance to those injured in the crash.The sp...
Sarasota, FL (September 28, 2024) – A vehicle crash occurred at the Target location on Fruitville Road, resulting in injuries. Emergency responders were alerted to the scene following reports of the incident, which took place on September 27 at approximately 3:18 PM.
Fortunately, authorities confirmed that there were no roadblocks in the area, allowing traffic to continue flowing. Emergency services arrived promptly to assess the situation and provide medical assistance to those injured in the crash.
The specifics surrounding the crash are still under investigation, and law enforcement is working to gather more information regarding the circumstances that led to the incident.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this unfortunate event, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured.
Vehicle Crashes in Florida
Vehicle crashes are a significant concern throughout Florida, with many incidents resulting in injuries each year. According to recent statistics, Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of traffic accidents, often driven by factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
In Sarasota, where this incident occurred, the community has witnessed a rise in accidents at busy intersections and commercial areas like Fruitville Road. The aftermath of a vehicle crash can be overwhelming for victims and their families. Injuries sustained can range from minor to severe, leading to extensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
It is crucial for those involved in such accidents to seek legal guidance promptly. A personal injury attorney can help victims understand their rights and navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle crash in Florida, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Legal professionals can provide valuable assistance in pursuing claims and advocating for your rights during this challenging time.
Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents. Let us help you understand your options and find the support you require during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.
DeSantis notes start of work on interchange at Fruitville Road and I-75 in Sarasota
Jesse Mendozahttps://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/2024/09/20/desantis-announces-new-diverging-diamond-interchange-in-sarasota/75307979007/
(This story was updated to add new information.)Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis marked the start of work on a new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and Fruitville Road in ...
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis marked the start of work on a new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and Fruitville Road in Sarasota County while touting a statewide program called Moving Florida Forward aimed at supporting 20 new transportation projects.
The diverging diamond has been in the planning and early preparation phases for years, with the public getting a glimpse of the intended design in 2018. The Florida Department of Transportation announced an accelerated timeline for the $192 million interchange in September 2023, with construction to start this fall.
DeSantis highlighted the construction at a media event on Friday in Manatee County. The governor also took the opportunity to thump presidential hopeful Kamala Harris on economic policy and said Florida has created programs to help counteract feared negative impacts on the economy.
The road construction is a part of the Moving Florida Forward program DeSantis proposed in January 2023 and was funded as part of the budget approved by legislators last year. He said it was also designed to help create jobs while ensuring long-term transportation needs like the Fruitville Road interchange continue to be met.
Last time:Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Sarasota, calls VP Harris 'vapid,' and defends election night
"This is one of our 20 major infrastructure projects under the Moving Florida Forward initiative," DeSantis said. "This was not scheduled to even begin until the year 2030. Because of Moving Florida Forward it will be completed in 2027."
"It will end up being $7 billion to accelerate projects, move projects forward, and then get them done," he said. "A lot of these projects will get done this decade and they wouldn't have even started until next decade. Some of the projects are going to be done 15 years ahead of schedule."
DeSantis says diverging diamond I-75 interchange in Sarasota County at Fruitville Road will improve safety, traffic
DeSantis said the diverging diamond, which will be the third in Sarasota County, will improve traffic flow and safety.
"Once these improvements are completed, it's predicted that it will increase daily volume capacity by more than 40,000 drivers."
DeSantis said $100 million in additional state funding will help the state secure the necessary materials for infrastructure improvements and storage.
"The Legislature set aside $100 million for a five-year investment in projects to improve capacity for transporting and storing aggregate materials through what we're calling supply chain grants," DeSantis said. "Today I'm proud to announce the award of $18 million in supply chain grants."
He said examples include funding for aggregate terminals in Lake City and Plant City, funding for Capital Asphalt out of Tallahassee for an additional 80,000 tons of aggregate, and $6.2 million for a new aggregate terminal at the Port of Tampa Bay.
DeSantis jabs at Harris during stop in Manatee County
DeSantis took the opportunity to bash proposals made by Vice President Harris while on the campaign trail. He touted efforts like not taxing baby items and toll relief programs as ways Florida has reduced the daily cost of living for residents and an attractive business environment as factors in the state's economy.
He also blamed higher grocery prices on "supply chain disruption from the COVID nonsense, the massive amounts of printing and borrowing of money, all this stuff that's happened that absolutely gets passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices."
"It's effectively like a major tax on people that's just invisible."
He also criticized economic proposals to tax unrealized gains supported by Harris while on the campaign trail.
"Who knows what's on the horizon if you get somebody like Harris who tries to tax unrealized gains this country would go into a depression, I can tell you that," DeSantis said. "You'd see a massive flight of capital out of the United States, and I think that would hurt our state in particular. It's lunacy to say you're going to tax someone's investment before they've even realized a profit on it."
Gov. DeSantis announces Fruitville I-75 Interchange along with grants to increase supply chain capacity
Kimberly Kuizonhttps://www.fox13news.com/news/gov-desantis-holds-press-conference-bradenton
More and more people are moving to the Sunshine State, and that means more cars in traffic and a heavier burden on Tampa Bay area roads. Residents are feeling the frustration of daily backups.Governor Ron DeSantis made a stop in Manatee County on Friday to announce the groundbreaking of the Fruitville I-75 Interchange – a diverging diamond. The...
More and more people are moving to the Sunshine State, and that means more cars in traffic and a heavier burden on Tampa Bay area roads. Residents are feeling the frustration of daily backups.
Governor Ron DeSantis made a stop in Manatee County on Friday to announce the groundbreaking of the Fruitville I-75 Interchange – a diverging diamond. The announcement includes $18 million in funding through grants to help Florida’s supply chain to speed up infrastructure improvements.
The awards are the first of $100 million to be invested over five years.
"We are accelerating these projects. We are accelerating the road projects. We know how important it is to be able to do it," said DeSantis.
Part of the money will go to CSX to design a new terminal in Plant City. It’ll include 20 acres of storage and 250,000 tons of aggregate, which is the main ingredient that goes into asphalt and concrete.
"You want to see projects get done, things get moved, you’ve got to have the materials to be able to do it," said DeSantis.
Port Tampa Bay will also get $6.2 million for construction of berth 219 aggregate terminal and an additional 500,000 tons of limerock annually.
"This will help relieve the construction materials shortages that the state is seeing. One hundred percent of these materials will also be utilized at our great partners at FDOT road projects throughout the state of Florida," said Paul Anderson, the President and CEO of Port of Tampa Bay.
The supplies will help with the construction of the diverging diamond at Fruitville Road and I-75. DeSantis said the construction will increase volume capacity by 40,000 drivers.
The project was scheduled to start in 2030, but will now be finished by 2027.
Drivers like Ryan said it’s a needed relief, but one that will likely come with headaches as construction begins.
"I think it would probably be a good thing for the community with moving traffic, it will just be painful getting from this point where we are today to a finished product at the end," she said.
Other projects include:
DeSantis announces groundbreaking of I-75 at Fruitville Road Interchange construction
wtsp.comhttps://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/fruitville-road-i75-interchange-construction-started/67-509b3965-c570-40fd-9d62-e7b2045678e0
The governor said the I-75 project wasn't slated to start until 2030. Now, it'll be finished by 2027, he says.More VideosSARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The long-awaited Interstate 75 at Fruitville Road Interchange project in Sarasota County is getting fast-tracked thanks to funding from a state program, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday.The ...
The governor said the I-75 project wasn't slated to start until 2030. Now, it'll be finished by 2027, he says.
More Videos
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The long-awaited Interstate 75 at Fruitville Road Interchange project in Sarasota County is getting fast-tracked thanks to funding from a state program, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday.
The governor was in Bradenton with Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue to announce the project's groundbreaking and grant funding for Port Tampa Bay, among several other projects.
The I-75 at Fruitville Road Interchange is currently a partial cloverleaf configuration. Construction will transform the interchange into a diverging diamond configuration. The new configuration "shifts eastbound traffic to the left to allow for improved access to northbound I-75 and shifts westbound traffic to the left to allow for improved access to southbound I-75," FDOT said online.
The project, which DeSantis said wouldn't have started until 2030, was able to begin thanks to funding from Moving Florida Forward. It's slated to be finished by 2027, DeSantis added.
RELATED: FDOT: New Howard Frankland bridge roughly 90% complete, set to open Spring 2025
"Because of Moving Florida Forward, [the interchange project] will be completed in 2027," DeSantis said. "So ahead of schedule, fully funded and years ahead of when it would have even broken ground."
The project is expected to widen I-75 along a two-mile stretch, from Palmer Boulevard to north of Fruitville Road, as crews reconstruct the existing 6-lane highway. Auxiliary lanes will be added and the existing bridges over Fruitville Road will also be replaced.
Additionally, about 1.6 miles of Fruitville Road will be widened from Honore Avenue to east of Coburn Road.
RELATED: Polk County Commission approves much higher fees for new construction
FDOT says the Fruitville Road interchange will be similar to the recently completed interchange at I-75 and University Parkway located just north.
The project is one of 20 across Florida aimed at relieving traffic congestion as part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, which was fully funded in this year's state budget.