Propeller Projects

Chris Daniel’s Memorial Gateway Fountain Landscape Improvements – FDOT Grant Funding

In 2016, City of Tavares identified the need to improve and enhance the landscaping that surrounds the Chris Daniel’s Memorial Gateway Fountain located at the intersecting triangle of SR 19 (Duncan Drive), SR 500 (W. Burleigh Boulevard) and SR 500A (W. Alfred Street). An application for landscape grant funding was submitted to the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) for Landscaping Improvements along State Roads has been awarded in the amount of $260,575 for plants and plant materials. The completion date for this project is anticipated to be March 2020.

City Hall Hardening/Wind Mitigation – Florida Division of Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Grant

Through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the City of Tavares has been awarded $425,625 in Federal Funds to be used for retrofitting the City Hall building roof, windows and doors. The implementation of these measures will increase protection and reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. Application for this grant was submitted following the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Matthew. The completion date for this project is anticipated to be August 2020.

Public Works Complex

Currently, Public Works resides on 1.33 acres in downtown Tavares.  The City is a vibrant and growing community and it is imperative that we construct today, the infrastructure required, for tomorrow's innovation and success.  The City of Tavares has identified a 4 acre site location that is outside of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and adjacent to the City of Tavares Utilities Administration, Water, Waste Water and Stormwater facilities.  Projected cost of the project is $6.5 million.  Preliminary drawings reflect a conceptual site plan for the proposed Public Works Complex that will house the Public Works Administration offices plus six (6) divisions:  Facilities Management, Fleet Management, Parks Management, Right-of-Way Management, Solid Waste Management and Streets Management.  Planning meetings have been held to develop a maintenance plan of property.  Old, unsightly fencing has been taken down and underbrush has been removed to reduce fire hazard and improve appearance. An informational sign for the future complex has been installed.  The pursuit of grant funding is in progress for this project.

Tav-Dora Trail - FDOT Grant Funding

The City of Tavares successfully secured a $235,000 Florida Department of Transportation grant for the feasibility study of the Tav-Dora Trail, which is a proposed recreational biking and walking trail that would connect downtown Tavares to downtown Mount Dora with an off-shoot trail to the Golden Triangle YMCA. The feasibility study analysis will take 18 months to complete and will have three (3) trail alignments that will be considered. The study will determine which is the best option.  In addition to adding the recreational trail, it is envisioned that beautification facade grants would be made available for businesses along old 441 to upgrade driveways, fencing, landscaping and the front of buildings along old 441. The combination of a beautification program along with a wide, landscaped and well-lit recreational trail would enhance the old 441 corridor and entrance ways to both Tavares and Mount Dora. Over time recreational users of the proposed trail will enjoy view sheds to Lake Dora, as well as Wooton Park, a direct connection to the YMCA, restaurants, and businesses and shops along the trail corridor. The Tav-Dora trail will be part of Lake County’s master trail system that will eventually connect to the Regional and State trail systems (Tav-Lee Trail, Wekiva Trail, West Orange Trail, Lake Denham Trail, etc.). The ultimate goal will be to connect via the existing railroad right-of-way with either a "Rails-to-Trails" or a "Rails & Trail" program. Studies have shown that Trail oriented communities around the country that place trails as a centerpiece enjoy a more vibrant economic prosperous down town than community’s that do not. As Tavares, Mount Dora and the YMCA continue to invest in themselves, connecting them with a walkable and bike friendly trail will only complement these efforts.

US 441 Gateways - St Clair Abrams Avenue and Main Street

The City of Tavares Redevelopment Master Plan has identified St Clair Abrams Avenue and Main Street as major regional connectors.  Regional Connectors provide access for residents to and from the downtown area as well as to commercial, recreational and institutional centers in other parts of the city.  This project is at the "Horizon Team" level of planning to develop a conceptual plan and strategy for gateways at US 441 to include infrastructure improvements, enhanced landscaping and America's Seaplane City Gateway signage.

Pavement Management Plan FY 2018-2019

A five (5) year Pavement Management Plan was completed in 2014 identifying the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of each City maintained road. The PCI is used to indicate the general condition of the pavement. Based on the City-wide pavement condition survey, along with current observations, each year staff will prepare a priority list for pavement improvements. City Council approved $172,000 in FY 2018-2019 for road paving which will be completed by September 2019.

Cromartie Alley Brick Paver Improvement - Community Development Block Grant

The unimproved portion of Cromartie Alley, running north to south from E. Givens Street to E. Esther Street approximately 680’ in length, has been identified for brick pave improvement during FY2018-2019.  Tavares City Council approved project funding through an un-matching Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), in the amount of $202,100. Design and Engineering has been completed, a request for bid advertised and a contractor selected.  Construction is scheduled to begin October 1, 2019 with an estimated date of completion of December 27, 2019.

Road Improvement Project Phase 4- Community Development Block Grant

A Partnership Agreement between Lake County and City of Tavares has been approved by Tavares City Council for an un-matching Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $200,000 to conduct road improvements on Gary Street and Suwanee Place which are located in a qualifying Low-Moderate Income area and have a low pavement condition index.  Road Improvement Project Phase 4 was completed in August 2019.

City of Tavares Transportation Impact Fee Road Construction Prioritization

Transportation Impact Fee Road Improvement Priorities are being revamped by the City of Tavares to accommodate our increasing development and growth.  The Transportation Impact Fee is for the purpose of providing capital improvements to new and expanding transportation infrastructure associated with the arterial and collector road network and shall not be used for maintenance or operations.

City of Tavares to Receive Transportation Impact Fee Road Improvement Funding

Recommendations were made to Lake County for consideration on their 5-Year Transportation Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2020 thru 2024 and accepted by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for a combined total of $2,299,000. With the funding source of Transportation Impact Fees, Engineering, Design and Construction cost estimates are identified for areas needing improvements to address capacity issues on the arterial and collector road network within the City of Tavares.