THE TOLL ROADS ARE BACK!! LET’S SAY #NoBuild
FDOT is planning a TOLL ROAD from Wildwood to a yet-to-be-determined terminus. Folks living in Levy, Marion, Citrus, and Sumter County could be impacted either being up-ended, displaced entirely, or having the rural quality of life that makes the Nature Coast so special spoiled. It has always been our position to oppose ALL of the routes, all of the toll roads originally imagined under the former M-CORES program.
There isn’t one alternative that spares critical wildlands, vulnerable springsheds, agricultural lands, or rural lands and there is zero proof that there is a need for any of the routes. Our position and arguments remain the same. We still oppose exploring the “least offensive” outcome, because any and all of the routes spell SPRAWL that threatens what we hold dear. We will not be fooled into accepting the move of the threat to someone else’s backyard.
If you haven’t heard already, it is called the NORTHERN TURNPIKE EXTENSION. It could slice through our conservation lands, horse trails, farms and residential neighborhoods, aquifer recharge areas, and springsheds.
Organize Against the Roads to Ruin Locally!
We have compiled relevant petitions, links for public meetings and local governments, and resources that will help you make a difference in your County and community. Fill out this form to organize locally and we will get you connected and involved with folks in your region.
Citrus Resources
Levy Resources
Marion Resources
Sumter Resources

Information we have learned from FDOT so far:
- The comment period is now open and will remain open until the Project, Development & Environmental (PD&E) phase is over in Spring 2023.
- Commenters must MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY ARE OPPOSED TO THE NTE in their written comment. FDOT is still claiming it is too hard to determine whether commenters are for or against, so don’t mince your words. Please consider starting your comment with something like “I am opposed to all route alternatives. No build is the only option.”
- The previous “No Build” or “repeal M-CORES” resolutions previously passed by many local governments will not be considered by FDOT. Local governments must pass new “anti-NTE” resolutions. Check out this draft resolution you can use.
- FACT: Despite FDOT failing to acknowledge the “No Build” option on the video and website, “No Build” is always an option.
- FDOT has no firm definition of “co-location,” so be very wary when you see/hear it.
- Beware: FDOT expects to 1) reach out to cities/counties to “sell the project” and 2) be invited to speak at city/county commission meetings
- FDOT’s Northern Turnpike Extension Arc GIS tool: FDOT’s ETDM (Efficient Transportation Decision Making) website now has info on the Northern Turnpike Extension for Marion, Sumter, and Levy counties showing proposed routes which (no surprise to us) ignore the M-CORES Task Force recommendations. Take the same link to get to the map/routes (on the left side of the screen look for “view of map” under “Project Detail.”
Maps, Factsheets, & Materials
- Check out this video of “no Build” activists in action if you missed it in December (it is inspiring).
- NTE Fact sheet and NO BUILD handout.
- If you are looking for a New Year’s Resolution, try organizing to pass a “No Build” resolution locally with your County Commission/City Council/Transportation Planning Organization/Metropolitan Planning Organization/Chamber of Commerce! 2022 is the year to cut the asphalt in your life out! Use this draft resolution to get started!
- Want a pink “Rural FL Says No Toll Roads” yard sign? Place your order today!
- Proposed route map
- NTE threats to Rainbow Springs
- Comment submission to FDOT is OPEN! Go here to submit a comment, see the current project process schedule, and more.
- Go here for environmental info from FDOT.
Materials from non-NRTR partners:
Northern Turnpike Corridor Citizen Primer (1000 Friends of Florida)
Northern Turnpike Corridor Natural Resources (1000 Friends of Florida)
Defenders of Wildlife GIS Map of Northern Turnpike Alternatives
For those up for a dense read: Transportation Planning in Florida (1000 Friends of Florida)
Keep those activists in action photos coming! Send what you can share to info@noroadstoruin.org.
Is your home or property in the pathway? Want to elevate your story on social media? Email your story to info@noroadstoruin.org (with some photos that capture it) and we will get it scheduled to be posted to social media. Help us share the stories of your land, legacy, and why they need to be protected.
Hashtags/slogans:
You say kick off we say kick out!
You say kick off we say shut down!
Time to punt the NTE, FDOT!
#SaveItDontPaveIt
#KeepRuralFLRural
#NoBuild
#NoRoadstoRuin
#NoFarmsNoFood
#SaveOurSprings
#SaveTheManatees
#NoBuild
#NoRoadsToRuin
Have a handout out or other materials you’d like to share? Send it our way and we will distribute it. Email us at info@noroadstoruin.org