February 17, 2021 | Issue 2
TRENDING IN TRANSPORTATION
SCTPO 2021 Board of Elected Officers
Congratulations to our SCTPO 2021Governing Board elected officers!

  • Chair: Council Member, Andrea Young
  • Vice Chair: Council Member, Yvonne Minus
  • Secretary: Council Member, Robert L. Jordan, Jr.

Looking forward to your collective leadership. Check out the complete list of SCTPO elected officers and committee members, below:
SCTPO Governing Board Actions Recap: February 2021 Meeting
Here are the actions that the SCTPO Governing Board made during the February 11, 2021 meeting:

  • Conducted Annual Elections of Officers and Committee Appointments
  • Approved FY21 List of Project Priorities Amendment #1
  • Approved Resolution 21-11, Project Funding Guidelines
  • FDOT Presented Tentative Five Year Work Program
Re-watch Feb. SCTPO Board Meeting
Apply Now! SCTPO 2021 Call for Projects
The SCTPO is now accepting transportation project funding applications for the 2021 Priority Project Process. Applications will be used by the SCTPO and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to qualify and prioritize proposed projects for state and federal funding. 

Prioritized Projects include the following types:

  • Roadway and Intersection Capacity Improvements;
  • Safety;
  • Bridge and Rail;
  • Transportation System Management and Operations (TSM&O)- Traffic Operations; and
  • Regional Trails (SUNTRAILS) and other Bicycle/Pedestrian focused projects

To submit a project, you must follow the submission guidelines by completing the FDOT Project Information Application Form and the SCTPO Project Application Form. Applications must be completed by a local jurisdiction or transportation agency. Click here to view all project application forms and directions. 

Applications are due to Sarah Kraum, via email, by March 15, 2021.
Construction Reminder: Fiske Blvd Resurfacing From I-95 to SR 520
The Florida Department of Transportation is currently working on a resurfacing project on Fiske Boulevard through Rockledge from the northbound I-95 ramps up to King Street (520) in Cocoa.

In addition to new pavement, 6-foot-wide buffered bicycle lanes will be added in both northbound and southbound directions. Additional pedestrian improvements include ADA compliant crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian curb ramps. Pedestrian lighting, drainage improvements, new signage and pavement markings, and other necessary roadside improvements will be constructed.
Janna Taylor Selected as Finance & Contracts Manager
The SCTPO recently welcomed Janna Taylor to its team as the organization’s Finance & Contracts Manager. Janna has 20+ years of related procurement, project administration, contract execution, system acquisition, customer service, accounting, and financial management experience. From 2014-2018, Janna served as the MPO Liaison Transportation Planner and Grants Contract Manager for the Florida Department of Transportation - District Five. She studied Business Administration and Management at the College of Southern Maryland.
MODAL PARTNER UPDATES
Flights from Orlando Melbourne (MLB) to DFW Begin; PHL Resumes
Seasonal Saturday flights to two of American Airlines’ largest hubs, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), began this weekend from Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB). Passengers and crew on both the inaugural DFW and returning PHL flights enjoyed a “Love is in the Air” celebration with themed sweets, gifts and a traditional water arch to commemorate the start of the seasonal service during Valentine’s Day weekend.

“Our team has stepped up to the challenge to prove to the airlines and our customers the benefit of flying in and out of MLB,” said Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan, A.A.E. “Our calm, clean and uncongested airport provides a safe experience and it just got even better with more travel options on American Airlines.” Read full Orlando MLB Press Release.
Transit Director Retires After Years of Dedicated Service
Scott Nelson will retire as the Director of Space Coast Area Transit, Brevard County’s public transit system, on March 2, 2021. Nelson leaves with 35 years in public transportation which began as a Transit Operator at Kitsap Transit in Bremerton, Washington. He joined Space Coast Area Transit in 2007 as its Manager of Operations and Maintenance.

During Nelson’s tenure the transit system expanded, adding two additional paratransit routes and one fixed route, with three more fixed routes being added in April 2021. Trolley service was reestablished on the Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach route. The system’s first hybrid buses are on order with planned delivery in July. The paratransit fleet was also upgraded, with seven new cutaway buses in service, among many more triumphs. 
New Fireboat Arrives at Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral's newest firefighting vessel arrived on January 25, marking the first step in becoming the first LNG cruise Port in North America. The 75 ft. marine rescue vessel, arrived at Port with it's water cannons on and was greeted by a SpaceX booster and Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas, who was docked for provisions. Total cost of the fireboat was $4.8 million, with a $1.5M grant from the State of Florida and a $1M FEMA grant.
Space Florida Announces Call for Projects
Space Florida has announced its Call for Projects to solicit proposals to continue the development of space transportation infrastructure that supports Space Florida's legislative intent and Florida spaceport territory master plans.

Brightline Railroad Crossing Closures Advisory: Brevard County
Brightline announces railroad crossings in Melbourne and Grant-Valkaria will close to complete upgrades as part of Brightline’s Orlando extension project, connecting South Florida to Orlando International Airport. Detailed closure and detour information can be found below and on the Brightline website. Closures include:

Melbourne - Railroad Crossing at Nasa Blvd.
Full road closure, 7 a.m., Tuesday, February 23 through 5 p.m., Thursday, March 4.
Road will close again 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. Thursday, March 18.

Detour Information
  • Eastbound Nasa Blvd. traffic will be directed to travel south on S. Apollo Blvd. to E Hibiscus Blvd., travel east on E. Hibiscus Blvd. to US-1 and travel north on US-1 to access Nasa Blvd.
  • Westbound Nasa Blvd. traffic will be directed to travel south on US-1 to E. Hibiscus Blvd., travel west on E. Hibiscus Blvd. to S. Apollo Blvd. and travel north on S. Apollo Blvd. to access Nasa Blvd.

Melbourne - Railroad Crossing at Jernigan Ave.
Full road closure, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, February 24.
Detour Information:
  • Traffic wishing to travel eastbound on Jernigan Ave. will be directed to travel west on Mill St. to Lipscomb St., travel north on Lipscomb St. to WH Jackson St., travel east on WH Jackson St to US-1 and travel south on US-1 to access Jernigan Ave.
  • Westbound Jernigan Ave. traffic will be directed to travel north on US-1 to WH Jackson St., travel west on WH Jackson St. to Lipscomb St., travel south on Lipscomb St. to Mill St. and travel east on Mill St. to access Jernigan Ave.

Grant Valkaria - Railroad Crossing at Old Dixie Hwy.
Full road closure, 7 a.m., Wednesday, February 17 through 5 p.m., Tues, February 23.
Detour Information
  • Southbound Old Dixie Hwy. traffic will be directed to travel east on Valkaria Rd. to US-1, travel south on US-1 to 1st St. and travel west on 1st St. to access Old Dixie Hwy.
  • Northbound Old Dixie Hwy. traffic will be directed to travel east on 1st St. to US-1, travel north on US-1 to Valkaria Rd. and travel west on Valkaria Rd. to Old Dixie Hwy.
                                                                                                                                     
Motorists should proceed with extra caution through work zones and adhere to posted detour signs, speed limits and other signage.
Central Florida Expressway Seeks Public Input on 2045 Master Plan
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is currently engaged in a planning study to complete the 2045 Master Plan. CFX's 2045 Master Plan reaffirms the policy for future operations and capital investment decisions, and also serves as the basis for the agency's Five-Year Work Plans. CFX was established in 2014 with an expanded mandate to build and maintain a regional transportation network that connects Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. 
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS
Black History Month: Honoring Transportation Influencers
It's #BlackHistoryMonth! African American inventors and pioneers have made huge contributions to the transportation world of yesterday and today. The SCTPO is proud to pay homage to these historical figures that contributed to the industrial, social, and economic progress of this great nation. Check out this U.S. Department of Transportation video that highlights a few of these world changers!
SCTPO, Local Partners Celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
The SCTPO and local community partners went all out celebrating #CrossingGuardAppreciationDay on February 5, 2021. The role that crossing guards play in protecting our vulnerable road users is SO vital. They are essential in our efforts in driving down roadway crashes and ultimately leading us to #VisionZero.

A special shout out to the Melbourne Police Department who recognized all of its guards and on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation and Alert Today Florida, SCTPO Education and Safety Coordinator, Kim Smith, presented Ms. Janene Romero with a Crossing Guard of the Year Award for going the extra mile. Check out some of the celebratory photos:
Re-watch Advisory Committee Meetings on YouTube
Miss last the latest Advisory Meetings? The recordings of each meeting are available to watch at your convenience on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to like our videos and subscribe to our channel!
BPTAC Meeting
January 29, 2021
TAC Meeting
February 8, 2021
CAC Meeting
February 8, 2021
Space Coast Area Transit Updates: Hiring Drivers, Mask Mandate
Seeking a new job opportunity?
Space Coast Area Transit is hiring professional drivers. A CDL License is required. Full and part-time jobs available + benefits.

Apply online at 321Transit.com/Jobs.
Effective February 2, 2021, face masks are now REQUIRED on all buses, vans, and transfer centers per CDC Executive Order 13998 & TSA Security Directive 1582/84-21-01. No one is allowed on the bus without a mask. Masks provided if necessary. Questions? Call 321-633-1878.
Play Your Part: #StayAtTheSceneFL
Most hit-and-run fatalities (85%) occur at night or during low-light hours, such as dawn or dusk. When you can’t see well, reaction time decreases. Be extra vigilant in low-light situations to maintain a proper speed, especially when nearing an intersection where people are likely to be present.
And, if involved in a crash, always #StayAtTheSceneFL
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS FEATURES
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Advisory Committee Meeting:
March 29, 5:30 PM
The SCTPO will hold the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Advisory Committee (BPTAC) Meeting on Monday, March 29, 2021, beginning at 5:30 PM at the Center for Collaboration, located at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge, FL 32955. The BPTAC reviews plans and policies regarding bicycle, pedestrian, and multi-use trail projects. BPTAC members represent: local government, law enforcement agencies, educators, cyclists, hikers, walkers, environmentalists, businesses and interested citizens.

If you have the capability, the SCTPO is strongly encouraging public citizens to please attend virtually. Attending virtually will help to reserve those in-person limited seats for those who may not have access to attend online.
Members of the public may Register Here.
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting: March 8, 9:30 AM
The SCTPO will hold the Technical Advisory Committee on Monday, March 8, 2021, from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the Center for Collaboration, located at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge, FL 32955. The Technical Advisory Committee reviews the work progress and evaluates the technical acceptability of plans and studies. They make recommendations to the SCTPO Governing Board, with supporting technical information to assist them with policy-making decisions.

If you have the capability, the SCTPO is strongly encouraging public citizens to please attend virtually. Attending virtually will help to reserve those in-person limited seats for those who may not have access to attend online.
Members of the public may Register Here.
Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting: Feb. 8, 1:30 PM
The SCTPO will hold the Citizens Advisory Committee on Monday, March 8, 2021, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM at the Center for Collaboration, located at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge, FL 32955. The Citizens Advisory Committee provides citizens’ views and recommendations on projects, plans, and programs through the Committee to the SCTPO Governing Board.

If you have the capability, the SCTPO is strongly encouraging public citizens to please attend virtually. Attending virtually will help to reserve those in-person limited seats for those who may not have access to attend online.
Members of the public may Register Here.
SCTPO Governing Board Meeting: March 10, 2:00 PM
The SCTPO will hold its Governing Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Center for Collaboration, located at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge, FL 32955.

If you have the capability, the SCTPO is strongly encouraging public citizens to please attend virtually. Attending virtually will help to reserve those in-person limited seats for those who may not have access to attend online.
Members of the public may Register Here.
Senior Life Newspaper - 1/31/2021
Brevard County Newsletter (Feb. 2021) - 2/4/2021
Carol Holden Retires, Welcome Janna Taylor, Minton Road Feasibility Study Final Concepts & Findings Flyer
BPS Headlines - 2/5/2021
"It's Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!”
CALENDAR ITEMS
CONTACT US
Title VI/Non-discrimination: For questions regarding our civil rights adherence policies, please contact Abby Hemenway, Title VI Coordinator, at abby.hemenway@brevardfl.gov or call 321-690-6890.