Graham explains why FDOT no-shows commission

Historic City News was watching while Public Works Director Martha Graham told commissioners that representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation would not be able to attend their meeting to discuss the construction schedule for the San Sebastian Bridge as originally planned.

In the meeting two weeks before, Mayor Joseph L. Boles, Jr. had been outspoken in his opinion that the Florida Department of Transportation simply “doesn’t care” about his concerns that their bridge replacement project could interfere with his 450th Commemoration plans.

Graham offered that in an e-mail, “They’ve written me that they’re trying to develop as short a time as possible” to complete the project.

Boles may have been more receptive Monday, relying on assurances he says were given to him during a recent meeting with FDOT directors and Congressman John Mica.

Graham said one possibility is a design and build project using an outside contractor and holding them to specific timeframe.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer