Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/285258
around the interchange, with the help of Schroeder Manatee Ranch Inc., the firm that created Lakewood Ranch, and Benderson, the force behind the new University Town Center, because both developers are obligated to provide area infrastructure improvements through both local government agreements and impact fee guidelines. According to the resolution, the following regional improvements will be included in an area roadway plan: the construction of a bridge over I-75 on the southern boundaries of Nathan Benderson Park and Schroeder- Manatee Ranch; the extension of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard from its current terminus south of University Parkway to Fruitville Road, subject to contractual commitments tied to development approvals; and the con- struction of Lorraine Road between University Parkway and Fruitville Road, also subject to contractual commitments tied to develop- ment approvals. The Sarasota County commissioners, who were not so keen on the diverging diamond interchange when it was proposed to them almost exactly a year ago, have made a U turn in their views. On Tuesday, Chairman Hines provided an update on a recent meeting in Tallahassee about the project that included state and local officials — including Hines. Those dis- cussions resulted in a fast-track push for the interstate improvement. Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson was the first to address the topic Tuesday. "A lot of my earlier objections had to do with the size and the cost the state expected us to A graphic uses different colors to show how a diverging diamond interchange functions. Image via Wikimedia Commons Sarasota News Leader March 28, 2014 Page 30