Vacating a Portion of Palm Dr
While PIE has not formally taken a position on the matter, our main concerns are that the county do a thorough analysis and survey of Palm Dr. to assess the potential safety concerns, the ability for services and large construction vehicles to safely navigate the area.
The Public Hearing for the Vacating a portion of Palm Dr is on the Planning and Zoning Board agenda.
When: Monday 11/9/26 1:30pm
Where: Charlotte County Administration Center, Commissioners Meeting Room #119
18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL
Connect with a Neighbor
If you have questions or would like to talk with a neighbor about the circulating petition, feel free to reach out to Brian Goodhead at (813)786-9080 or send him an email at bgood2go@gmail.com
Letter from PIE
Below, is a copy of the letter PIE sent on Sept 22, 2026 to the Planning and Zoning Board in reference to this issue:
Dear Planning & Zoning Staff,
Dear Planning & Zoning Staff, County Staff, and Members of the Board of County Commissioners,
I am writing regarding the potential vacation of the roadway adjacent to 50 Palm Drive on Knights Island.
Our primary concern is ensuring that any decision is based on a complete and objective evaluation of roadway access, safety, and functionality.
Most importantly, we are asking that this proposed vacation go through the same full engineering review, standards, specifications, checklists, and design criteria that the County would apply when constructing or modifying a roadway. The specific concerns outlined below are not intended to replace that process. Rather, they highlight existing conditions that we believe need to be considered as part of it.
The section being considered for vacation is an originally platted roadway. It is not simply a shortcut or informal “path,” nor is it used primarily by golf carts. It is heavily traveled by all types of vehicles, including residents, guests, emergency vehicles, Waste Management trucks, contractors, delivery vehicles, and other service vehicles.
There is also an important existing condition at the end of the roadway: there is currently no designated turnaround area. Larger vehicles, including Waste Management trucks, travel to the end of the road and use the existing roadway intersection to maneuver and turn around. This can require vehicles to back up along the roadway. If the proposed vacation removes that maneuvering area, where will these larger vehicles safely turn around? Would Waste Management, emergency, construction, or other large vehicles instead be required to back through the already tight corner created by the remaining roadway?
We believe this needs to be specifically addressed through the County’s engineering review.
That review should consider, at a minimum, the ability of the resulting roadway to safely accommodate:
- Emergency vehicles, including fire and EMS
- Weekly Waste Management trucks
- Large construction, delivery, utility, and maintenance vehicles
- Residents, guests, and everyday traffic
- Required turning radius, roadway width, clearance, and sight distance
- The existing turnaround function of the roadway intersection
- The ability of larger vehicles to navigate the tight corner without creating an unsafe condition or requiring excessive backing
- Any impact on emergency access or response
The proposed vacation should be contingent upon the resulting roadway meeting all applicable County standards and engineering requirements. We believe this is the minimum level of due diligence that should be required before an established, originally platted roadway is permanently vacated.
We respectfully request that the County complete the appropriate engineering and departmental reviews, including consultation with Emergency Services and Waste Management, and that the supporting findings be made available for public review before any action is taken.
Our intent is to ensure that the County’s existing standards are applied fully and consistently and that the access and safety needs of the entire Knights Island community are protected.
Thank you for your consideration and for ensuring that the appropriate engineering and safety review is completed before a decision is made.
