Clark Road & I-75 Interchange Renovation Planned

A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is planned for construction at Clark Road and I-75.  For residents of The Forest this means easier access on and off the Interstate, a much more convenient method of accessing the shops, services and employment centers located west of I-75, and a safer, more efficient commute through the interchange.

The Forest residents already enjoys a beautiful five mile drive on Clark Road toward the interstate, free of traffic signals which add several minutes commute time to the interstate from communities east of I-75 on Fruitville Road and University Parkway.  The FDOT claims that DDIs are proven cost effective, efficient, and safe.  According to FTOD, due to it’s innovative design, drivers entering and exiting the interstate via a DDI do not need to cross the highway when making a left turn, thus reducing the number of traffic signals and increasing traffic flow efficiency.  Furthermore, studies of existing Diverging Diamond Interchanges have proven that DDI’s reduce crash rates by nearly 50% and crash severity is significantly reduced in most cases.

The first DDI in the area is now open at University Parkway and I-75 and appears to have greatly improved conditions at this busy interchange.  It can be confusing the first time through but navigating the DDI is actually quit easy.

The Clark Road DDI is one of several others planned for Sarasota and Manatee Counties.  Learn more about the project and see a video simulation of how DDIs work.

Hi Hat Ranch Featured On ABC World News Tonight

Rick Turn Hi Hat Ranch ABC World News Video ClipThe Forest at Hi Hat Ranch is surrounded by the Suncoast’s biggest private land holding and one of the largest active working ranches in Southwest Florida.  Beyond the beautiful forested community and impressive estate homes lies a productive ranch that has been managed under the stewardship of the Turner family for nearly a century.

The Forest is just the latest chapter in a rich history of activity on the Hi Hat Ranch.  Today, this historic property raises cattle and has vast agricultural operations on its 10,000 acres.

Recently, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir ran a story on another historic Suncoast concern – Tropicana.  The feature profiled Tropicana founder Anthony Rossi and how he invented the modern orange juice industry.  The Hi Hat Ranch, and family member and ranch manager Rick Turner, were also featured in the story since the ranch produces oranges for Tropicana.

Watch the story (after a brief commercial intro by ABC News).  Learn more about the Turner family’s stewardship of Hi Hat Ranch in these short video interviews with Rick Turner and family member and ranch partner Jim Turner.

To learn more about living in The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, contact our exclusive Premier Sotheby’s agent Brian Wood for a private tour of the community.