We probably say this every year, "This was the worst year for traffic heading out to the Island," and unfortunately every year it's an accurate statement. In fact, the traffic does get worse every year, not just westbound to the beach, but all over Manatee County, and if you think it's going to get better, I have a bridge in Cortez to sell you.

The volume of new construction in recent years on the west side of Manatee County is exploding, and so is the population. Harbour Isle located on the Palma Sola Causeway is slated for almost 700 properties, there are two new developments on Palma Sola Boulevard adding hundreds of residences and new villas being built off 75th Street in the middle of the Village Green association, and this is just what is currently underway.

We all know about Lake Flores, with its 6,500 properties south of Cortez Road at 75th Street, and Aqua By The Bay, with 2,894 residences, formerly known as Long Bar Pointe, is being considered again by the county commissioners with a recommendation that it be approved.

There are several things the Florida Department of Transportation is planning to address with the traffic these and other new communities will create. To start with, a high-level bridge to replace the existing Anna Maria Island Bridge is in design phase, and FDOT is starting to look into replacing the Cortez Bridge. The design of this bridge isn't even close to being decided but any new bridge will have tremendous impact on the communities on the east side of the bridge, including the historic fishing village of Cortez.

But it's the latest FDOT proposal that has an immediate concern for Cortez residents, their safety, income and property values. Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue traffic out to the Island can be stop and go, especially on weekends, but it's Cortez Road that is being addressed at this time.

People who know the area know there is a traffic light at 119th Street West and Cortez Road, which has been there for many years, installed to eliminate accidents at that intersection. FDOT's plan is to eliminate that light in an effort to move traffic along Cortez Road faster out to the beach.

One of the problems with this plan is that it doesn't account for bridge openings and the other traffic light on the west side of the bridge at Gulf Drive, which backs traffic up west of the 119th Street traffic light. In addition, FDOT will be eliminating the possibility of making a left-hand turn at the 119th Street intersection, meaning residents who live on the north side of Cortez Road will be forced to turn left at either 127th Street at the foot of the Cortez Bridge or 121st Street and drive through the Cortez fishing village to get back on to Cortez Road heading eastbound. Both of these options involves crossing a continuous flow of eastbound traffic leaving the Island.

Not only am I concerned about the safety of individuals living both on the north and south side of Cortez Road getting to their homes, but I'm also concerned about the financial impact on the restaurants, shops and mariners that also access Cortez Road. I'm also worried about property values in an area that is finally marketing a lot of over one million dollar homes and condos, many of which have spectacular water views. I would hate to be the poor real estate agent who just showed her client a million and half dollar home in Cortez finding herself fighting oncoming traffic in an attempt to get the potential buyers back to the office east of the Island.

But you can still make your voice heard. A public workshop for the proposed 119th Street intersection changes has been rescheduled from April 27 to 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Cortez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton.