Include FL511 in your Labor Day travel plans
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For many, Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer. This year, Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 2.
During this time, if you plan to drive to the beach, a resort destination, a football game or to see family or friends, consider using the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) for your travel plans. FL511 provides important information before leaving on the trip and once on the road if needed.
The FL511 Mobile App provides directions to any destination in Florida with travel times and alternate routes on most roadways throughout the state. It also has destination-based routing and the ability to speak your request to the app. For destination-based routing, users enter their destination and are provided multiple routes with travel times based on current traffic conditions. When requesting information using the voice interaction feature, users of the app can request a city, county, or roadway and the app will play back all associated events within a specific radius. Another feature is the Drive Mode. While in Drive Mode, users receive detailed alerts for incidents occurring along their route.
The Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) is the state’s official source for traffic and travel information. This public service is accessible by mobile app, website in English and Spanish, Twitter messages, Facebook, Instagram, text alerts and more. The FL511 Mobile App, website, and Twitter feeds provide information on Florida’s interstates, toll roads and other major metropolitan roadways, allowing drivers to avoid unnecessary delays, as well as receive updates on crashes, congestion, construction and more. FL511 provides camera snapshots on major Florida roads, so users can see current road conditions in FL511 covered areas. The goal is to provide information about current conditions to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. To accomplish its goal, FL511 offers the latest traffic information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Before heading out, drivers should visit the FL511.com website for important traffic information and incident alerts. Once on the road, have a passenger check to avoid using a phone while behind the wheel.
Travelers can follow FL511 on 13 Twitter handles, on Facebook @FL511, and Instagram @Florida_511. For more information, visit the website at FL511.com or download the Florida 511 Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Travel Smart with the updated Florida 511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go.
Hurricane season peaks this month – be sure to include FL511 in your plan
Are you prepared for a hurricane? The Atlantic hurricane season peaks around Sept. 10, meaning this is the busiest time based on past history. The most active three-month period continues until about mid-October, but a hurricane can strike any time through November.
Floridians should be ready for a storm and have their hurricane prepardness plan in place. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and FL511 team encourage residents of the Sunshine State to include the Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) in their plan.
The Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) is the state’s official source for traffic and travel information. This public information service is accessible by mobile app, website in English and Spanish, Twitter messages, Facebook, Instagram, text alerts and more. The FL511 App, website, and Twitter feeds provide information on Florida’s interstates, toll roads and other major metropolitan roadways, allowing drivers to avoid unnecessary delays, as well as receive updates on accidents, congestion, construction and more. FL511 provides camera snapshots on major Florida roads, so users can see current road conditions in FL511- covered areas. The goal is to provide information about current conditions to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. To accomplish its goal, FL511 offers the latest traffic information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
During a hurricane emergency, FL511 will provide official State of Florida announcements about evacuation travel. For example, in recent past years the state has opened the Emergency Shoulder Use (also called a shoulder) on several interstates for regular traffic. These, and other announcements, will be on FL511.
For more information, visit FL511.com.
Use FL511 to drive to an NFL football game in Florida this season!
The National Football League (NFL) is kicking off its 100th season in September, and Florida residents have the opportunity to attend games throughout the state for the entire season. Florida is richly blessed to have three NFL teams calling the state home, and this season, another feather in our cap: the Super Bowl will be held Feb. 2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The Florida 511 team encourages football fans who plan to attend an NFL game in Florida this season to use the Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) for travel information, both to and from the stadium. Roads leading to the stadium can be crowded, and FL511 could provide valuable information to ease the trip.
In September, Floridians have seven NFL games in the state from which to choose. The Miami Dolphins face the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 8, the New England Patriots on Sept. 15, and the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 29 – all at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The Jacksonville Jaguars face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 8 and the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 19 – both at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 8 and the New York Giants on Sept. 22 – both at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Before heading out, drivers should visit the FL511.com website for important traffic information and incident alerts. Once on the road, have a passenger check to avoid using a phone while behind the wheel.
Travelers can follow FL511 on 13 Twitter handles, on Facebook @FL511, and Instagram @Florida_511. For more information, visit the website at FL511.com or download the Florida 511 Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Travel Smart with the updated Florida 511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go.
Florida Events in September
Use FL511 to plan your trip to these and other events this month:
Ponte Vedra Auto Show (Ponte Vedra)
September 15, 2019
The auto show will feature up to 180 classic and new collectors’ cars all vying for trophies. Special anniversaries include the 30th anniversary of the Lexus, 60th anniversary of the Mini, 50th anniversary of the Porsche mid-engine honoring the anniversary of the 914, and the 30th anniversary of the Land Rover Discovery.
Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival (Perry)
September 20-21, 2019
Taylor County is home to one of the largest and most popular barbecue festivals in the state and southeastern United States! The festival features thousands of dollars in cash prizes, sampling stations, country and southern rock music, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, antique cars and more!
25th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival (Delray Beach)
September 21-22, 2019
American Craft Endeavors is excited to return to downtown Delray Beach this fall for its annual craft festival. The show is located at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. This central, downtown location is surrounded by great shops and fantastic restaurants in an artistic community.
New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival (New Smyrna Beach)
September 26-29, 2019
The New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival is a lively four-day event featuring great jazz, good food and fun. Flagler Avenue has proven to be the perfect location, allowing concert-goers to stroll from club to club listening to music, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River. Other streets are featured, too.
Pensacola Seafood Festival (Pensacola)
September 27-29, 2019
Sample mouthwatering seafood dishes and enjoy entertainment in Fountain Park. Arts and crafts vendors will display unique wares, many items reflective of the Gulf Coast lifestyle. The festival also features a children’s area and cooking demonstrations of regional delicacies.
Mount Dora Seafood Festival (Mount Dora)
September 28-29, 2019
Two days of fresh seafood, more than 100 exhibitors with specialty food items, and more! This family-friendly event will feature live music and a free concert Saturday evening. The Mount Dora Seafood Festival is a ‘rain or shine’ event. Bring your umbrella just in case. Large tents will be available for shelter.
FL511 Photo of the Month
The FL511 team participated in the 48th National Meeting and Training Conference in Tampa from July 13 to 15, hosted by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. COMTO’s annual conference brings together industry leaders across all modes of transportation for four days of learning, training, and networking.