Meeting/Event Information

🚐 You're Invited: SunTrax Facility Tour – October 2nd

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the cutting-edge SunTrax Test Facility in Auburndale, FL — a premier site advancing transportation safety and innovation through connected vehicle technology and cooperative driving automation.

🗓 Tour Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025 

📍 Meet-Up Location: Sarasota County Operations (BOB) Building - 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd Sarasota, FL 34240

⏰ Meet at: 7:00 AM | Departure: 7:15 AM

🕘 Tour Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

🚐 Transportation: Due to vehicle parking limitations at the facility, group travel will be required and coordinated via one or two large vans departing from BOB building.

🍕 Lunch Update: Plans are being finalized, but it looks like we’ll be able to provide pizza for the group.

💵 Registration Cost: $20 per person, payable on the day of the event via cash, check, or card.

🎓 Professional Credit: This event is pending approval for  3 PDH/CEH credits from the ASCE Florida Section.

🔒 Sign-Up Deadline: End of Business, Thursday, September 26. Register early to secure your spot!

Speakers:

Pamela Foster, Strategic Development Manager, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Eric Gordin, Assistant Traffic Operations Engineer, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

About the Tour:

The mission for the SunTrax test facility is to advance technology solutions which improve the safety and efficiency of transportation. The presentation will provide a high-level overview of the SunTrax test facility, including the importance of its location, the Department’s mission and vision for SunTrax, expansion of the original concept for a facility focused on testing tolling technology to incorporate testing capabilities for emerging transportation technology, and SunTrax’s role as a member of the City of Auburndale and Polk County community. A few specific testing programs and events held at SunTrax will be highlighted specifically focused on connected vehicle technology, engagement with academia, and cooperative driving automation. The presentation will close with a short video summarizing facility usage over the past 12-month period. At the close of the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity for Q and A within the meeting space and while touring the facility. The tour of the SunTrax test facility provides attendees with an opportunity to see the 10 test sectors and support buildings (event space, workshop bays, etc.) and better understand the original intent of each test sector and how the facility was designed.

🔗 Learn more about the facility: https://suntraxfl.com/

We look forward to exploring the future of transportation with you!

Allie Bittle, PE ASCE SunCoast Branch President