The Floral City Historic District, located in quaint Floral City, Florida is the only national Historic District in Citrus County.  For over 30 years, residents of this unique community have worked to protect and preserve this tree-lined avenue lined with century-old oak trees.  CR 48, also known as E. Orange Avenue and "The Avenue of the Oaks", is one of the most-photographed sites in Florida.  Now, the district is in danger of irreparable damage. 

For many years, heavy commercial trucks (in excess of 10 tons) heading north or south on I-75 have used CR 48/Orange Avenue as a bypass into Citrus County.  Instead of exiting at Wildwood, Florida just an 8 minute drive north of Bushnell, Florida, truckers use this roadway (also known as Bushnell Road) that starts in Sumter County and heads west, finally turning into CR 48/Orange Avenue in Floral City in Citrus County, where it terminates into US Highway 41.    

The pavement of CR 48/Orange Avenue continues to deteriorate, the noise and presence of these trucks disrupts the peace and quiet enjoyment of residents, poses safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, causes damage to the historic homes along the road, and damages the health and welfare of the historic trees along the road.   

Florida Statute 316.555 (2023) states in pertinent part that "weight, load, and speed limits may be lowered by local authorities if a road is liable to be damaged or destroyed by motor vehicles, trailers, or semi trailers or if such regulation is necessary to provide for public safety and convenience."

Help save CR 48/Orange Avenue in Floral City by signing this petition.  It will be presented to Citrus County government officials as part of a request to exercise their authority under FS 316.555 and lower the weight limit from the current 22 tons to 10 tons.  

Reducing the weight limit will accomplish the following:

• Apply a proper weight limit for a residential, tree-lined street
  Reduce heavy truck traffic at all hours of the day and night
• Protect the safety of citizens and improve their quality of life
• Protect historic homes on the avenue from damage
• Protect the pavement from further deterioration
• Make the area safer for pedestrians and cycle traffic for both locals and visitors
• Protect the tree canopy, which is the pride and joy of Floral City, from the ongoing destruction to the trees and their root systems posed by heavy truck traffic. 

Thank you for your support!