WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A Palm Beach County commissioner said she would not back a Florida lawmaker's attempt to name a state highway after former President Donald Trump.
State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, R-Clermont, announced earlier this week that he would be sponsoring an amendment to rename U.S. Highway 27 as the "President Donald J. Trump Highway."
This legislative session I will be sponsoring an amendment to rename U.S. Highway 27 as the “President Donald J. Trump Highway.” Looking forward to working on this important designation honoring one of the greatest Presidents in American History. pic.twitter.com/x2gNzv8pxv
— Rep. Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) January 19, 2021
But Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay shared her position early Friday on Twitter, saying she would not support such a measure.
US27 from the Palm Beach/Broward County line to the Palm Beach/Hendry County line is in my district. I will NOT support erecting signs @AnthonySabatini seeks. @pbcgov @Fla_Pol @pbpost https://t.co/jjhNJxs702
— Melissa McKinlay (@VoteMcKinlay) January 22, 2021
3/3
McKinlay cited state legislation that precludes the Florida Department of Transportation from erecting signage for honorary roadway or bridge designations without the permission of each affected municipal or county government.
U.S. 27 stretches from Tallahassee to its southern terminus in Miami.
McKinlay, whose district includes the stretch of U.S. 27 that passes through western Palm Beach County, wrote that "resolutions supporting designations must be passed by each affected local government prior to erection of markers."
FYI: The Legislature addressed the transportation facility designation process during the 2003 Legislative Session, and enacted 2003-286, L.O.F., which specified the FDOT may not erect the markers for honorary road or bridge designations unless
— Melissa McKinlay (@VoteMcKinlay) January 22, 2021
1/3
the affected city or county commission enacts resolution supporting designation. When designated road segment is located in more than one city or county, resolutions supporting designations must be passed by each affected local government prior to erection of markers
— Melissa McKinlay (@VoteMcKinlay) January 22, 2021
2/3
If Sabatini's measure is approved by the state, the highway could still receive the honorary designation in Palm Beach County, though it would lack any markers if the majority of county commissioners don't sign off on it.