TALLAHASSEE, FL –

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announces the launch of the FL511 Panhandle Twitter account along with 11 other regional and major roadway Twitter feeds. The 12 Twitter feeds are populated with traffic information from the 511 Traveler Information System through an automated feed from SunGuide, the software that updates the 511 systems statewide. These Twitter feeds are the newest resource from FDOT’s 511 system for real-time traffic information. Travelers can also call 511, visit FL511.com, register for My Florida 511 personalized services or download the 511 app on iTunes. FDOT’s 511 Traveler Information System updates travelers on crashes, congestion and construction on all of Florida’s interstates, toll roads and major metropolitan roadways.

“We are very excited to provide these Twitter feeds to travelers,” said Gene Glotzbach, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Manager, FDOT. “We are always working to improve and expand our ITS system and this is another great way to provide region-specific traffic information to Florida’s residents and visitors.”

Users can access the 511 Twitter feeds on any computer or smartphone. FDOT reminds all travelers to check 511 before traveling, have a passenger check 511 or pull over to avoid distracted driving.

FDOT launched the following 511 Twitter feeds:

· FL511 Statewide

· FL511 Northeast

· FL511 Panhandle

· FL511 Central Florida

· FL511 Tampa Bay

· FL511 Southeast

· FL511 Southwest

· FL511 I-4

· FL511 I-10

· FL511 I-75

· FL511 I-95

· FL511 Florida’s Turnpike

Safety Tips

· Call 511 before driving, at a rest area or have a passenger call to avoid talking while driving

· Customize your trip at FL511.com before leaving to minimize time spent on the phone

· Always wear a safety belt

· Don’t drink and drive

Florida 511 Features

· Traffic information on all interstate highways, toll roads and many other metropolitan roadways

· Commuter travel times and reports on crashes, congestion and construction

· Public transit, airport and seaport information

· AMBER, Silver and LEO Alerts (Silver Alerts notify the public when law enforcement agencies are searching for missing adults or citizens with cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Alerts notify the public when law enforcement officers are searching for an offender(s) who has seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer.)

· FL511.com provides travel information, traffic camera views and free personalized services, including customized travel routes and e-mail, text and phone call alerts

· Voice-activated and touch-tone navigation available

· The 511 phone call and FL511.com website are available in English and Spanish