LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Dealing with road construction is no doubt painful, but for some people it’s impacting more than just their commute to work.
So does Paul Imoverstag, who started his CBD business two years ago and draws most of his customers from the village.
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However, now, when he should be showing his true potential, he is struggling to continue his business.
“At this point, our business is at a point where we hope we don’t go out of business,” Imoverstag told Channel 9. The reason is that foot traffic is down by at least 70%. ”
A road project along State Route 301 has put barricades, sand piles and heavy equipment in front of his store, making it difficult for some customers to find it.
One of his customers said: “Today was worse than ever. It’s a little difficult, but we managed.”
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Imoberstag said his compliance went nowhere, saying, “I filed a formal complaint with FDOT and was contacted by the project engineer. , said they’ve run into some other issues and may actually last into the summer. And for Central Florida… especially in this area, this is high season. So this season. , we need this to survive.”
Paul understands that this project needs to be done, but he would like a little more consideration from the state.
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“We’re getting very little guidance on what they’re doing or how long the project will last, so we feel helpless at the moment as to what to actually do. At least at the beginning. If there’s anything we can do to improve it, then the entrance is more accessible and less dangerous for people,” Imoverstag added.
But now, a month later, the sign directing people to turn in is gone, and their equipment is now blocking one of only two driveways.
Eyewitness News asked the Florida Department of Transportation if there was anything it could do to help or how long Paul and other business owners would have to deal with this issue, but they responded to a request for information. did not respond.
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