Arcadia drivers say SR 70 construction is damaging their tires

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — Nearly three years of road construction along State Road 70 is leaving drivers with more than just detours and delays.

• RELATED: State Road 70 work in Arcadia pushed to late 2027, frustrating neighbors

"They tore that road up, so you got to try to figure it go around another side," said Brenda Clifton of Arcadia.

Clifton came to WINK Listens in DeSoto County to ask if any reimbursement is available for damage to vehicles caused by torn-up roads.  She hit a pothole that damaged her tire.

"You don't know that that road is torn, and you hit a bump or a hole, and you brush your tire, which I did do that about a couple of months ago," Clifton said.

The blowout happened as she left the church on Alabama Avenue and Gordon Street. She turned by the housing authority when she hit a pothole that cut her back passenger tire.

"I had to leave my car for the night and had it pulled the next day to Walmart and get my tire repaired," Clifton said.

Clifton showed WINK News reporter Sommer Senne the Walmart invoice. She paid just over $92 for an all-season tire, plus the road hazard warranty.

"Is there any reimbursement going to be for that, you know, for the road repair?" Clifton said.

Senne took that question to the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Arcadia to get answers. In an initial statement, FDOT said motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through active work zones and to follow posted signage.

FDOT then provided a link to their claims website for drivers like Clifton to submit a claim.

"I'm trying to look at another car, but can't do it right now because of the road repairs. You know, what's the use?" Clifton said.

Drivers can also potentially file a claim with the City of Arcadia by calling their Human Resources Department at 863-494-4114. 

While she waits for construction to finish, Clifton feels like she's in a never-ending cycle. She needs work done on her front end but can't get it fixed right now.

"I might hit another pothole," Clifton said. "Just have to spend your money and repair your car."