Ken Cheek Presented with Proclamation by Mayor Stephen Witt
The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Two Landscape Architect Ken Cheek was honored
on Friday, January 17 on Arbor day at the Lake City Garden Club to observe and celebrate FDOT’s
commitment to landscaping and the beneficial impact to the community.
At the event, members of the Lake City Garden Club presented Mr. Cheek with a framed plaque,
recognizing his design philosophy that balances aesthetic and environmental sensitivity.
“Beautifying our roadways provides all users with a sense of pride” says Mr. Cheek.
Focusing his design on what grows naturally in North Florida, Mr. Cheek and his team bring life to state
roads using hardwoods, pine trees, palms and ornamental grasses amongst other plants.
Ken was instrumental in the creation of District Two’s FDOTree program. Created in 2015, FDOTree
establishes landscaping as an integral part of roadway design for state projects early in the design
process. FDOTree also seeks to educate the public, FDOT planners and contractors to be intentional and
thoughtful in regards to conservation, minimalizing tree removal, appropriate placement of ponds and
other design items that may affect the natural vegetation.
District 2 officials celebrating Arbor Day
With over $50 million spent on landscaping projects in the District over the years, FDOTree designs can
be seen across the region. Some newer FDOTree projects in Duval County include: I-95 Overland Bridge
Landscaping, State Road 9B Landscaping, Hammond Interchange and Hart Expressway Landscaping.
Ken was specifically recognized for creating over $5 million dollars of landscape beautification in
Columbia County where Lake City is seated.