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Tag: APP Traffic Inbox

  • Why won’t Orange County open a connection road to Lake County?

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    LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A single barrier is all that prevents Lake County drivers from cutting their commutes to Walt Disney World in half.

    What You Need To Know

    • Deborah Running says her drive to Disney from her Lake County home would be cut in half if she were able to access Flemings Road

    • Orange County placed a barrier to block Sawgrass Bay Boulevard from Flemings Road

    • Orange County says they’re waiting for a developer to make Flemings Road a four-lane road to handle the anticipated traffic

    • The road should be completed by Nov. 30, 2026, per Orange County


    Deborah Running says if Sawgrass Bay Boulevard in Lake County were open to Flemings Road in Orange County, it would cut down on drive times considerably.

    Right now she has to take US-27 to US-192 and then up to Avalon Road to access Western Way and the back entrance to Disney World.

    “That would take 35 minutes, maybe 40-45,” Running explained. “If I went this way it would take about 15 to get to the same spot.”

    This way is the end of Sawgrass Bay Boulevard where a newly constructed cul-de-sac from Lake County is located.

    Off the cul-de-sac is a road with a barrier. On the other side of the barrier is Flemings Road, which provides access to Western Way and Disney.

    “It does not make sense. It’s a road that exists. It connects Lake County to Orange County, and it could cut people’s drive times in half,” said Running.

    Orange County put up the barrier, preventing drivers from traveling between the two counties.

    A year ago we told you what drivers would do: go off-road to cut through to Disney.

    While not as commonplace now, people will still do it to cut their drive time in half.

    “It could definitely be connected if Orange County would just agree to do it,” said Running.

    Orange County does plan to remove the barrier, but city leaders are waiting for a developer to make Flemings Road a four-lane road that can handle the anticipated traffic.

    We obtained a study for Orange County that found if no truck traffic was allowed, Flemings Road could handle the local traffic from Lake County for the next 10 years.

    But Orange County’s manager of the transportation planning division said opening the road during construction would cost more, and could take longer to construct.

    Orange County recently updated its estimated construction completion forecast from Jan. 1, 2026, to Nov. 30, 2026, another setback for Running.

    “Disappointed and a little angry,” said Running.

    Running is part of a group, Connect 2025, hoping to keep Orange County’s promise to open the road up to Lake County.

    The group Connect 2025 says the biggest people to benefit from the connection are the service workers living in Lake County, but working at Disney and the attractions area.

    They say that opening the connection would have economic and environmental benefits.

    If you’ve got a traffic trouble spot, please fill out the form here.

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    Jerry Hume

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  • Popular pedestrian bridge in Seminole reopens after rehabbing safety concerns

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    WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — A popular pedestrian bridge has reopened ahead of schedule in Winter Springs after being closed for construction since the end of April.

    What You Need To Know

    • Seminole County closed the pedestrian bridge for the Seminole Cross Trail over State Road 434 at the end of April

    • According to information from Seminole County, the bridge was closed on April 28 and wasn’t expected to reopen for 150 days
    • A county spokesperson said the bridge was closed for a critical safety rehabilitation project

    • The pedestrian bridge has reopened ahead of schedule, despite some electronic signs that still need to be installed


    Christina Watts uses the pedestrian bridge to cross over State Road 434 to continue running on the Seminole Cross Trail.

    “I was surprised it’s been closed for a little bit,” Watts said. “I figured it would be open for us to be able to get to the nicer end of the trail, where it’s more shaded, and to finish off my run.”

    According to information from Seminole County, the bridge was closed on April 28 and wasn’t expected to reopen for 150 days.

    Watts said it was frustrating to find the bridge closed without any explanation.

    “We don’t know why it’s closed, and it’s confusing because this is the route we like to take for our runs,” Watts said.

    During the closure, Watts had to change her routes, stopping and turning around at SR-434, fearful of crossing four lanes of busy traffic.

    “There’s no crosswalk,” Watts said. “There’s not even a light to take you across.”

    A Seminole County spokesperson said the bridge was closed for a critical safety rehabilitation project, which included fixing slab cracks, resurfacing the deck and removing equestrian tiles and railings that separated the equestrian trail.

    Bike calming features were also a part of the project, the spokesperson said.

    “I think it’s great that they are rehabilitating the bridge,” Watts said. “However, it would be nice if maybe they would have done one side at a time or left an area for runners to get across.”

    For safety reasons, the entire bridge had to be closed until the end of construction, according to the county spokesperson.

    About a week ago, the bridge reopened ahead of schedule.

    “It’s really important that we’re able to come on the trail and run in the mornings, and run in a safe place where there’s not a lot of cars,” Watts said.

    Some electronic signs still need to be installed, but when they arrive from back order, county officials say crews won’t have to close the bridge.

    Seminole County monitors and maintains 83 bridge structures, and a recent inspection found the problems that resulted in the Cross Seminole Trail rehabilitation project.

    If you’ve got a traffic trouble spot or question, complete the form on the Traffic Inbox page.

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    Jerry Hume

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  • Zephyrhills road closure frustrating drivers with extra traffic

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Ongoing road work at a busy intersection in Zephyrhills is causing delays on several surrounding roads.

    Pasco County closed the intersection of Morris Bridge Road and Chancey Road closed in June for repair work. It may not reopen for several more weeks.

    The closure has been causing issues for Zephyrhills residents like Roberto Fernandez, who lives right near the intersection.

    “Long commutes if you’re in a vehicle. If you’re a pedestrian, you have to go through a lot of dirt and mud,” Fernandez said. “Even first responders are having issues with it. They hate it. They’ve made that comment to me.”

    Pasco County officials say the reason for the long closure is for road repair. Fernandez says he saw a large hole there.

    While he agrees it needed to be fixed — the closure is having ripple effects, causing extra traffic on nearby roads like State Road 56, State Road 54 and U.S. 301.

    The closure is causing extra delays on nearby State Road 56, State Road 54 and U.S. 301. (Spectrum News/Tim Wronka)

    “As far as 56 going to 301, there’s a backup that can take maybe four light changes before you can make left onto 301 into Zephyrhills,” Fernandez said.

    Officials say the project was a minor repair at first, but surveyors then found it needed more extensive repairs to prevent washouts or holes.

    Pasco County estimates the road will reopen in mid-September.

    Fernandez hopes that is the case.

    “I just hope they take care of this situation as quickly as possible,” Fernandez said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Drivers frustrated with U.S. 301 congestion in Pasco County

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Some drivers in Pasco County are frustrated with the growing congestion on U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drivers are frustrated with growing traffic on U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills

    • U.S. 301 is a two-lane road in that area that many use to commute between Pasco and Hillsborough counties

    • FDOT does have projects in the works to widen that stretch of US 301; however they are not currently funded for construction

    • Would you like to suggest a Traffic Inbox story? Click here


    U.S. 301 is a two-lane road in that area that many use to commute between Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

    Zephyrhills resident Julia Maynor says it can take her more than a half hour to commute just over two miles to work.

    “It’s close. But takes me 30 to 45 minutes to get there,” Maynor said.

    Maynor said she has had the same commute on U.S. 301 for 12 years. But in that span, the time it takes her to get to and from work has only increased.

    “Steadily gotten worse, steadily gotten worse,” Maynor said.

    She says the problems usually start at U.S. 301 and Chancey Road.

    Maynor believes the increase in traffic is likely due to the growth she sees in the area – yet the road has stayed the same. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Tim Wronka)

    “The Chancey intersection is terrible. Terrible. Anyone that comes that way has to be patient,” Maynor said.

    That’s where a lot of drivers are turning on and off the two lanes of 301, causing backups during rush hour.

    Maynor believes the increase in traffic is likely due to the growth she sees in the area — yet the road has stayed the same.

    “But lately with the building of the communities and things, it has just grown even worse,” Maynor said.

    That’s why she is surprised plans to widen 301 haven’t moved forward.

    She feels the highway needs to be expanded to at least two lanes in each direction.

    The Florida Department of Transportation does have projects in the works to widen that stretch of US 301. However at this time, they’re not funded for construction, which is why they haven’t moved forward yet.

    Maynor hopes that changes soon.

    “And if they don’t, I can’t even imagine in the next five years what U.S. 301 would truly be like. Just trying to get through the city of Zephyrhills,” Maynor said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco County residents concerned about possible Rangeland Boulevard extension

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    PASCO CO, Fla. — Neighbors in Pasco County continue to have concerns about plans to extend Rangeland Boulevard in Odessa.

    The proposal is to extend Rangeland Boulevard from Starkey Ranch over the Suncoast Parkway and into the Bexley community.

    The county is considering the project to help with the congestion on State Road 54.

    Starkey Ranch resident Alina Boian worries how that could change the neighborhood.

    “I don’t want this to be a 54. I was this to be a neighborhood. So I am concerned and worried,” Boian said.

    She also has a concerns about a wooden bridge on Rangeland Boulevard that she wonders why was put there in the first place.

    “It’s kind of odd, actually,” Boian said. “Especially here in Florida where the sun is constantly beating down on it. The cars are constantly driving on it. I don’t think that was the best choice.”

    So far, the bridge has held up with community traffic. But she worries about how it would hold up if the road is extended by the county.

    Pasco County officials say the county would take over the bridge over as part of the expansion project.

    However, there is a catch: Pasco County wants Starkey Ranch to pay to replace it with a concrete bridge first before they take it over.

    Boian doesn’t agree with that.

    “It should be Pasco County. They should take this bridge over. We shouldn’t pay for it,” Boian said

    There is an upcoming meeting for neighbors on this project. It’s on Thursday, May 1 at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural center in Odessa from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    If you’d like to suggest a Traffic Inbox story, click here and fill out the form.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pinellas neighborhood frustrated with hole in the road

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A hole in the road is frustrating drivers and residents in a Clearwater neighborhood.

    What You Need To Know

    • A hole on Estancia Boulevard in Clearwater is causing issues for drivers

    • It first opened after the hurricanes last year

    • Estancia Boulevard connects several neighborhoods to US 19

    • Pinellas County says it’s a private road


    It formed after last year’s hurricanes at a four-way stop on Estancia Boulevard. More than six months later, it seems to be getting bigger.

    While it may seem like a small road, it’s an access point for several neighborhoods off of U.S. 19 in the Countryside area.

    “I would say it’s more of a sinkhole than a pothole. I really would. A pothole you could drive over. This you can’t,” said resident Cathy Schmidt, who lives right near the hole.

    The only thing she says it seems to get filled in with are traffic cones and construction barrels. Drivers have to go up on the curb to get around it.

    Schmidt even knows of at least two drivers who got their cars stuck in it.

    “It’s ridiculous. Every day I deal with this for the last six months,” Schmidt said.

    In addition to being a hazard, it’s causing traffic issues. Drivers will often go against traffic to get around the hole. Or, they’re so focused on avoiding it, they don’t see the stop signs at the intersection.

    “They just come barreling through. I’m just waiting for an accident to happen. Because it’s going to get there,” Schmidt said.

    Schmidt feels the hole may be getting worse because of extra traffic using Estancia Boulevard due to the ongoing construction on US 19.

    There have been previous issues involving holes on Estancia Boulevard as well.

    Pinellas County officials say Estancia Boulevard is a private road. Previous issues over repairs lead to legal disputes between the county and the HOA and developer ther’re over who should pay for the fix.

    Schmidt just wants to see it get fixed.

    “It needs to be repaired,” Schmidt said. “I don’t care who does it. Just somebody do it.”

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Neighbors concerned about future Pasco road projects

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County is considering two big road projects to ease traffic congestion in the growing central part of the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County is considering two road projects to ease traffic congestion in the growing central part of the county

    • The projects are the Rangeland Boulevard Extension and the Bud Bexley Parkway Extension

    • Some residents are worried about how the projects could change their neighborhoods

    • Both projects are still in early planning phases 


    The projects are the Rangeland Boulevard Extension and the Bud Bexley Parkway Extension.

    The Rangeland project would extend the road over the Suncoast Parkway to the roundabout at Bexley Parkway and Bexley Village Drive.

    Officials are also considering adding an interchange at the Suncoast.

    Rangeland Project map

    The Bexley Parkway project would extend the road out from the Bexley community to US 41.

    Both projects would add a needed east-west alternative to State Road 54, which has seen traffic increase with more development.

    But some residents are worried about how the projects could change their neighborhoods, especially in Bexley.

    When Paige Nardi and her family relocated from Chicago to Florida in 2020, they picked the Bexley community in Land O’ Lakes.

    Bexley Project map

    Bexley Project map

    “We just loved the feel of Bexley. Though it is a big community, it does have a small feel. So we felt right at home here,” Nardi said.

    Located off of SR-54 near the Suncoast Parkway, Bexley is also an ideal location for many.

    And generally, Nardi says it doesn’t have the same busy traffic you see on the surrounding roads.

    “You just have your normal traffic that’s going in and out. It’s just a quiet little community,” Nardi said.

    She is worried that could change with the proposed projects, adding a lot more traffic to the quiet roads.

    “Into a sleepy community. Smack dab in the middle of a community. In front of people’s homes,” Nardi said.

    She is also worried about the impact the projects could have on the environment.

    “Where is the wildlife going to go? They’re already being pushed out with the other development in Pasco County. This is one area that they do still have left,” Nardi said.

    Pasco County is considering these projects because of recent growth in that area, with new housing, apartments and businesses, especially along SR-54. 

    The projects are in their early phases.

    County officials say construction for the Rangeland Boulevard project is currently funded for 2029. There will be a second public workshop on May 1st.

    The Bexley Parkway extension is currently funded only for its route study phase with no estimated construction start at this time, according to Pasco officials.

    Residents can also submit comments on both projects. 

    As planning continues, Nardi feels the county has allowed too much growth for the roads to handle and hopes they consider other options.

    “There are other solutions they could think about. Their lack of planning should not be my problem, to take the safety and aesthetics from my community,” Nardi said.

    For more information on both projects, visit here.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Drivers concerned with traffic light timing at busy Pasco County intersection

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Tampa Bay are used to long waits at traffic lights.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drivers are concerned with the traffic light timing on SR-54 and Bexley Village Drive in Pasco County

    • Traffic making a left turn is waiting several light cycles to get through

    • FDOT says a detection equipment issue has now been corrected

    • Want to suggest a Traffic Inbox story? Click here


    But there’s one intersection in Pasco County that neighbor Don Hassee is frustrated with: State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive, just east of the Veterans Expressway.

    Hassee says making a left turn into the Bexley neighborhood can take forever.

    “If I’m about 10 cars back, I know it’s going to be tough to make a light. So I have to have to be patient and wait for two cycles,” Hassee said.

    That area of Pasco County has seen a lot of growth in recent years, with new housing and businesses. That of course leads to more traffic.

    Hassee timed the left turn light a few times while doing an interview with Spectrum News, showing it go between 20 to 25 seconds. He says that’s not enough time to move traffic through.

    His concern isn’t just the wait, but the traffic from the turn lanes backing up onto busy SR-54.

    “Then you’ve got traffic out on 54. And those people are having trouble getting through as well,” Hassee said.

    He says it’s particularly a problem during rush hour.

    He was hoping to see the Florida Department of Transportation consider changing the timing on the traffic light to let more drivers through.

    FDOT officials checked on this intersection after Spectrum News asked about it. They say a detection equipment issue has now been corrected. They say they’ll continue to work with Pasco County on any further issues.

    Hassee hopes the fix improves the commute home.

    “People are coming home. It’s the end of their day. They’re tired. They want to get home. If they could get an extra cycle through, it just makes the traffic flow so much more smoothly,” Hassee said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Residents frustrated over growing traffic on US 17-92 in Polk

    Residents frustrated over growing traffic on US 17-92 in Polk

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    LAKE ALFRED, Fla. – The increasing traffic in Tampa Bay and Central Florida is a frustration for many.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lake Alfred residents are concerned with growing traffic and pedestrian safety along US 17-92

    • US 17-92 splits into Shinn Boulevard and Lake Shore Way through Lake Alfred

    • City officials say speeding is a concern from drivers going through town

    • Want to suggest a Traffic Inbox story? Click here


    For over a decade, Wayne Frey has enjoyed his walks through Lake Alfred. However, these days, those walks are a little bit more hectic. 

    “Oh, the traffic volume has doubled since we moved in 10 years ago,” Frey said.

    His main concern is US 17-92, the highway that runs through town and splits into Shinn Boulevard and Lake Shore Way. He says drivers are dealing with increased traffic in this area, while pedestrians struggle to cross. 

    “It’s almost impossible to get across. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes to get across there,” Frey said.

    Fellow resident Sherri Parker shares similar concerns.

    “We have tons of trucks coming through here. Cars nonstop. What once took me 10 minutes to go someplace now takes me 30 or longer,” Parker said.

    She’s also concerned about speeding.

    “It didn’t used to be this way. And they go fast. They don’t do the speed limit,” Parker said.

    Residents say that traffic has increased due to the population growth in Lake Alfred, a trend also seen in neighboring areas of Polk County, such as Haines City and Auburndale, which are connected by US 17-92.

    City Manager Ryan Leavengood said that a lot of the traffic on that road is made up of drivers passing through town, which contributes to increased speeds.

    He acknowledges the residents’ concerns but points out that US 17-92 is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

    Leavengood stated that FDOT will conduct a study later this year for a proposed lane repurposing project in the area. 

    This initiative could ultimately help reduce speeds and enhance the walkability of downtown. 

    Frey hopes to see any changes that would improve road safety. 

    “They need to slow down the traffic somehow and put in pedestrian crosswalks,” Frey said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco drivers frustrated by traffic delays on Moon Lake Road

    Pasco drivers frustrated by traffic delays on Moon Lake Road

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Drivers say they’ve been late to work and school lately due to major traffic delays on Moon Lake Road. The recent delays are due to an ongoing construction project on Moon Lake Road just north of Ridge Road.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drivers are frustrated by growing traffic on Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey

    • The recent delays are due to an ongoing construction project on Moon Lake Road just north of Ridge Road

    • Pasco County does have a widening of Moon Lake Road listed in its future capital projects, but it’s not slated to be funded until 2028


    “Everybody is just tired of the traffic,” said New Port Richey resident Amanda Stark.

    Stark says the traffic on Moon Lake Road is worse than ever, especially over the past few weeks.

    “We’re not able to get to school on time, work on time. It’s not good,” Stark said.

    The recent delays are due to an ongoing construction project on Moon Lake Road just north of Ridge Road. Pasco County officials say it’s work that a private developer is doing to add turn to lanes to property there.

    Crews have been alternating traffic on the two-lane road, causing the delays. Other drivers told Spectrum News it was happening during rush hour as well.

    Stark says residents were given no warning about the closures. In addition, she has already been concerned about the growing traffic there even before the road work started due to development.

    “Moon Lake Road is only one lane in each way. And so it doesn’t have the capacity to take in all of this traffic from the residences,” Stark said.

    She’d like to see it eventually widened to account for the growth and for the road work to wrap up soon.

    “I’m not exactly sure what should be done. But I just know that traffic is insane,” Stark said.

    Pasco County does have a widening of Moon Lake Road listed in its future capital projects, but it’s not slated to be funded until 2028.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • St. Pete resident asks: What’s the deal with left-lane drivers?

    St. Pete resident asks: What’s the deal with left-lane drivers?

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    TAMPA, Fla. – It’s a complaint many have: Drivers going too slow in the passing lane.

    And St. Petersburg native Jennifer Griffin says it’s an issue that leads to a lot of issues on the road in Tampa Bay.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida law says drivers should stay on the right side of the roadway unless they’re trying to pass another vehicle

    • Drivers can get a ticket for failing to move from the left lane that is punished as a moving violation

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis did not sign a bill that was passed by the Legislature that would have banned driving in the left lane for anyone not actively passing another vehicle


    “It’s a chronic problem,” Griffin said. “Everyone is driving in the left lane and it holds up traffic behind.”

    Griffin reached out to Spectrum Bay News 9 with concerns that left-lane cruising contributes to traffic in Tampa Bay, citing roads like the Howard Frankland Bridge, where she commutes each day.

    “People will drive in the left lane going under 50 mph and not think they’re the problem,” Griffin said.

    Griffin said she tries to stay to the right as much as she can.

    And according to Florida law, that’s what drivers should do.

    Statute 316.081 says drivers should stay on the right side of the roadway unless they’re trying to pass another vehicle.

    Florida nearly had a new law that would have outright banned cruising in the left lane earlier this year, but Gov. Ron DeSantis did not sign the bill that was passed by the Legislature.

    Officials with Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed that Florida Highway Patrol does already enforce this issue on the roads. Drivers can, however, get a ticket for failing to move from the left lane when not passing another vehicle.

    Griffin said she would like to see more drivers aware of that.

    “I would like there to be more awareness about the problem that this is,” she said. “And people more willing to accept the fact that they are causing the problem.”

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Davenport residents hoping for fix at busy intersection

    Davenport residents hoping for fix at busy intersection

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    DAVENPORT, Fla. — Drivers in Polk County are frustrated over the growing traffic, especially in places like Davenport.

    What You Need To Know

    • Many drivers will go through the intersection of U.S. 27 and Deen Still Road in Davenport to avoid Interstate 4 traffic
    • A high number of box trucks and semi-trucks use the intersection

    • Polk County officials confirmed to Spectrum Bay News 9 that changes are now in the works there to improve traffic


    With lots of traffic on Interstate 4 through east Polk County, many drivers will go through the intersection of U.S. 27 and Deen Still Road in Davenport to get around it.

    “It just becomes a nightmare,” said Sally Speler-Venne, who has lived in Davenport for 35 years. “You can’t move. You’re just stuck there.”

    She feels the design at U.S. 27 and Deen Still Road does not help.

    “There are curbs that jet out which prevent you from going completely straight to make a turn,” Sally Speler-Venne.

    Her friend Sarah Albinson agrees, noting the high number of semi-trucks and box trucks that also use the intersection and then get stuck waiting at the intersection.

    “It is extremely frustrating. It can take me almost 45 minutes to go 1.3 miles up the street,” Albinson said.

    They’d both like to see the intersection changed to help improve the traffic flow there.

    “I think they just need to take the curbs out and rework the road a little bit,” Albinson said.

    Polk County officials confirmed to Spectrum Bay News 9 that changes are now in the works there.

    They plan to make modifications to extend the turn lanes and through lanes at Deen Still Road and U.S. 27.

    They’re also planning a bigger overhaul of the intersection down the line as well.

    Ultimately, they say the I-4 traffic being improved there, which the Florida Dept of Transportation is also working on, will be the best fix.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Neighbor concerned as drivers run new stop signs in Largo

    Neighbor concerned as drivers run new stop signs in Largo

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    LARGO, Fla. – Drivers are running new stop signs on 125th Street in Largo that were added to stop speeding.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drivers are running new stop signs on 125th Street in Largo that were added to stop speeding

    • The City of Largo did a speed study on 125th Street showing most drivers were going over the speed limit of 25 mph

    • The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office now has deputies patrolling the intersection


    In a follow up to a Traffic Inbox story from March, the City of Largo added the new stop signs on 125th St and Mar Vista Lane.

    Longtime resident Jacquelyn Enderle sees drivers miss the new signs since the city installed them in June.

    “I stood at my door the next morning with my cup of coffee. And saw person after person. Not just even hesitating to stop. They’re just flying through,” Enderle said.

    That’s partly because the stop signs are so new.

    Enderle’s original concern there was speed, since many drivers using 125th Street as a cut through between Ulmerton Road Walsingham Road near the Heritage Village park.

    After the story on her speed concerns aired in March, the City of Largo did a speed study on 125th Street. It showed most drivers were going over the speed limit of 25 mph.

    Their solution was to add new stop signs to slow that traffic down.


    Crews even put in warning signs ahead in both directions but some drivers still miss the stop.

    “I think people are interested in cutting through and getting to where they need to be but they need to be more aware that there is a stop sign there,” Enderle said. “I still assume they won’t stop.”

    The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office now has deputies patrolling the intersection. Enderle says they’ve pulled over more than 60 drivers over the last few weeks. 

    For now, deputies are giving out warnings. After 90 days, the sheriff’s office told Enderle that they will become citations.

    Enderle is thankful for all the support in getting these issues fixed. She hopes this leads to a safer street.

    “As a neighborhood, we’re thrilled,” Enderle said. “We’re a little tiny street in Largo. And it has been worth all of the effort. And I appreciate you doing the story on it because I know it has really helped.”

    New stop signs on 125th St in Largo (Courtesy: Tim Wronka)

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco County resident concerned with drivers rolling past stop sign at U.S. 19

    Pasco County resident concerned with drivers rolling past stop sign at U.S. 19

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    HOLIDAY, Fla. — A longtime Pasco County resident says she is concerned about drivers passing a stop sign when turning onto U.S. 19 from Camry Drive.

    What You Need To Know

    • A longtime Pasco County resident says she is concerned about divers rolling through the stop sign at Camry Drive and U.S. 19

    • County officials say they have looked into the intersection before, but felt no changes were needed

    • They said they can examine the location again, and encourage residents to use their traffic request form

    • Want to suggest a Traffic Inbox story? Click here

    Judith Rykart said she is worried about a pedestrian being hit in the crosswalk at the intersection, which near the McDonald’s in Holiday.

    “Every time someone stops at the intersection, they don’t stop at the stop sign,” she said of vehicles making right turns onto U.S. 19 from Camry Drive. “They stop on the crosswalk.”

    During an interview with Spectrum Bay News 9 at the intersection, drivers repeatedly went past the crosswalk without stopping at the sign first.

    “It’s dangerous for the pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Rykart, who has lived in Holiday for 20 years.

    But she said the problem at the intersection has gotten worse recently, as more people move into the area.

    “They keep building and building,” Rykart said. “Everyone wants to move to Florida.”

    Pasco County officials say their traffic management team had a request to look at the intersection two years ago. They said the team felt the stop sign on Camry Drive was enough at the time.

    But Rykart said she would like to see additional signage warning drivers about pedestrians, which is common at similar intersections.

    “The sign should say, ‘Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists,’” she said. “Sometimes they have to go between cars to get through.”

    According to Florida law, drivers are supposed to make a stop at a stop sign before making a right turn.

    Pasco County officials also encouraged residents to use the county’s traffic request form to let their teams know about an issue. They said traffic management can reexamine the intersection.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • New Gateway Expressway now open in Pinellas County

    New Gateway Expressway now open in Pinellas County

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The new Gateway Expressway opened in Pinellas County on Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

    For the first time, drivers have new connections between U.S. 19, the Bayside Bridge and Interstate 275.

    What You Need To Know

    • The long-awaited Gateway Expressway opened on Friday afternoon

    • Two new elevated, four-lane toll roads connect drivers to I-275 — one from U.S. 19 and the other from the Bayside Bridge

    • The project also includes new tolled express lanes along I-275, from just south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, one in each direction

    • BELOW: More about the new road names, toll pricing

    The $600 million project opened after more than six years of construction and several delays that included the pandemic but also the large scale of the work.

    Two new elevated, four-lane toll roads connect drivers to I-275. One from U.S. 19 and the other from the Bayside Bridge.

    The project also includes new tolled express lanes along I-275, from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, one in each direction.

    FDOT on Wednesday said using the new lanes will be free for the first seven days after they are opened. After that, pricing will be:

    The biggest change drivers should see is less congestion and easier access to and from I-275.

    Greg Deese, an FDOT engineer, has worked on the project since the beginning.

    “Really going to become a highly used facility. You have a lot of regional traffic between U.S. 19 and I-275,” he said. “It really was about five projects in one. So a project that complex inevitably runs into delays.”

    The Gateway Expressway is part of several state projects to help ease traffic congestion in the area as the population grows.

    What are the new roads?

    State Road 690: A new elevated four-lane tolled expressway from U.S. 19 to I-275. The road is built in the median of 118th Avenue North.

    State Road 686A: A new elevated four-lane tolled expressway from the Bayside Bridge to I-275. The road is built in the median of Roosevelt Boulevard between the Bayside Bridge and Ulmerton Road.

    I-275 Express Lanes: I-275 has been widened to add tolled express lanes, one in each direction from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North.

    Impact on St. Pete-Clearwater Airport:

    As part of the project, FDOT rebuilt Roosevelt Boulevard near the airport from the Bayside Bridge to Ulmerton Road as two one-way roads.

    Crews also built a new airport access road that runs parallel to Roosevelt Boulevard. There’s also a new traffic light at the intersection at Terminal Boulevard.

    The new configuration is expected to ease traffic congestion by the airport.

    Other improvements:

    FDOT also repaved 118th Avenue North from U.S. 19 to 31st Court North as part of the project. Existing sections of U.S. 19 and 118th Avenue North were rebuilt, including new ramps and bridges.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pinellas resident says drivers frustrated by traffic-light timing on 66th Street

    Pinellas resident says drivers frustrated by traffic-light timing on 66th Street

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some drivers in Pinellas County say the traffic lights on 66th Street North have not been syncing up correctly, which has led to some frustrating backups during rush hour.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some Pinellas County drivers say traffic light timing at 66th Street and Tyrone Boulevard are not synced up correctly

    • One resident says the issue is causing northbound traffic to back up to 22nd Avenue North

    • Florida Department of Transportation officials say they did find an issue in the clock at the traffic signal on 66th Street and 22nd Avenue North that has been fixed 

    Thomas O’Brien, who has lived in Pinellas County for 25 years, says when he drives on 66th Street near Tyrone Boulevard, traffic is the busiest he’s ever seen it.

    “Pre-pandemic, this area would be crazy around Christmas,” he said. “But not on a daily basis like it is now.”

    The area is already congested with the shopping centers there, but O’Brien said he thinks part of the problem is the traffic lights.

    He says that starting in January, the timing seemed off at the signal at 66th Street and Tyrone Boulevard.

    “The synchronization of the lights that was there before has gotten out of whack,” O’Brien said. “And you’ll get traffic building up at 22nd Avenue North, blocking westbound traffic.”

    O’Brien said the timing problem is a big issue during the afternoon rush hour, when traffic on northbound 66th Street gets stuck at 22nd Avenue North.

    “Coming through on 22nd Avenue, we all know be in the left-hand lane heading this way,” O’Brien said. “Because if you’re in the right-hand lane, you’re going to get stuck.”

    O’Brien said he’s been trying to get answers about the traffic congestion for months.

    Spectrum News asked the Florida Department of Transportation about the problem.

    FDOT officials say they did find an issue in the clock at the traffic signal on 66th Street and 22nd Avenue North that was causing the coordination at 66th and Tyrone Boulevard to be off.

    Officials said that the issue has been fixed, and the lights should be operating better now.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • St. Petersburg pedestrians say more sidewalks are needed on Gandy Boulevard

    St. Petersburg pedestrians say more sidewalks are needed on Gandy Boulevard

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some residents in St. Petersburg say walking along a busy stretch of Gandy Boulevard is dangerous because there are no sidewalks in the area.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg residents say sidewalks are needed on Gandy Boulevard east of Fourth Street

    • Many have expressed concern across Pinellas County due to gaps in sidewalks

    • Florida Department of Transportation officials say there is a project in the works that addresses sidewalk gaps in Pinellas County, including on Gandy Boulevard

    Nathaniel Williams says he has to walk on the side of the road on Gandy Boulevard just east of Fourth Street when he needs to go grocery shopping or run other errands.

    “You feel some of these trucks come by,” he said. “They rock your world.”

    There is no sidewalk on the north side of Gandy Boulevard from his home at the Itopia Condos over to Fourth Street, and Williams said it’s an oversight that should be fixed.

    “It’s fantastic engineering,” he said. “They just missed one thing: sidewalks for pedestrians.”

    While there are sidewalks on other parts of Gandy, the ones in the Williams uses to get around end near Barney’s Mini Storage, which is located at the corner of Oak Street.

    Gaps in sidewalks have been a concern throughout Pinellas County, and the missing pavement forces pedestrians like Williams to walk on the shoulder or in bike lanes.

    “You take your life into your hands,” Williams said.

    Florida Department of Transportation officials say there is a project in the works that addresses sidewalk gaps in Pinellas County that is scheduled to start next year. They said the stretch of Gandy Boulevard east of Fourth Street is included.

    Officials say there are some areas where existing light poles and signs will have to be moved, and other areas where an embankment will be required, making some of the additions more complex.

    Williams said he was relieved to hear that a walkway is planned for the area, and hoped the project can get underway soon.

    “One of the healthiest things to do is walk,” he said. “But what I would like to see is for them just to put another sidewalk in, so we can enjoy the privileges that everybody else has.”

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Florida sees massive jump in its average gas prices

    Florida sees massive jump in its average gas prices

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    STATEWIDE — AAA stated that Florida has seen a massive jump to its average gas prices on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The average Florida price is at $3.27 per gallon
    • The national average price is $3.23 per gallon

    Florida’s average gas price on Tuesday is $3.27 per gallon, a 13-cent jump from the day before, stated AAA. 

    • Monday: $3.14 
    • Sunday: $3.14 

    The current record for the average price of gas in Florida is $4.89 that was set on Monday, June 13, 2022.

    In February 2022, Florida drivers were paying an average of about $3.50 per gallon.

    National gas prices

    The national average price of gas on Tuesday is at $3.23 per gallon, a three-cent increase from the previous day, according to AAA.

    • Monday: $3.20
    • Sunday: $3.19

    The current national record was set on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at $5.01 per gallon.

    The previous record high had been $4.33, set on March 11, 2022. But the old record was $4.08 per gallon, set on July 16, 2008.  

    For some context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says $4.11 in 2008 was worth about $5.25 in 2022. AAA had predicted prices would keep spiking and that they could resume their climb, which they did after a short-term decline.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida sees massive jump in its average gas prices

    Florida sees massive jump in its average gas prices

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    STATEWIDE — AAA stated that Florida has seen a massive jump to its average gas prices on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The average Florida price is at $3.27 per gallon
    • The national average price is $3.23 per gallon

    Florida’s average gas price on Tuesday is $3.27 per gallon, a 13-cent jump from the day before, stated AAA. 

    • Monday: $3.14 
    • Sunday: $3.14 

    The current record for the average price of gas in Florida is $4.89 that was set on Monday, June 13, 2022.

    In February 2022, Florida drivers were paying an average of about $3.50 per gallon.

    National gas prices

    The national average price of gas on Tuesday is at $3.23 per gallon, a three-cent increase from the previous day, according to AAA.

    • Monday: $3.20
    • Sunday: $3.19

    The current national record was set on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at $5.01 per gallon.

    The previous record high had been $4.33, set on March 11, 2022. But the old record was $4.08 per gallon, set on July 16, 2008.  

    For some context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says $4.11 in 2008 was worth about $5.25 in 2022. AAA had predicted prices would keep spiking and that they could resume their climb, which they did after a short-term decline.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • What’s with all the car fires in Tampa Bay?

    What’s with all the car fires in Tampa Bay?

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    TAMPA, Fla. — If you’ve driven around Tampa Bay, chances are you’ve sat in a lot of traffic. Sometimes those delays are caused by a car fire.

    What You Need To Know

    • FHP Troop C responded to 475 vehicle fires over the last two years

    • According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical issues, leaks, overheated engines and smoking are common causes

    • According to a 2020 study from the NFPA, there was an average of 117,400 vehicle fires across the country per year between 2013 and 2017

    • There are no official U.S. numbers on the difference between gas-powered fires versus EVs or hybrids

    FHP Troop C, which covers Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties, responded to 475 vehicle fires over the past two years, officials confirmed.

    Hillsborough County resident Alison Roth asked Spectrum Bay News 9 about the amount of vehicle fires she’s seen.

    “I see them on the news frequently. They slow down traffic a lot,” Roth said.

    You’ll see them on the news because of the problems car fires can cause. Sometimes a single car catching on fire can shut down an interstate or bridge as first responders work to put out the flames.

    “I also wonder what contributes to a car fire. What causes the actual car fire?” Roth asked.

    There are a lot of reasons.

    According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical issues, leaks, overheated engines and smoking are common causes.

    Recently, some drivers have questioned if the increase in electric vehicles on the roads is leading to more fires.

    “I’ve been concerned with the rise in EV that some of the batteries are the problem. You hear about batteries catching fire on all kinds of vehicles,” Roth said.

    In the U.S., there’s no national agency that Spectrum Bay News 9 found that’s currently keeping track of the types of cars that are catching on fire. There are no official numbers on the difference between gas or electric fires.

    However, MotorTrend says the country of Sweden does. Their numbers show gas-powered engines are more likely to catch on fire than electric vehicles and hybrids.

    In addition, the number of car fires occurring might be less than you think.

    According to a 2020 study from the NFPA, there was an average of 117,400 vehicle fires across the country per year between 2013 and 2017.

    To put that in perspective: There are more than 280 million cars registered in the U.S., per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

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    Tim Wronka

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