ReportWire

Tag: Getting There

  • Business owner concerned about project on U.S. 98 in Dade City

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Construction continues on a section of U.S. 98 in Pasco County called the Dade City Bypass to widen the road from two lanes to four.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is widening the Dade City Bypass (U.S. 98) from two lanes to four

    • The owner of a nearby business says he is concerned about how construction has affected customers

    • Work on the road is expected to be finished by the fall of 2026


    But a nearby business owner has concerns about what will change there.

    When folks visit Ken Woodard’s shop, the Quilted Twins, it’s for one reason.

    “This is people’s love,” Woodard said. “They’re making things with their hands for people that they love.”

    Over the past seven years, Woodard has built the business into a destination for those into quilting and in need of fabric.

    “We have some very loyal customers,” he said. “Our typical customer drives an hour to get here. But then when they get to Dade City and hit the construction, they’re a little bit frustrated when they walk in the store.”

    That construction he is talking about is on the Dade City Bypass east of downtown that started in March 2023.

    The Florida Department of Transportation is widening the road from two lanes to four between Seventh Street North and Seventh Street South to account for growth in the area.

    That’s something Woodard never thought he would see in Dade City.

    “When I got here 35-37 years ago, they were sand roads,” he said. “Now they’re two lanes and talking about four lanes. Traffic congestion has just boomed.”

    But the roadwork has caused some issues for his customers finding the shop due to road blocks and detours.

    Woodard also has concerns about the two roundabouts that will be added. One will be at Seventh Street South and the other will be on Old Lakeland Highway.

    Site of future roundabout on Old Lakeland Highway. (Courtesy of FDOT)

    “Folks in those lanes are going to be focusing on not crashing into somebody else,” Woodard said.

    According to the project website, the road is expected to be done in the fall of 2026. In the meantime, southbound traffic on U.S. 98 is detoured through downtown Dade City.

    Woodard’s hope is that when the project is finished, the final result is a positive for his business and his customers.

    “I want them to have confidence in coming into the store and enjoying their experience,” he said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Busy Largo road reopens after long closure

    Busy Largo road reopens after long closure

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    LARGO, Fla. — A busy Largo road is now reopen after a six-month closure.

    Eighth Avenue Southwest was closed as part of a series of projects in Pinellas County to fix drainage issues.

    What You Need To Know

    • Eighth Avenue Southwest in Largo has been reopened after a six-month closure

    • A quarter-mile stretch of Eighth Avenue Southwest just north of Taylor Lake was closed in both directions due to a drainage project

    • “Your” Pizza Shop owner Mark Weber says the closure impacted his business

    • Crews are also continuing to work on replacing part of the Taylor Lake seawall


    For “Your” Pizza Shop owner Mark Weber, the road reopening means it’s busy at his restaurant again after months of slow business.

    “I hate to say it. But it felt like COVID,” he said. “Because you were isolated.”

    Weber has owned the business in Largo for more than 30 years.

    But for the first time, he said customers had a hard time getting a slice due to the recent road closure on Eighth Avenue.

    “The tough part about it is yes, it affected me,” Weber said. “But it also affected all of my employees, my customers, my wait staff, my service team.”

    A quarter-mile stretch of Eighth Avenue Southwest just north of Taylor Lake was closed in both directions for six months due to a drainage project.

    Weber said he understood it had to be done, especially with all of the rain.

    “The drainage ran under the road, so they had to tear up the road to get to the drainage,” he said.

    The completion of this portion of the project also improved traffic along East Bay Drive, which drivers had used to get around the closure.

    Crews repaired the sidewalks on Eighth Avenue and a pedestrian bridge there. They’re also continuing to work on replacing part of the Taylor Lake seawall.

    While people may still see some delays in the area as work wraps up, Weber is grateful the road is open again.

    “It’s really nice,” he said. “You don’t get to see someone for a long time, and they come back and it’s like a reunion. You get to see old friends again. It’s neat.”

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Study shows safety improvements are needed on State Road 580 in Pinellas

    Study shows safety improvements are needed on State Road 580 in Pinellas

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Changes may be on the way to State Road 580 in Pinellas County to make the road safer for pedestrians and improve traffic congestion. 

    An ongoing study by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) shows that improvements are needed at several intersections.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is now completing a study on SR-580 in Pinellas

    • The road has 48,000 cars a day between Oldsmar and Dunedin

    • Study shows improvements are needed at several intersections for safety


    Longtime business owner Bill Tsamis is interested to see what may change.

    Tsamis and his family have owned Inn Storage of Dunedin on SR-580 since 1980.

    He says things looked quite different there 44 years ago.

    “It was two lanes, not that crowded in 1980. Now we get thousands of cars a day,” Tsamis said.

    It’s now 48,000 cars a day in fact, according FDOT.

    State Road 580 now goes from a six-lane to four-lane road between Dunedin and Oldsmar.

    Due to recent growth, Tsamis says it’s busier than ever.

    “Because Dunedin has gotten so much bigger, and so many more visitors are coming to this area,” Tsamis said.

    That’s why FDOT is now completing a study on SR-580 to see how it can handle that extra volume. FDOT representatives recently spoke to residents and business owners about it at a workshop.

    The study shows several intersections along SR-580 could use both short and long-term fixes.

    “We’re looking at tightening up some of the intersections along the corridor. As well as providing safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Jensen Hackett, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator with FDOT.

    For example, the study shows a high amount of crashes on SR-580 and Alt 19 and at Keene Road.

    Both intersections will now be candidates for future projects to improve safety.

    Tsamis says he is grateful for the proposals.

    “Some really good suggestions. I agreed with some of the spots they were looking at. I like improvements,” Tsamis said.

    Hackett says drivers can expect seeing some changes in the next few years, with bigger projects possible down the line. More specific plans will be decided on next year.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Manatee County works to beautify medians in south Bradenton

    Manatee County works to beautify medians in south Bradenton

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Crews in Manatee County are wrapping up part of a beautification project in south Bradenton.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crews in Manatee County are beautifying a median on El Conquistador Parkway 

    •  It’s part of a two-and-a-half year project to beautify a portion of south Bradenton

    •  Officials say they’re using money from the southwest tax increment financing, or TIF, fund to pay for the project


    The median that lines El Conquistador Parkway is getting fresh grass and plants to enhance the area for drivers and people who live there.

    There’s something so satisfying about freshly laid grass, it’s like connecting nature’s puzzle pieces to create a beautiful green space.

    Joel Thomas, the head of median beautification installations for Manatee County, says connecting these squares connects medians like this with its surrounding community.

    “We try to mimic some of the style of some of the houses or the businesses around,” Thomas said.

    This is the 13th median in a two-and-a-half-year project that’s adding greener plant life to south Bradenton.

    “We scrape it down, grade it properly, and then we install new irrigation, and whatever plants and trees that the landscape design calls for,” said Thomas.

    The one Thomas is working on calls for grass and other native plants for our region.

    Even in the summer heat, Manatee County crews are making sure this spot looks better than before.

    “It makes a good first impression on Manatee County to see beautiful roadways as they come into the neighborhoods,” Thomas said.

    According to Thomas, they’re using money from the southwest Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, fund to pay for the project and he says once they’re done here, they’ll move on to another median.

    At the same time, they’ll take pride in the work they just accomplished in beautifying this portion of Manatee County.

    “When you see what the median looks like before you start to when you finish, it’s definitely an improved product,” Thomas said.

    And that’s as satisfying as connecting those final puzzle pieces together.

    Thomas says he wants the public to get involved by giving their opinion on medians that could use some beautification.

    He hopes that once this project is fully done, it might be able to expand to other parts of the county.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Bartow Squeeze offers free golf cart rides around downtown Bartow

    Bartow Squeeze offers free golf cart rides around downtown Bartow

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    BARTOW, Fla. — There is a new way to get around downtown Bartow — by golf cart!

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bartow Squeeze launched earlier this month

    • It’s a free golf cart ride offered by Citrus Connection

    • It has several stops in downtown Bartow

    • The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


    The service called the Bartow Squeeze aims to help downtown workers on their lunch break.

    The Bartow Squeeze is a form of microtransit that launched earlier this month.  

    It’s a golf cart that is offered by Citrus Connection, in partnership with the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

    The downtown Bartow stops include the courthouse, government office, shops and restaurants.

    “A golf cart is extremely easy to get on to,” said Dr. Thomas Santarlas, Vice Chairman of the CRA. “It’s mobile. It makes things a lot more friendly. You’re able to talk with the people you’re riding with. And be able to enjoy the scenery of Bartow.”

    Santarlas said the goal is to bring together the business owners and the employees of the city.

    The free service runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    It’s geared toward office workers who don’t want to give up their coveted parking spots but also want to get a quick bite during their break.

    Shana Bennett, owner of the Cookie Jar bakery, is excited to see the service launch and hopes it will have a positive impact on her business.

    “People can experience what we have to offer and enjoy what their hometown brings to the table and not have to worry if they’re going to make it back in time or not,” Bennett said.

    Citrus Connection has found success with similar services throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland Squeeze and the Lake Wales Squeeze.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Golf cart karaoke takes visitors around St. Pete

    Golf cart karaoke takes visitors around St. Pete

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — There is a new way to get around St. Pete Beach.

    What You Need To Know

    • David Foura runs a concierge service called Designated David

    • He recently added a golf cart taxi service around St. Pete Beach

    • He offers karaoke to passengers as he drives them around


    It involves enjoying the open air and … singing.

    That’s the combination David Foura is going for with his new golf cart taxi service.

    “I just thought the golf cart would be fun. You’re in open air. And it’s a different vibe than a vehicle,” Foura said.

    Foura runs a concierge service called Designated David.

    He runs errands for clients and offers them car rides.

    He recently expanded his service, adding golf cart rides around St. Pete Beach.

    “My first official weekend out here was the 4th of July,” Foura said. “And that was the busiest time I’ve had since starting my business in 2020.”

    His cart is technically classified as a low-speed vehicle, so it is street legal on roads that are posted as 35 MPH or less in Pinellas County, officials confirmed.

    Foura also has the required safety features like seatbelts and lights.  

    That means he can drive on busy roads like Gulf Boulevard, shuttling passengers between hotels and the beach.

    “I have gone from St. Pete Beach to downtown in the golf cart. It does take about 45 minutes. But the passengers love it. Put a smile on their face. And people are happy,” Foura said.

    One way that Foura keeps his passengers happy is singing karaoke in the cart, giving visitors a unique way to get around.

    “Really, I just want to help. Just want to get people where they have to go,” Foura said.

    Foura works on tips and usually plans to run his golf cart karaoke on weekends.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • More electric buses coming to Pinellas County roads

    More electric buses coming to Pinellas County roads

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is adding to its fleet of electric buses thanks to the help of a federal grant.

    What You Need To Know

    • Federal grant money will purchase 12 electric and 4 hybrid buses along with chargers

    • Grant also paying for maintenence team to recieve additional training on how to best care for new electric buses 

    • Electric buses get 230-270 miles each charge 

    • Each bus takes about 18 months to build 


    The agency calls it the largest federal grant of its kind to be awarded to Pinellas County, totaling $27.8 million.

    With the grant money, PSTA will purchase 12 new electric buses and four hybrid-electric buses as well as 12 new charging stations. The funding will also help with training the maintenance team on the latest technology.

    Henry Lukasik, who works at the Director of Maintenance for PSTA, says the new buses will be replacing some of the fleet’s diesel buses that were first put on the road in 2006. The diesel buses get about 4 miles per gallon and will have over 1 million miles on them when they are finally retired.

    The agency opted to get a mix of hybrid-electric and electric buses with the grant money. They first started getting hybrid buses in 2009 and they are the sole vehicle used for the Sunrunner routes.

    “We probably look at about a 35% reduction in the maintenance of a hybrid-electric fleet versus standard diesel,” Lukasik said.

    The hybrid vehicles get about 5.5 miles to the gallon which Lukasik says may not sound like much, but makes a huge difference.

    “In our industry, getting a mile and half more per gallon saves lots of money in fuel expenses,” he said.

    The agency already has a few electric buses and 56 more on order. This grant will provide an additional 12 electric buses and the four hybrids. Lukasik says these buses get between 230 and 270 miles on one charge and charge up in just about 4 hours.

    They also have thermosheilded windows which is a layer between the panes of glass that block out over 99% of UV light.

    “Thermosheilded windows increase range because it’s not used for air conditioning systems,” Lukasik said.

    The buses take about 18 months to build and will be rolling into PSTA a few at a time each month until the order is complete.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Wake Tech hosts new pilot program for electric vehicle field technicians

    Wake Tech hosts new pilot program for electric vehicle field technicians

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — Some students at Wake Tech recently received certification in a pilot program, the first of its kind, about electric vehicle chargers. 

    Nine students are now certified through the pilot program to help troubleshoot and repair EV charging stations. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Wake Tech offers first ever Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) field technician certification program

    •  It is the first program of its kind in the country

    •  Students learned how to install and troubleshoot EV chargers

    • The course included online and hands-on portions


    The training included an online and hands-on curriculum.

    “The electrical field is one of those fields that is constantly evolving,” said Joseph Robidoux, 39, who received the certification. “New technologies come out every day and it is up to us to figure out not only how to install, but make them work with older technology that’s already there.”

    It’s a skill that’s only expected to grow in demand.  

    North Carolina had an initial goal to register 80,000 zero emission vehicles  by the year 2025.  

    As of February of this year, more than 88,000 ZEV’s were registered in the Tarheel state, beating the goal years ahead of schedule.

    The pilot program is expected to roll out in other community colleges across the state. 

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    Amy Elliott

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  • Changes may be coming to 49th Street South in Pinellas

    Changes may be coming to 49th Street South in Pinellas

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Changes may be on the way to 49th Street South to make it safer for pedestrians and drivers.

    What You Need To Know

    • A study of 49th Street South funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed the road be part of a “high injury network”

    • The study showed that lane repurposing the road from four lanes to three may be an option improve safety

    • The cities of Gulfport and St. Petersburg are considering making the changes suggested by Forward Pinellas


    The cities of Gulfport and St. Petersburg, which 49th Street South goes through, are now considering options.

    The organization Forward Pinellas recently did a “Safe Streets” study of 49th Street South funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It showed the road is part of what officials call a “high injury network,” for its many serious crashes.

    “This corridor has a lot of people walking, riding their bikes, school children and vehicles traveling at very high rates of speed,” said Chelsea Favero, planning manager with Forward Pinellas. “That leads to a lot of crashes that lead to a lot of serious injuries and death.”

    The study showed that lane repurposing may be a solution: converting the road from four lanes to three, with a dedicated turn lane. It also recommended wider sidewalks and new crosswalks.

    Lane repurposing is also being done in other parts of Pinellas County, like on 34th Street in St. Petersburg. 

    Over the summer, both the cities of Gulfport and St. Petersburg are considering making the changes suggested by Forward Pinellas. Once approved, final concepts will be designed and planning will move ahead.

    T. Taylor, an employee at The Hive, a community clay studio on 49th Street South in St. Petersburg, says she’d welcome the changes in the neighborhood to improve walkability.

    “People here are constantly running back and forth across the street where there is no crosswalk,” Taylor said. “I think that the changes would be more beneficial to everyone. I think it builds community.”

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Frustration growing over U.S. 19 construction in Pinellas

    Frustration growing over U.S. 19 construction in Pinellas

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — As construction ramps up on the U.S. 19 overhaul in Pinellas, frustration is growing among drivers and businesses in the work zone.

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction continues the U.S. 19 reconfiguration from State Road 580 to north of Curlew Road

    • Some businesses and drivers are frustrated by the extra traffic from the lane closures

    • FDOT officials say the $242 million project is estimated to be done in 2029


    The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reconfiguring U.S. 19 from State Road 580 to north of Curlew Road.

    Tom Layton has been repairing cars at Roberts Collision in Clearwater for 25 years. The entrance to his business has been right in the thick of the road work for the past year.

    “We’re just trying to be where we’ve always been,” Layton said. “I’m sure along the way we’ve lost some customers. They say this is scary, and off they go.”

    One of the big changes came earlier this year as the project moved forward.

    FDOT removed the frontage road that was outside Roberts Collision and the other businesses on U.S. 19 just north of State Road 580, which can cause a choke point for northbound traffic.

    Crews also closed the right lane in both directions up to Curlew Road.

    “With the frontage road, it made life much easier than it is now. Because people are having to flip over at the last minute to and get in,” Layton said.

    That can especially be a problem during the rush hour.

    Layton says he now sees delays every afternoon, from the Countryside Mall to Curlew Road.   

    “At about 4 p.m., it is packed solid out here,” Layton said.

    FDOT officials say the project should ultimately help with the traffic.

    It will make U.S. 19 operate similar to how it does south of State Road 580, with six-lane overpasses and new frontage roads to help with traffic flow.

    Layton hopes that the changes will be worth the long wait.

    “We all have our fingers crossed. We’re working hard to keep our customers’ confidence of getting in and out and trying to navigate this. But it’s just another thing that we really didn’t need,” Layton said.

    FDOT officials say the $242 million project is estimated to be done in 2029.

    In the meantime, FDOT officials say a permanent change to the existing traffic pattern in front of Roberts Collision will be made in mid-2026. A new single-lane frontage road will allow drivers to access the businesses there easier.

    Officials also say that as work progresses on this project, drivers can expect some changes to traffic patterns. 

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    Tim Wronka

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  • As area grows, Wesley Chapel Blvd to get major overhaul

    As area grows, Wesley Chapel Blvd to get major overhaul

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Pasco County is moving forward with plans to overhaul Wesley Chapel Blvd.

    County commissioners voted in favor of the plan in late April. In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved the contract with David Nelson Construction for nearly $70 million.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wesley Chapel Blvd to Old Pasco Road to become six lanes

    • Contruction expected to take 3 years

    • Plans were held up while county conducted studies, acquired needed land 

    Wesley Chapel Blvd starts at six lanes at its southern end and narrows to two lanes before widening once again as drivers approach Old Pasco Road. The two wider stretches of the road also include a sidewalk.

    Gerber Collision sits on the stretch of Wesley Chapel Blvd that’s only two lanes. General Manager Scott Keith says since he started at the auto body shop in 2018, business has steadily grown. He attributes that to the amount of people moving to the area and driving on now heavily populated roads.

    He says on Wesley Chapel Blvd he believes speed isn’t the problem, it’s the way the lanes fluctuate and the numbers of cars on the road during peak hours.

    “It’s the stopping and starting that’s causing the problem,” he said.

    Under the approved plan, all of Wesley Chapel Blvd will be converted to six lanes complete with a sidewalk and bike lanes. The widening plan has been in talks for years but was called as the county performed drainage studies and worked  to acquire all of the property needed for the redesign.

    “Anytime we can improve infrastructure I think that’s a good thing,” Keith said, “It’s progress and there’s a lot more people here than there were.”

    Construction is expected to start soon and wrap up by May 2027.

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    Angie Angers

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  • New I-275 ramp to 4th Street opens in St. Pete

    New I-275 ramp to 4th Street opens in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – After more than two years of construction, the new 4th Street Bridge in St. Petersburg is now open to traffic in both directions.

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction on the 4th St Bridge in St Petersburg is now complete

    • FDOT opened the I-275 southbound ramp to the bridge this week

    • FDOT officials say the bridge replacement is part of the Gateway Expressway project

    The Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) opened the I-275 southbound ramp to 4th Street on Monday morning, marking the end of the closure there.

    The 4th Street Bridge closed in January 2022 to be replaced, cutting off an access point to and from I-275.

    Northbound lanes to I-275 reopened in the fall.

    The new southbound exit ramp takes drivers over I-275 and onto 4th Street. It’s expected to help with traffic congestion on 9th St N, which had seen more traffic during the road work.

    FDOT photo

    It also gives drivers a new option when driving into Pinellas County from the Howard Frankland Bridge.

    FDOT officials say the bridge replacement is part of the Gateway Expressway project. The Gateway will have elevated toll lanes to connect US 19 and I-275.

    It will also include tolled express lanes on I-275 to ease traffic congestion in the area.

    FDOT says the Gateway is expected to open later this spring. For more information, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/235/433880-1-52-01

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Ongoing construction affecting downtown St. Pete businesses

    Ongoing construction affecting downtown St. Pete businesses

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you’ve driven or walked around downtown St. Petersburg lately, you’ve likely come across lots of road and sidewalk closures.

    While construction is booming right now in downtown, it does come with some concerns for business owners.

    What You Need To Know

    • New building construction is affecting business owners in St. Petersburg

    • Mickey Paleologos, owner of Mickey’s Café on Central Avenue, says the massive projects are costing him customers

    • The projects are causing several sidewalk and lane closures

    Mickey Paleologos, owner of Mickey’s Café on Central Avenue, says the massive projects are costing him customers.

    “I’m wedged between two buildings that are going up. Right in the middle of it. So our sidewalks are blocked off. And that’s killing business,” Paleologos said.

    Paleologos opened his shop there in 2005. His business has been successful for nearly 20 years, but he says making a profit now is harder than ever.

    “I’ve been here long enough to know. I survived the oil spill, the down economy, housing, COVID, everything else. But this? By far worse than any of those,” Paleologos said.

    According to StPeteRising.com, there are at least six residential high-rise projects being built as downtown St. Pete continues to thrive and attract new residents. The city of St. Petersburg confirmed there are 48 active construction permits in downtown.

    Paleologos is happy to see the progress and the growth. But he also worries about the traffic and parking issues that come with it.

    “A lot of my customers will circle around once or twice. By the third time, they can’t find parking and off they go,” Paleologos said.

    The St. Pete Downtown Partnership held a meeting last year with city officials to see what can be done, but the closures have remained in place. City officials say that infrastructure improvements are part of these projects. City engineering teams, developers and utilities are working together as part of the process.

    Paleologos says many of his fellow business owners just hope they can make it through the work to see if the influx of new residents can help their bottom line.

    “The sidewalks will be open again and traffic will flow through here like it did before. We’ll just have to wait and see,” Paleologos said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Man walking across America to highlight walkability issues

    Man walking across America to highlight walkability issues

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A 26-year-old man is on an epic journey across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Holden Ringer is walking from Washington State to Washington D.C.
    • Ringer is raising money for America Walks, an organization dedicated to increasing walkability across the U.S.
    • So far, Ringer walked about 3,700 miles through 13 states since March 2023

    Holden Ringer is walking coast to coast in hopes of educating cities about the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety.

    “So far, I’ve walked through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and now we’re in the Tar Heel state of North Carolina,” Ringer said as he walked along Independence Boulevard in Charlotte.

    Ringer’s journey started about three years ago. He was studying for a college exam and instead of hitting the books, he found himself surfing the web about those who’d taken on a similar journey.

    “There were never any plans that ‘oh I’m going to go do that’,” Ringer said. “Just seeds were planted in that moment.”

    Fast forward several months later, Ringer started thinking more about it while he was visiting his parents in Texas.

    “I went on a 20-mile walk around Dallas,” Ringer said. “And I just thought to myself, you know what, I can do this every single day for a year.”

    In March 2023, Ringer set off on his journey starting in Washington State. And almost a year, 13 states and 3,700 miles later, Ringer is close to reaching Washington D.C.

    “I wake up every single morning, very appreciative, and very thankful for this opportunity to do this,” Ringer said. “I get to meet lots of great and wonderful people and see interesting things. But every single day is an opportunity not to try and get killed by a car.”

    Ringer says this cross-country voyage has opened his eyes to walkability issues across America. He often finds himself dodging distracted drivers and dealing with poorly maintained or disappearing sidewalks.

    “Walkability is also just the ability to cross the street,” Ringer said. “And I don’t think we’re crossing [Independence Boulevard] anytime soon.”

    It’s why he’s partnering with America Walks. He’s asking people to donate to the organization that’s dedicated to increasing walkability across the U.S. – including in North Carolina.

    “Maybe they don’t donate to America Walks,” Ringer said. “But maybe they do go to a local meeting and try and advocate for more sidewalks and advice for more crosswalks.”

    With a couple of hundred miles left to D.C., Ringer hopes his mission encourages other to be active and walk more. He also hopes it inspires other to speak out about safety concerns in their communities.

    “I hope people would care about these issues because it could be you, or it could be a loved one that doesn’t make it home at night,” Ringer said.

    Ringer says his journey isn’t over once he reaches Washington, D.C.

    After spending some time in the nation’s capital, he plans to continue walking northeast to New Haven, Connecticut.

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    Nick Buffo

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  • As old Polk County bridge is replaced, its history is being preserved

    As old Polk County bridge is replaced, its history is being preserved

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — As work is underway to replace a nearly 100-year-old bridge in Polk County, its history is being preserved.

    What You Need To Know

    • The John Singletary Bridge has taken drivers over the Peace River in Fort Meade since 1931

    • The history of the old bridge is now part of the Crossroads exhibit at the Polk County History Center in Bartow

    • The new bridge will bring much needed wider lanes for safety and also include a bike path and sidewalk

    The John Singletary Bridge has taken drivers over the Peace River in Fort Meade since 1931.

    Though it’s now being replaced, the memory of the old bridge will live on as part of the Crossroads exhibit at the Polk County History Center in Bartow.

    “The theme is to talk about transportation development across the country, for us particularly in Polk County,” said Historic Preservation Manager Myrtice Young.

    The Crossroads exhibit is a joint venture with the Smithsonian.

    Visitors can learn about the history of Polk County transportation, from railroads to highways and bridges, like the John Singletary Bridge.

    The bridge is now part of US 98 and still traveled every day.

    Florida Department of Transportation photo

    Young is grateful for the opportunity to remember how the old bridge served the community for so long.

    “We can’t preserve every structure. The bridge needed to be changed. It needed to meet current and modern needs. But we captured the story, the history,” Young said.

    The bridge was named for John Singletary, a Polk County commissioner who helped get it built.

    It was originally just wide enough for the typical, smaller cars of the 1930s.

    Renderings show how the new bridge will bring much needed wider lanes for safety. It will also include a bike path and sidewalk.

    Its railing will mimic the design of the old one as well.

    Florida Department of Transportation photo

    Florida Department of Transportation photo

    Young also worked with FDOT to have historical marker be placed on the new bridge when it’s done.

    “The bridge had served its purpose. Yes, it’s beautiful and historically significant. But the new bridge will be a great service to the transportation needs in that area,” Young said.

    FDOT says the new bridge is expected to be finished in 2026.

    You can visit the Polk County History Center to learn more about the bridge and the history of transportation in Polk County.

    View more information about the bridge on FDOT’s website. 

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

    Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As electric vehicles become more popular, new numbers show that Pasco County leads the Tampa Bay area in EV use.

    What You Need To Know

    • New numbers show Pasco residents are driving more miles in electric vehicles

    • Replica’s data estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year

    • One reason is the amount of drivers commuting between Pasco and nearby cities

    Residents are driving more EV miles in Pasco than any other Bay area county, according to the mobility analytics firm Replica.

    Former New Port Richey mayor Rob Marlowe was an early EV driver when the cars weren’t as common. Now he sees them all over Pasco.

    “I would go days, sometimes weeks, without seeing another plug-in car on the road,” Marlowe said. “That has changed. I just about can’t go out on a drive without seeing one or more EVs somewhere.”

    Replica’s data shows an estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year. Which is six miles more than Manatee County, the next-highest in the Bay area. It’s also 58% more than Pinellas County, which is more densely populated. 

    Marlowe’s believes it’s because drivers commute from Pasco to Tampa or St. Petersburg for work.

    “It makes sense,” Marlowe said. “If I were going down into Tampa, where it was 30 or 35 miles each way, I would rack up a lot of miles in a hurry.”

    Marlowe said he feels he helped with the high ratings, by encouraging the city of New Port Richey to add charging stations downtown while he was mayor.

    “It’s good for the environment and it’s good for people’s wallets. It also provides the city with a very positive image,” he said.

    As they add more charging stations across Pasco County, officials expect the use of EVs to continue to grow.

    Both Pasco and Manatee were in the top 10 counties for EV use in Florida.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

    Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

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    INVERNESS, Fla. – A long awaited road project is now underway in Citrus County.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is expanding US 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge

    • The project is being done to fix growing congestion on the two-lane road

    • That also includes a left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School

    The Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) is now widening US 41 in Inverness, an area that gets very congested.

    The project will also help traffic getting in and out of Inverness Middle School.

    David Vincent, Chief of Police for Citrus County Schools, says the change has been needed for a while.

    “For us as a school district, US 41 and Middle School Road has always been an area of congestion and concern,” Vincent said.

    The traffic on US 41 there averaged 18,000 cars a day in 2021, according to an FDOT study.

    Despite all that traffic, US 41 is just two lanes. And with no turn lanes, it really backs up during school time.

    “Between the buses and parents exiting and entering during morning and afternoon traffic, this is very difficult to manage,” Vincent said.

    That’s why he’s thankful that FDOT is now finally widening US 41.

    Work recently started on the project, which will expand 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge.

    That also includes a much-needed left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School.

    “We hope the combo of the new lanes and additional turn lane in this project will help with the commuter traffic,” Vincent said.

    He’s also hopeful those extra lanes should help traffic move through the rest of Inverness as well.

    The $21.6 million project also includes new bike lanes and sidewalks.

    It’s expected to be done by the summer of 2025.

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    Tim Wronka

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