ReportWire

Tag: Tim Wronka

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • PACK Summer Camp returns for kids with disabilities

    PACK Summer Camp returns for kids with disabilities

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — For the 27th year, PACK summer camp is now in session.

    What You Need To Know

    • PACK, Pasco Association for Challenged Kids, started in 1997

    • The summer camp takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t

    • PACK relies on state funding to keep it affordable for families and they also accept donations


    PACK stands for the Pasco Association for Challenged Kids. The camp takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t.

    The camp was founded by Paula and Barry Cohen in 1997. Their son with autism, Gregory, needed a place to spend the summer and so they started the camp.

    “We said that Gregory can’t be the only special needs kid who needs something to do in the summer. And 27 years later, I guess we were right,” Barry Cohen said.

    Now nearly 30 years later, they still keep the camp going as its need continues to grow in Pasco County.

    This summer, PACK has 40 campers in a three-week session at Pepen Academies in New Port Richey.

    Kids that need constant attention are able to get it. They get to take part in lots of activities with one goal: Just to have fun.

    PACK relies on some state funding to keep it affordable for families and they also accept donations.

    Cohen says they hope to keep it going as long as they can to help with the needs in the community.

    “Can’t believe we’ve been doing it for that long. A lot of kids need this service in Pasco County. So we’re glad we can still do it,” Cohen sad.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Crews repurposing lanes of 34th Street in St. Pete, but resident has concerns

    Crews repurposing lanes of 34th Street in St. Pete, but resident has concerns

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Plans to repurpose lanes on 34st Street in St. Petersburg are moving foward.

    What You Need To Know

    • The project — changing the outside lanes from 30th Avenue South to 54th Avenue in the Skyway Marina District — has been years in the making

    • Sharon Calvert, who has lived in the area for years, is worried about losing lanes of traffic

    • Officials with Forward Pinellas say the area’s growth is accounted for in this project and that drivers should not see more traffic as a result

    • More Getting There headlines

    But some residents are concerned about losing lanes of traffic.

    The project — changing the outside lanes from 30th Ave S to 54th Ave in the Skyway Marina District — has been years in the making.

    The lanes will be converted to bus lanes and cars making right turns. The idea is to help slow down traffic and make the area safer for pedestrians.

    Sharon Calvert, who has lived in the area for years, is worried about losing lanes of traffic.

    “Don’t take a functional road and make it dysfunctional,” Calvert said.

    She is mostly concerned about the amount of growth around 34th Street that can add to the traffic on the road. 

    “Building luxury apartments, huge parking garages. It’s just going to feed more traffic, and of course we have the tourists,” she said. “We have booming tourism right now.”

    But officials with Forward Pinellas said that growth is accounted for in this project and that drivers should not see more traffic as a result.

    “Because I-275 runs directly parallel, that roadway is very under capacity,” said Chelsea Favero, planning manager for Forward Pinellas. “That leads to a lot more vehicles that are speeding and traveling at unsafe speeds. So by repurposing, we believe we can still accommodate the growth in the corridor while also providing a safe environment for everyone.”

    Calvert remains skeptical, however.

    “There’s ways to calm the traffic without taking a lane away that we use every day,” she said.

    The project has support from the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.

    The work includes new sidewalks, crosswalks and paving. It is set to be done later this year. 

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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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  • Why do Star Wars fans celebrate May 4th?

    Why do Star Wars fans celebrate May 4th?

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Seeing lots of people say “May the 4th be with you”? Wondering who this Grogu guy is?

    From a lifelong Star Wars fan, the answers you seek are right here, young Padawans.

    What You Need To Know

    • May 4th has become the day that Star Wars fans around the world have come to recognize as Star Wars Day

    • It’s, of course, a play on the classic Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you”

    • The first Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977

    May 4th has become the day that Star Wars fans around the world have come to recognize as Star Wars Day.

    It’s, of course, a play on the classic Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you.”

    “The Force” in Star Wars is what gives the Jedi their powers.

    “It’s an energy field created by all living things,” as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi explained to Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars film, “A New Hope.” 

    That’s also the first time we heard, “May the Force be with you,” when the original Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977.

    Despite that being the actual anniversary of Star Wars, the play on words with May 4th has made this the day to celebrate.

    According to the official Star Wars website, it was first referenced on May 4th, 1979, when a newspaper in the UK used the headline, “May the 4th Be With You, Maggie!” for the new prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.

    But #MayThe4thBeWithYou has really taken off in recent years, thanks to fans sharing their love of Star Wars on social media. And there’s more Star Wars content than ever before, since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012. (Disney could fill the Death Star with everything they are producing.)

    In fact, Disney now uses May 4 to release promotional materials or new content for its streaming service, Disney+. This year, the company is releasing Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, a series of animated episodes of stories from the ‘Dark Side.’

    How to celebrate Star Wars Day, you ask? Master Yoda might ask it that way. Perhaps a movie marathon, making a Star Wars recipe, dressing up, or getting into a heated debate about what order to watch the movies in. (My recommendation: Release order is best!)

    In addition, Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace is back in theaters this weekend to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary.

    At Disney World, you can visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios for a full day of Star Wars experiences. New this year, Disney World’s Star Tours ride now includes characters and locations from Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.”

    As far as treats go, the official Disney Parks Blog released a May the 4th Foodie Guide where fans can enjoy delicious foods and beverages at the parks, including a Princess of Alderaan Shake complete with mini cinnamon buns in the shape of Princess Leia’s iconic hairstyle. You can also learn to make a “Bad Batch…of Cookies” with a recipe posted on the official Star Wars website.

    It’s a big galaxy after all, so that decision is yours on how to celebrate.

    May the 4th be with you.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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