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Tag: Traffic

  • 1 killed, 9 hurt in separate Polk County crashes

    1 killed, 9 hurt in separate Polk County crashes

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two serious, separate crashes that occurred Sunday evening. 

    The crashes happened within minutes of each other, but about 35 miles apart on opposite ends of the county.

    The first crash occurred in the Frostproof area, on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near U.S. 27. Emergency crews were dispatched at about 8:21 p.m.


    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two serious separate crashes which occurred Sunday evening
    • Crashes happened within minutes of each other, but about 35 miles apart on opposite ends of the county 
    • The first crash occurred in the Frostproof area, on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near U.S. 27. Emergency crews were dispatched at about 8:21 p.m.

    Four vehicles were involved, and nine of the 10 people involved received various degrees of injuries. Two of the injured remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A 13-year-old girl also remains hospitalized with apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

    According to authorities, the chain of events started when a 2010 Dodge Ram crossed over the center line and collided with a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup, and then a 2013 Ford Explorer.

    Following that crash, some of the occupants exited their vehicles. A 2017 Chevy Silverado traveled onto the scene and collided with the Ford Explorer, causing the Explorer to rotate and strike three victims. The Chevy Silverado then struck two other victims and dragged them both for a short distance.

    The roadway was closed for approximately six hours.

    The first crash occurred in the Frostproof area, on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near U.S. 27.

    The second serious crash of the evening occurred at about 8:36 p.m. at 12797 Rockridge Rd., north of Lakeland, and involved just one vehicle, a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

    According to the preliminary investigation, the truck had been traveling east on Rockridge Road when it left the roadway and struck a wooden power pole.

    Upon the arrival of first responders, the driver was found dead inside the vehicle. He was identified as 22-year-old Jerome Cooke of Lakeland.

    Rockridge Road was closed for approximately four-and-a-half hours.

    The second crash happened at 8:30 a.m. just north of Lakeland on Rockridge Road near Country Place Road.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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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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  • Hillsborough deputy killed in US 301 crash

    Hillsborough deputy killed in US 301 crash

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    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy was killed early Thursday in a crash in Thonotosassa.

    According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, the crash happened on US Highway 301, south of McIntosh Road. 

    WATCH the sheriff’s news conference

    Deputy Darell Brown, 40, was killed in the crash when his Ford F150 collided with a flatbed tractor-trailer. Brown, who was driving home after work, died at the scene.

    The commercial vehicle driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.


    Brown joined HCSO in January 2015 and faithfully served his community as a detention deputy in both detention facilities.

    Most recently, he served in the Booking Unit at the Orient Road Jail.

    “Our hearts break for the family, friends, and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This tragedy comes at an incredibly difficult time, as our Sheriff’s Office still grieves the loss of Deputy (Tim) White. I humbly ask the community to pray for all those impacted by these painful losses. Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many. His genuine warmth, commitment, and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

    Deputy Brown was off-duty driving his personal vehicle at the time of the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol will conduct the crash investigation.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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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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  • Westbound I-70 reopens near Aurora after crash – The Cannabist

    Westbound I-70 reopens near Aurora after crash – The Cannabist

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    The interstate reopened around 11 a.m., according to CDOT officials.

    The post Westbound I-70 reopens near Aurora after crash appeared first on The Cannabist.

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    The Cannabist Network

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  • Water main break shuts down part of W. 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge

    Water main break shuts down part of W. 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge

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    Wheat Ridge Police is shutting down West 38th Avenue between Chase and Depew streets because of a water main break late Friday afternoon.

    The closure is expected to last hours and, possibly, overnight. Water is bubbling up through the street, police said.

    This is a developing story.

    Originally Published:

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    Elizabeth Hernandez

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  • A helicopter halts traffic on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles

    A helicopter halts traffic on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles

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    A helicopter made an emergency landing on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles on Thursday night, bringing southbound traffic to a halt for hours.

    The California Highway Patrol received a report at 8:25 p.m. from the craft’s pilot, who said he was forced down by a loss of power, CHP Officer Sean Lough told The Times.

    Besides the pilot, two passengers were aboard the private helicopter. No injuries were reported.

    All southbound lanes were closed from Century Boulevard to the 105 Freeway, Lough said.

    The CHP was coordinating with the pilot and two heavy-duty tow trucks to remove the aircraft. Lough said the lanes were expected to reopen shortly before 11 p.m.

    KCAL-TV reported that Flight Tracker showed that the flight originated at Hawthorne Municipal Airport about 7:34 p.m.

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    Doug Smith

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  • Pedestrian hit by charter school bus in Bradenton

    Pedestrian hit by charter school bus in Bradenton

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department says that a 59-year-old pedestrian was taken to a hospital after being hit by a charter school bus Thursday morning.

    The incident happened on Manatee Avenue near 26th Street East.

    Police said the man was not in a crosswalk when he was hit. There was no immediate word on his condition.

    There were students on the bus, but no injuries.

    The incident caused westbound Manatee Avenue to be closed for about 45 minutes.

    Police are still investigating. 

    LARGO PEDESTRIAN FATAL 

    LARGO, Fla. — Police are investigating a fatal hit and run that happened Wednesday night just after 9 p.m. on Roosevelt Boulevard, just east of Highway 19.

    Police said a car hit person trying to cross the street and drove off. A second vehicle also struck the pedestrian but that driver stopped.

    The roadway was shut down for several hours while the investigation was conducted.

    The investigation is ongoing, and the Largo Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to please contact the Largo Police Department at (727) 587-6730.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bridge connecting Ohio, Kentucky to close for 30 days

    Bridge connecting Ohio, Kentucky to close for 30 days

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    CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Starting on Sept. 16, the Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge will undergo construction to restore the surface of the bridge. The bridge connects Ironton, Ohio with Russell, Kentucky.


    What You Need To Know

    • The current surface is about about eight years old, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation
    • Approximately 1.25 inches of the surface will be milled off and replaced with the new material
    • The closure is expected to last 30 days

    The current surface is about about eight years old, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. The life-span of the cable-stayed bridge itself is about 80 years.

    “We didn’t want to wait until the surface had passed its expected lifespan to make these critical repairs,” said Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 Deputy Director Mike Dombrowski in a news release. “Doing this preventative maintenance project now means the work isn’t as extensive as it might have been had we waited.”

    Approximately 1.25 inches of the surface will be milled off and replaced with the new material. 

    Because of the bridge’s narrowness, a partial rehab in order to keep one lane open was not feasible, ODOT said in a news release.

    “We know this will be an inconvenience to folks who use this bridge, but we want to ensure that we’re getting the best outcome from the project to maximize the life of the bridge deck, going forward,” Dombrowski said.

    The closure is expected to last 30 days. 

    Traffic headed to Kentucky during the closure will detour to Park Avenue (SR 93), east on US 52, south over the Ohio River on the Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge (12th Street) and west on Winchester Avenue (US 23) in Ashland.

    Traffic from Kentucky into Ohio will detour via Winchester Avenue (US 23) to the Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge (13th Street), west on US 52 and south on Park Avenue (SR 93).

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    Gloucester Saturday, Aug. 17

    8:40 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with a lockout call from Harbor Village on Main Street.

    Noise complaints: At 10:39 p.m. on Patriots Circle which police could not locate; at 10:37 p.m. on Foster Street with peace restored; at 4:30 p.m. with a report of loud music in the parking lot on Lexington Avenue with peace restored.

    1:43 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a bomb threat on Great Republic Drive.

    12:58 p.m.: Service was made for a report of harassment on Lyndale Avenue.

    12:43 p.m.: Service was made for a reported disturbance on Washington and Rogers streets.

    9:06 a.m.: Services were rendered for a report of a suspicious activity on Railroad Avenue.

    6:15 a.m.: A vehicle reported as disabled was towed from the A. Piatt Bridge on Route 128 northbound.

    12:58 a.m.: Police arrested a 23-year-old resident of Greenbush, New York, on charges of operating under the influence of liquor and negligent driving after a crash with property damage only on Harbor Loop. Police arrived to find a light pole snapped at the base lying on the ground next to a Volkswagen that was partially on the sidewalk facing in the wrong direction head-on with a white Lexus. Both vehicles had significant front-end damage. A red Toyota Prius parked behind the Lexus also had front-end damage caused by the impact from the Volkswagen, the report said. Police determined the collision with the parked Lexus caused it to be pushed back into the Prius. Police spoke with the Volkswagen’s driver who told police he was not injured and refused medical attention. He told police he was driving down Rogers Street when his front tire hydroplaned, causing him to swerve to the other side of the road. Police saw the ground was clear and free of debris. Police noticed signs of intoxication about the driver and asked him to take a series of field sobriety tests, which the report said he failed. All three vehicles were towed. At the station, the driver agreed to take a chemical breath test, the results of which were above the legal limit, according to the report. Police gave him a notice that his license was suspended.

    Rockport Sunday Aug. 25

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken by ambulance to a hospital from Sandy Bay Terrace at 1:18 p.m., Cove Hill Lane at 2:04 p.m., and Summer Street at 9:55 p.m.

    6:09 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Thatcher Road and Water Tower Road, a written warning was issued.

    3:09 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute at a Phillips Avenue address.

    2:17 p.m.: After a well-being check was conducted, an ambulance transport was refused at a High Street address.

    1:18 a.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Broadway address.

    12:13 a.m.: The Fire Department assisted Gloucester during a fire call in that city.

    Saturday Aug. 24

    Complaints about noise on Station Square at 12:08 p.m. and Main Street at 10:50 p.m. were lodged. Station Square was investigated.

    Erratic drivers were reported on Broadway at 10:04 p.m., and on Breakwater Avenue at 10:29 p.m.

    8:15 p.m.: A report was made about an animal at a Granite Street address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken by ambulance to a hospital from a Lattof Farm Circle at 5:32 p.m., and South Street at 5:52 p.m.

    3:38 p.m.: After a report about an animal at a Granite Street address, Animal Control was notified.

    1:23 p.m.: A fire alarm was reported at a Broadway address, which was later determined to be false.

    1:13 p.m.: A report was made about an motor vehicle hit-and-run accident at a T Wharf address.

    9 a.m.: After a motor vehicle crash on Mt. Pleasant Street, a medical ambulance transport was conducted.

    Friday Aug. 23

    7:50 p.m.: Public Works was notified of bad road conditions at the intersection of South Street and Briarstone Road.

    Traffic stops were conducted on Thatcher Road at 9:08 and 9:26 a.m. and 1:34 and 1:46 p.m. The drivers were all given written warnings.

    10:14 a.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted at a South Street address.

    7:59 a.m.: Erratic operation of a motor vehicle was reported on Broadway.

    6:21 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a South Street address.

    6:10 a.m.: An alarm reported at a Jerden’s Lane address later proved to be false.

    Essex Sunday Aug. 25

    1:33 a.m.: Assistance was provided to a person at a John Wise Avenue address.

    12:54 a.m.: A person experiencing difficulty breathing was taken by ambulance to a hospital from a Grove Street address.

    Saturday Aug. 24

    2:21 p.m.: A person was assisted on John Wise Avenue.

    Friday Aug. 23

    Individuals were assisted on John Wise Avenue at 9:36 a.m. and 1:23 and 8:12 p.m.

    2:49 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a John Wise Avenue address.

    10:53 a.m.: A community policing call was conducted at a Western Avenue address.

    Manchester-by-the-Sea Saturday Aug. 24

    10:21 p.m.: A noise complaint was made at a Beach Street address.

    Complaints about animals on Beach Street at 7 a.m. and Forest Street at 9:38 p.m. were lodged.

    Lost and found property was reported on Union Street at 10:38 a.m. and Beach Street at 6:25 p.m..

    12:53 p.m.: A fire alarm reported at a School Street address later proved to be false.

    10:45 a.m.: Assistance was provided to a person at a Masconomo Street address.

    9:46 a.m.: A report was made about a traffic hazard in the southbound lanes of Route 128 near School Street.

    Suspicious activity was reported at Raymond Street at 1:43 a.m. and Windemere Park and 8:48 a.m.

    Friday Aug. 23

    Police investigations were conducted at a Summer Street at 12:37 and 3:07 p.m..

    Individuals were assisted on Tucks Point Road at 4:49 a.m. and Summer Street at 2:14 p.m.

    1:12 p.m.: After a reported motor vehicle crash on Forest Lane, a patient refused an ambulance transport.

    10:45 a.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Windemere Park address.

    10:34 a.m.: A report was made about a traffic hazard on Pine Street.

    3:09 a.m.: A welfare check was conducted at a Summer Street address.

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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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  • 10-foot python found during San Francisco Bay Area sideshow bust

    10-foot python found during San Francisco Bay Area sideshow bust

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    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A 10-foot-long python was discovered in a vehicle during a bust of an illegal sideshow in the San Francisco Bay Area that attracted hundreds of people, authorities say.

    The Vallejo Police Department said officials received multiple calls around 11:12 p.m. Friday of a sideshow involving roughly 500 vehicles in that bay area city. Drivers were blocking traffic, beaming lasers into the eyes of other motorists, and spinning their vehicles, according to a police statement.

    The occupants of a Cadillac shined a laser into officers’ eyes, prompting the police to initiate a traffic stop, police said. But the driver led police on a 10-mile (16-kilometer) chase to the city of Hercules, where the driver and three occupants bailed out of the vehicle.

    Inside the vehicle, police found the 10-foot (3-meter) python. The driver was arrested on multiple charges, including felony evading. The passengers received misdemeanor citations.

    Vallejo is about 30 miles (5-0 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco.

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  • Cyclists celebrate Mount Diablo bike turnouts as a life-saving success story

    Cyclists celebrate Mount Diablo bike turnouts as a life-saving success story

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    DANVILLE — For years, one of the Bay Area’s most popular cycling destinations — the summit of Mount Diablo — has also been one of the most dangerous. This Saturday, bike riders and park officials celebrated an accomplishment ten years in the making that is dramatically reducing the number of tragedies on the mountain.

    They’re called “bike turnouts,” narrow lanes of asphalt allowing uphill bikes to pull off the main roadway on blind curves. That gives cars a chance to pass without swerving into the oncoming lane, sometimes into the path of downhill cyclists.

    Danville Mayor Karen Stepper’s daughter Shannon was lucky to survive a head-on collision in 2015.

    “You see all of these turnouts and see the people turning, getting over,” Stepper said as she watched cyclists using the turnouts. “Obviously, Shannon wouldn’t have been hit if it had been like that. So, you have to have somebody who actually comes up with the idea.”

    That somebody was Al Kalin. The retired Army colonel and avid bike rider got fed up with all the carnage and formed the group Mount Diablo Cyclists to do something about it.

    “We were established in 2014 when we realized that the fire department was coming up here every other week,” he said. “Cyclists were being hit — actual collisions — and state parks, at that time, was doing absolutely nothing to understand why and even less to implement any safety improvements.”

    So, in Kalin’s backyard, a working group of cyclists sketched out a design for a turnout that didn’t seem to exist anywhere else in the world. They shamed the state into creating the first three and, when those seemed to work well, a few more were added here and there on a piecemeal basis. Finally, in 2021, state senator Steve Glazer spearheaded the appropriation of $1.5 million to finish the first 45 turnouts on the mountain.

    “It became incredibly safer,” said cyclist Linda Kwong. “And it’s only been much more improved with the quantity that has gone up over the years.”

    Then, tragedy pushed the project forward. In 2021, a legendary Diablo cyclist named Joe Shami was killed in a collision with a car. His will left $125,000 to the effort, which State Parks matched. Then, Kalin began collecting donations at a Danville coffee shop, raising an astounding $750,000. With that, Mount Diablo got its most recent 22 turnouts for a current total of 67. A ceremony celebrating their completion was held at the site of the pilot turnout and, with voice cracking, Kalin acknowleged the legacy of his friend Joe Shami.

    “Joe was my friend. Joe was your friend. Joe was 86 years young and never, ever accepted the word ‘no’ when your life was at stake. In honor of Joe’s efforts, today is ‘Joe Shami Day’ on Mount Diablo. I hearby declare it!” said Kalin, to the cheers of the crowd.

    He didn’t get permission from the parks department to do that but, then, the entire effort to create the turnouts has been a grassroots struggle with bureaucracy, which Kalin said can be a little discouraging at times.

    “When you battle a bureaucracy, you go to bed thinking, ‘Oh man, I don’t want to do this,’” he said. “But then you wake up and they say ‘thank you.’ And so, the thank-yous have kept me going.”

    On Saturday, both the park and the cyclists said “thank you” for making the ride to the top a little less harrowing. Collisions have been reduced by 80 percent and others are taking notice. Kalin was recently contacted by Oregon State University to see if the turnouts might be feasible in that state as well. On Mount Diablo the plan calls for a final 13 turnouts but someone else may need to find the funds for that. Kalin said he is afraid of what his wife might do if he starts trying to raise money again.

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    John Ramos

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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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  • New details released in wreck that killed driver, injured Charlotte officers

    New details released in wreck that killed driver, injured Charlotte officers

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 29-year-old man was killed and two Charlotte-Meckleburg police officers were hurt in a crash on an Interstate 485 off-ramp in Charlotte Wednesday morning, officials said.


    What You Need To Know

    • One person is dead and two Charlotte-Mecklenberg police officers were injured after a crash Thursday morning
    • It happened on Interstate 485 near Mt. Holly Road Wednesday morning
    • CMPD said the officers were investigating a report of a stolen car when a vehicle crashed into the police cars and another car


    Officers said they were investigating a reported stolen car on the side of I-485 near Mt. Holly Road when the driver of a motorhome slammed into the two CMPD cars, as well as the car of the person who originally made the call.

    The person who made the call, identified by police as 29-year-old Brian Lavon Battle, died at the scene, according to MEDIC. A CMPD officer had to be pulled from a car by first responders before being sent to the hospital, police said. Another CMPD officer also was taken to the hospital.

    CMPD Maj. Ryan Butler said during a Thursday afternoon press conference that one officer remains at Atrium Health hospital. The other had minor injuries and was released.

    “Nobody involved in a situation like this walks away unaffected by it,” Butler said. “This impacts multiple people.”

    “We’re dealing with multiple people injured and most importantly we’re dealing with the loss of life. That does not just impact that one individual, their immediate family members, their friends or their co-workers, that affects a much wider circle. That certainly affects the wider Charlotte community — that affects all of us,” he said.

    CMPD’s Major Crash Division is handling the investigation.

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said no formal charges have been filed at this time against the driver of the motorhome, who received minor injuries.

    Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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    Jennifer L. Roberts

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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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  • The trash in Mali’s capital is piling up. Donkey carts are coming to help

    The trash in Mali’s capital is piling up. Donkey carts are coming to help

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    BAMAKO, Mali — When handling the garbage of a city of over 3 million people and equipped with little more than a face mask and gloves, it helps to have a sense of humor. Yacouba Diallo decided to name the two donkeys that pull his cart after his cousins, Keita and Kanté.

    Hauling garbage in Mali’s capital, Bamako, can be otherwise grim. The city more than doubled its population in recent years and struggles to manage its waste. Piles of garbage dominate some streets.

    Residents are turning to donkey carts like Diallo’s for trash pickup. The carts can weave in and out of vehicle traffic and reach more places than trucks can, especially on bad roads.

    In addition, “it requires less investment than a truck,” Diallo said.

    He said he can make up to $166 a month. That kind of money is attractive to youth who come from Mali’s rural areas seeking employment in the West African nation with high unemployment.

    Some in Mali are concerned about the donkeys they use. Advocacy groups allege that some of the animals are overburdened, work long days and have little protection from walking on broken glass around dump sites. Amadou Doumbia with the SPANA nonprofit campaigns for the donkeys to be replaced with trucks.

    But conditions are tough all around. Ideally, the garbage collected from Bamako’s streets is meant to be deposited in a transfer site and then taken to a landfill. But the city doesn’t have sites that meet required standards, said Bamadou Sidibé, a waste management consultant.

    “All the institutions that have to deal with the waste problem are not playing their part,” he said.

    The World Bank in 2022 approved $250 million to help rehabilitate a landfill outside Bamako to international standards and build a second one in the city. The project has been set up by the government and the World Bank and is due to last until 2028, but no date has been given for the start of construction.

    Local authorities acknowledge the city has a waste disposal problem. But they blame residents.

    “Bamako is dirty because people don’t care about the environment or their health,” asserted Adama Kanté, a deputy mayor. He said residents aren’t willing to pay for waste disposal.

    Some residents agree and point out that there’s no penalty for simply tossing their garbage into the street.

    “Instead of hiring a garbage collector who has to be paid, a lot of people wait until the rainy season to throw their garbage into the running water. It costs less,” said one resident, Boureima Traoré.

    Until solutions are put in place, the garbage mounds in Bamako have attracted some residents who risk their health and safety searching through them for items to reuse or sell.

    It’s a common scene in some African capitals and one that can turn deadly: Earlier this month, a vast landfill in Uganda’s capital collapsed, killing at least 30 people.

    ___

    For more news on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

    ___

    The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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  • Why one middle school band director dresses up for his morning traffic duty

    Why one middle school band director dresses up for his morning traffic duty

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    A middle school teacher is making morning drop-off more fun with unique costumes. Adam Joiner has been working at Thomas Jefferson Middle School for about 15 years. He is the band director for students enrolled in music courses, but he is known school-wide for the costumes he wears while directing morning traffic.Over the years, Joiner has dressed up as Harry Potter, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?,” Gru from “Despicable Me” and more. When sister station WXII visited Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Joiner’s giant chef hat made him easy to spot among the dozens of cars dropping off students. Along with the hat, Joiner was wearing a small apron and a traffic vest. In one hand, he had an oversized whisk, and in the other, he had a hand-held stop sign. Along with the chef costume, Joiner had a fitting slogan for parents.“I tell them they shouldn’t cook up trouble because that’s my job,” he said. Joiner says the tradition of wearing costumes actually began with wearing funky socks with sandals. Kids noticed and began giving him fun hats to wear. From there, the tradition evolved into full costumes. Joiner says the costumes not only get parents to notice him in traffic, but also give students a fun start to the day. “One of the biggest things in schools is following rules is important, and oftentimes, we’re hard on them at the very beginning. ‘You’ve got to step in line, you’ve got to sit down, you’ve got to stop talking,’” Joiner said. “The first experience is often negative, and I want their first experience to be positive.”He says it also turns traffic from a negative experience into a positive one.“Parents hate it, kids hate it, teachers hate it,” he said. “And this diffuses that.”On a typical morning, Joiner says he wears one of his nearly 150 hats for morning drop-off. He saves the full costumes for Fridays.However, for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, he decided to go all out. He decided to become the villain from “The Little Mermaid,” Ursula, sporting blow-up tentacles and a mask.“I was coming up with ‘Poor, Unfortunate Soul’ lyrics all week, and so I sang them as they came in,” Joiner said. Other staff members in the car line expressed their admiration for Joiner’s dedication to dressing up. Among them is Jefferson’s principal, Jessica Gillespie-Johnson.“It’s amazing. I love being out here in the morning with the music playing and him down there,” she said. “It gives the kids a great way to come into the building. It’s very welcoming.”Joiner says dressing up is also fun for him and helps him develop relationships with students and parents. “It’s not about the pencil and the paper,” Joiner said. “It’s about having a great time learning stuff, and this helps kind of initiate that.”He has no intention of stopping, so students and parents can enjoy his costumes for many mornings to come. “Who knows what will come next!” he said.

    A middle school teacher is making morning drop-off more fun with unique costumes.

    Adam Joiner has been working at Thomas Jefferson Middle School for about 15 years. He is the band director for students enrolled in music courses, but he is known school-wide for the costumes he wears while directing morning traffic.

    Over the years, Joiner has dressed up as Harry Potter, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?,” Gru from “Despicable Me” and more.

    When sister station WXII visited Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Joiner’s giant chef hat made him easy to spot among the dozens of cars dropping off students.

    Along with the hat, Joiner was wearing a small apron and a traffic vest. In one hand, he had an oversized whisk, and in the other, he had a hand-held stop sign.

    Along with the chef costume, Joiner had a fitting slogan for parents.

    “I tell them they shouldn’t cook up trouble because that’s my job,” he said.

    Joiner says the tradition of wearing costumes actually began with wearing funky socks with sandals. Kids noticed and began giving him fun hats to wear. From there, the tradition evolved into full costumes.

    Joiner says the costumes not only get parents to notice him in traffic, but also give students a fun start to the day.

    “One of the biggest things in schools is following rules is important, and oftentimes, we’re hard on them at the very beginning. ‘You’ve got to step in line, you’ve got to sit down, you’ve got to stop talking,’” Joiner said. “The first experience is often negative, and I want their first experience to be positive.”

    He says it also turns traffic from a negative experience into a positive one.

    “Parents hate it, kids hate it, teachers hate it,” he said. “And this diffuses that.”

    On a typical morning, Joiner says he wears one of his nearly 150 hats for morning drop-off. He saves the full costumes for Fridays.

    However, for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, he decided to go all out. He decided to become the villain from “The Little Mermaid,” Ursula, sporting blow-up tentacles and a mask.

    “I was coming up with ‘Poor, Unfortunate Soul’ lyrics all week, and so I sang them as they came in,” Joiner said.

    Other staff members in the car line expressed their admiration for Joiner’s dedication to dressing up. Among them is Jefferson’s principal, Jessica Gillespie-Johnson.

    “It’s amazing. I love being out here in the morning with the music playing and him down there,” she said. “It gives the kids a great way to come into the building. It’s very welcoming.”

    Joiner says dressing up is also fun for him and helps him develop relationships with students and parents.

    “It’s not about the pencil and the paper,” Joiner said. “It’s about having a great time learning stuff, and this helps kind of initiate that.”

    He has no intention of stopping, so students and parents can enjoy his costumes for many mornings to come.

    “Who knows what will come next!” he said.

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  • Why one middle school band director dresses up for his morning traffic duty

    Why one middle school band director dresses up for his morning traffic duty

    [ad_1]

    A middle school teacher is making morning drop-off more fun with unique costumes. Adam Joiner has been working at Thomas Jefferson Middle School for about 15 years. He is the band director for students enrolled in music courses, but he is known school-wide for the costumes he wears while directing morning traffic.Over the years, Joiner has dressed up as Harry Potter, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?,” Gru from “Despicable Me” and more. When sister station WXII visited Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Joiner’s giant chef hat made him easy to spot among the dozens of cars dropping off students. Along with the hat, Joiner was wearing a small apron and a traffic vest. In one hand, he had an oversized whisk, and in the other, he had a hand-held stop sign. Along with the chef costume, Joiner had a fitting slogan for parents.“I tell them they shouldn’t cook up trouble because that’s my job,” he said. Joiner says the tradition of wearing costumes actually began with wearing funky socks with sandals. Kids noticed and began giving him fun hats to wear. From there, the tradition evolved into full costumes. Joiner says the costumes not only get parents to notice him in traffic, but also give students a fun start to the day. “One of the biggest things in schools is following rules is important, and oftentimes, we’re hard on them at the very beginning. ‘You’ve got to step in line, you’ve got to sit down, you’ve got to stop talking,’” Joiner said. “The first experience is often negative, and I want their first experience to be positive.”He says it also turns traffic from a negative experience into a positive one.“Parents hate it, kids hate it, teachers hate it,” he said. “And this diffuses that.”On a typical morning, Joiner says he wears one of his nearly 150 hats for morning drop-off. He saves the full costumes for Fridays.However, for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, he decided to go all out. He decided to become the villain from “The Little Mermaid,” Ursula, sporting blow-up tentacles and a mask.“I was coming up with ‘Poor, Unfortunate Soul’ lyrics all week, and so I sang them as they came in,” Joiner said. Other staff members in the car line expressed their admiration for Joiner’s dedication to dressing up. Among them is Jefferson’s principal, Jessica Gillespie-Johnson.“It’s amazing. I love being out here in the morning with the music playing and him down there,” she said. “It gives the kids a great way to come into the building. It’s very welcoming.”Joiner says dressing up is also fun for him and helps him develop relationships with students and parents. “It’s not about the pencil and the paper,” Joiner said. “It’s about having a great time learning stuff, and this helps kind of initiate that.”He has no intention of stopping, so students and parents can enjoy his costumes for many mornings to come. “Who knows what will come next!” he said.

    A middle school teacher is making morning drop-off more fun with unique costumes.

    Adam Joiner has been working at Thomas Jefferson Middle School for about 15 years. He is the band director for students enrolled in music courses, but he is known school-wide for the costumes he wears while directing morning traffic.

    Over the years, Joiner has dressed up as Harry Potter, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?,” Gru from “Despicable Me” and more.

    When sister station WXII visited Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Joiner’s giant chef hat made him easy to spot among the dozens of cars dropping off students.

    Along with the hat, Joiner was wearing a small apron and a traffic vest. In one hand, he had an oversized whisk, and in the other, he had a hand-held stop sign.

    Along with the chef costume, Joiner had a fitting slogan for parents.

    “I tell them they shouldn’t cook up trouble because that’s my job,” he said.

    Joiner says the tradition of wearing costumes actually began with wearing funky socks with sandals. Kids noticed and began giving him fun hats to wear. From there, the tradition evolved into full costumes.

    Joiner says the costumes not only get parents to notice him in traffic, but also give students a fun start to the day.

    “One of the biggest things in schools is following rules is important, and oftentimes, we’re hard on them at the very beginning. ‘You’ve got to step in line, you’ve got to sit down, you’ve got to stop talking,’” Joiner said. “The first experience is often negative, and I want their first experience to be positive.”

    He says it also turns traffic from a negative experience into a positive one.

    “Parents hate it, kids hate it, teachers hate it,” he said. “And this diffuses that.”

    On a typical morning, Joiner says he wears one of his nearly 150 hats for morning drop-off. He saves the full costumes for Fridays.

    However, for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, he decided to go all out. He decided to become the villain from “The Little Mermaid,” Ursula, sporting blow-up tentacles and a mask.

    “I was coming up with ‘Poor, Unfortunate Soul’ lyrics all week, and so I sang them as they came in,” Joiner said.

    Other staff members in the car line expressed their admiration for Joiner’s dedication to dressing up. Among them is Jefferson’s principal, Jessica Gillespie-Johnson.

    “It’s amazing. I love being out here in the morning with the music playing and him down there,” she said. “It gives the kids a great way to come into the building. It’s very welcoming.”

    Joiner says dressing up is also fun for him and helps him develop relationships with students and parents.

    “It’s not about the pencil and the paper,” Joiner said. “It’s about having a great time learning stuff, and this helps kind of initiate that.”

    He has no intention of stopping, so students and parents can enjoy his costumes for many mornings to come.

    “Who knows what will come next!” he said.

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  • CDOT considers slower speeds in I-70 work zone where truck crash killed 3 – The Cannabist

    CDOT considers slower speeds in I-70 work zone where truck crash killed 3 – The Cannabist

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    Colorado Department of Transportation highway construction engineers will review whether further speed limit reductions are necessary for safety in a work zone on Interstate 70 in west metro Denver — a day after a fatal pipe truck crash killed three people and left three others hospitalized.

    Related Articles

    Colorado News |

    Read the rest of this story on TheKnow.DenverPost.com.

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    The Cannabist Network

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