Tampa Parents Voice Safety Concerns Over New Traffic Changes Near Seminole Heights Elementary School

Tampa Community Expresses Concerns Over Traffic Changes Near Elementary School

Tampa, Fla. — Parents and students at Seminole Heights Elementary School are raising alarms over recent traffic alterations along Central Avenue. Local authorities have transformed two key intersections at Hanna Avenue and Lake Avenue from traffic lights to four-way stops, which is creating anxiety among families in the area.

Recent Changes

The modifications have sparked worries, particularly among parents like Tara Makas, a longtime Tampa resident who has personal ties to the school. Makas, who also attended Seminole Heights as a child, notes that she never felt unsafe during her own commutes, something that differs greatly from her current experience while taking her daughter to school.

Safety Concerns

“It’s now extremely terrifying to walk through this area,” Makas expressed. She articulated her frustration, stating, “If I’m walking across the street to pick her up or drop her off, I want to trust that someone will stop.” The removal of the pedestrian crossing signal has only heightened this sense of vulnerability for her and other parents. “Now there’s no way for us to press the light and safely wait to cross the road,” she added.

Traffic Issues

Additionally, Makas reported a troubling trend of traffic congestion, where backups occur due to problems on the nearby I-275. The changes were implemented as part of the Florida Department of Transportation‘s new bikeway initiative, which aims to promote safer travel options for cyclists and pedestrians along Central Avenue. A flashing red light at the intersection is currently being employed, but city officials have stated that a full transition to stop signs will soon take place.

City Officials’ Perspective

City officials, however, believe that transitioning to a four-way stop can improve safety by compelling all vehicles to come to a complete stop, which may reduce driving speeds. Similar traffic modifications have been executed at other intersections in Tampa in recent years, according to city sources.

Community Action

Despite the city’s rationale, concerned parents continue to voice their opposition. Makas is not alone in her sentiments; numerous parents are backing a petition aimed at reverting the changes back to traffic lights. She argues that restoring the original traffic signals would be the most effective solution to enhance the area’s safety. “But if we can’t have that, I think there should be a way of having beacon lights to indicate pedestrian crossings,” she stressed.

Next Steps

The city has indicated that the traffic lights will continue to flash for the next 90 days while engineers evaluate how the new setup is functioning. This timeframe is intended to assess whether the four-way stop provides the intended safety benefits before any permanent changes become official.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, the debate surrounding these traffic changes on Central Avenue continues to escalate, as the wellbeing of both students and local residents hangs in the balance. With parents like Makas advocating for re-evaluation, the future of traffic management surrounding Seminole Heights Elementary remains uncertain as the city monitors its effects.