Clearwater to Honor Crossing Guard's Memory

Doug Carey, 70, was just doing his job, helping keep children safe as they traveled through the busy intersection of Belcher Road and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard on their way to school.

On May 20, 2014, however, Carey was unable to keep himself safe from the hazards of that particular intersection. He was struck by a car while standing on the sidewalk.

Police at the time said the driver of a Cadillac ran a red light, prompting a two-vehicle crash. The Cadillac hit a Honda and then struck Carey before its driver abandoned his two small children at the scene and fled.

The driver of that car, Julious Johnson, was ultimately charged in the case. Carey, a former Clearwater police officer, who was working crossing guard detail in his retirement years, died.

Carey, who worked for the city for 20 years, will be remembered Wednesday, May 20, 2015, during the placement of two memorial wreaths. The first wreath will be placed at 7:20 a.m. near Skycrest Elementary School at Cleveland Street and Corona Avenue. This was Carey’s first post each day, the city explained in an email to media.

A 8:40 a.m., a second wreath will be placed at the northwest corner of Belcher and Gulf-to-Bay, where Carey spent his final moments.

Johnson, 28, remained in the Pinellas County Jail awaiting trial as of Tuesday.

Photo of Doug Carey courtesy of the City of Clearwater

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