Study to Look Into Need For Traffic Signal on Alt. 19

In a couple months, we could find out the results of a study about the possible need for a traffic signal along Alternate 19 in the Historic Palm Harbor area.

Karen Wells, who is with the Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure, says a consultant is conducting two studies in the area. One study investigates parking in Historic Palm Harbor; the other is called a "Circulation Study."

"The scope for the Circulation Study is to investigate a potential signal at either Florida or Nebraska (avenue) and to identify any locations along Alternate 19 in the Downtown Palm Harbor area where additional pedestrian crossings should be provided," Wells said.

Wells sent this information after Palm Harbor Patch contacted Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala about safety concerns voiced by a Palm Harbor mother.

Jenn Stryczny sent a letter to the county and Palm Harbor Patch detailing her worries about the intersection of Florida Avenue and Alternate 19, which is near her kids' school, Ozona Elementary. Stryczny included a photo of the intersection with her letter. She wrote: 

"I am writing to express my concern for the intersection of Florida Ave and Alt U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor.  I travel through this intersection at least two times a day taking my children to Ozona Elementary.  To put it simply, this is the scariest intersection we have around here. 

I am attaching a picture of my view of the southbound lanes as I was waiting to turn onto Alt. U.S. 19 from Florida Ave east-bound.  

Can you see all of the cars heading south?  Neither can I. Numerous light poles, street signs and a recently-installed bus bench make it nearly impossible to see all traffic coming."

"It's been an issue for many years," said Commissioner Latvala, who lives in Palm Harbor. Latvala says since Alternate 19 is a state road, "it's not easily solved, unfortunately," she said. "It's on the radar."

Any recommendations along Alternate 19 would need to be approved by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), according to Wells.

Related-

• Mom Wants Changes at Intersection Near Her Kids' School
• One of County's Most Crash Prone Intersections Located in Palm Harbor
• What is the Worst Intersection in Palm Harbor?