FDOT will perform pedestrian count

The Florida Department of Transportation will perform a new pedestrian count along Gulf of Mexico Drive in March at the request of town staff.

Town Manager Dave Bullock informed members of town staff in an email Tuesday that FDOT has agreed to conduct a pedestrian count next month — at the peak of tourism season on the island — along several areas of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The study is being performed because the Urban Land Institute has suggested the town move forward with crosswalks in specific locations along the island’s main thoroughfare.

Commissioners and Key residents have questioned some of the proposed crosswalk locations.

For instance, commissioners have suggested a crosswalk is needed near the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort. Some Key residents have also suggested crosswalks near Country Club Shores, noting that many resident cross Gulf of Mexico Drive to get to and from the beach in that area.

Bullock said that once the new pedestrian counts are completed, FDOT will verify the locations for proposed pedestrian crossings before proceeding with design for a future crosswalk project.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].