Manatee County Commission to consider speed changes

EAST COUNTY — How fast should drivers go on East County roads?

Manatee County commissioners will decide during their Oct. 6 board meeting. 

As followup to a May workshop, the board will consider an ordinance to change speed limits along sections of 12 Manatee County roads, including six in East County.

Speed limit changes are proposed for Lockwood Ridge and Lorraine Roads, Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, University Parkway and Whitfield and Honore avenues.

“The board of county commissioners requested a review of inconsistent speed limits throughout the county,” said Deputy Director of Traffic Management said of why staff is proposing the changes. 

For example, on Lockwood Ridge Road, speed limits range from 35 mph to 45 mph. 

Although the proposed ordinance includes 17 potential speed changes, commissioners can pick and choose which they wish to implement.

“We’ve had tremendous input, so we certainly have a feel for where the majority of our residents are on the issue,” Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said. “We are expecting a lot of citizens to show up. Most of the emails and conversations I’ve had are from folks wanting (speed limits) to stay the same. We have grown and we have more traffic on the roads than we used to.”

Many users of golf carts, particularly in the Palm-Aire community, worry a proposed speed increase along Whitfield Avenue poses a danger to drivers of golf carts. They also oppose changes to the county’s golf cart ordinance, which also will be under consideration Oct. 6. (See related story).

Costs associated with speed limit changes are estimated at $15,000 for installation of new signs.

At its Oct. 6 meeting, the commission also will consider amending ordinances restricting the use of golf carts on some county roadways, including on Whitfield Avenue, in the Palm-Aire community, and along Tara Boulevard.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].