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Fort Myers Beach crosswalk signs need to be replaced

By Jan Fleming - | Feb 4, 2024

The following letter was shared by the author after being addressed and sent to the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council, Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager, Town of Fort Myers Beach Public Safety Committee and Lee County Board of County Commissioners:

Crosswalk signs need to be replaced

On my 15 1/2-mile bike ride today I took notes at every crosswalk, and I would like to share that information with you. I am so passionate about this, because as you all know our streets are dangerous for our pedestrians. I also know that the county and town are coming up with ways for pedestrians to use crosswalks; however, that’s pretty hard to do when they aren’t marked anymore. With that being said, here are my findings.

Crosswalks with NO signage:

Old San Carlos Where the nonfunctioning light is located

Time Square Nonfunctioning light; however, visitors think it’s a crosswalk.

Lani Kai

Alva Dr. Beach Access 33

Miramar Beach Access

Palm Beach Access 30

Delmar Beach Access 28

Chapel

School St.: This is the crossing for Beach Elementary students to cross Estero

Lovers Lane

Junkanoo and Red Coconut (Where they use to be located)

Voorhis

Washington Ave

Connecticut Beach Access

Andre Mar

Gulf Island Dr.

Hercules Beach Access 21

Sabal

Strandview Beach Access 17 Newton Park

Madera Rd

Dakota Beach Access 16

Sterling Beach Access 15

Aberdeen Beach Access 14

Lanark Ave Beach Access 13

Flamingo

Bahia Via

Egret St

Albatross

Lennell Between CVS and Santini Plaza

Buccaneer Dr.

7800 block of Estero In front of Sun Caper Condos

8200 block of Estero

Estrellita Dr.

For a total of 32 crosswalks with no signage.

Crosswalks with signage only going South on Estero (beach side)

Mango Beach Access 27

Between Gulf Beach and Tropical Shores (old Topps location)

Pompano Beach Access 24

Publix

Crosswalks with signage only going North on Estero (bay side)

Palermo (very small sign on tree; drivers can’t see it

300 block of Estero

Avenida Pescadora

Middle of Santini Plaza

Just north of Bay Beach Lane where there is a private beach access.

For a total of nine crosswalks with signage only on one side of the road.

Old crosswalks at the north end that are not striped but were crosswalks before Ian

Matanzas St.

Beach Villas 200 block of Estero

Bowditch

Crosswalks with signage on both sides of the street

Driftwood

Wyndom and Estero Cove Condos

Just south of Santini

There are several accesses without crosswalks. When updating Estero with crosswalks and signage, it would be smart to have a crosswalk at the majority of the beach accesses. Those are as follows:

Avenue E Beach Access 32

Bayview Ave Beach Access 19

Sea View/Bay Road Beach Access 23

Gulf Beach Beach Access 25

You should consider moving the one from in front of the old Topps to this beach access.

Last but not least are the 2 crosswalks near the elementary school.. I’m guessing that’s the Town’s responsibility. I’m still going to include it with this report.

Oak St and Bay: Needs to be 2 sided and on both sides of the street.

Oak St and School: Currently there is only a one-sided sign on one side of the street.

Again, when considering placement of crosswalks, I believe it would be best throughout the island to line them up at beach accesses when possible and when it would not be too excessive.

Bottom line, we need crosswalk signs replaced ASAP for the safety of the pedestrians as well as the drivers. Even though it would be nice to have flashing lights at each, I know that’s not feasible; however, let’s get the reflective signs out there before a life is lost.

Jan Fleming

Fort Myers Beach