I received an update from our county traffic division recently about the progress on our study on the constructed roundabout in Perdido Key in District one that many believe is the cause of snarled traffic.
I have recently learned the state specifically recommended against a roundabout at this intersection (Johnson's Beach Road and Perdido Key Drive) in a study they published in September of 2018--exactly one year before the county took that road from FDOT in a road swap deal.
Apparently--the state's study wasn't factored into the county's eventual push to plow forward with the roundabout design and funding in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Once I assumed control of the district in early 2022--the deal was signed, sealed, and funded with former Commissioner Underhill's discretionary monies and I was told the "People wanted it"
And it has been a headache producing nightmare ever since.
So we are going to get an expert opinion on what is needed at that intersection and we will implement that solution. That's what happens next.
Meanwhile, we have an update on the progress of the current study:
"We heard from the consultant yesterday. They have counted the last two consecutive Saturdays and have done quick reviews for both days with more in depth reviews upcoming. On the first Saturday, it was not super clear where the backups were originating from. It was more clear on this past Saturday that the roundabout is likely the issue, but still not as definitive as expected. They expect their report to be wrapped up by August 18th. I’ll need some time after to look over it and formulate a game plan going forward..I heard you may be looking at a Town Hall in that area at some point soon. Not sure what dates you might have in mind but we will have a good handle on the situation by mid-September. "
5 comments:
I don’t understand this roundabout as a person who lives right off Johnson’s Beach Road. It is a traffic nightmare since the roundabout went in I watched a semi yesterday come through in front of me had I not been paying attention he would’ve hit me and he ran all over the medians. All over everything it is too small. It confuses people they stop. They don’t know how to use the traffic circle and it backs the traffic up to the bridge. It was a poor decision. While we’re on the subject of snarled traffic the new apartment complex for 325 apartments will add 650 cars to the already overburdened roads. I’d sure like to know who made the money on that because it is an eyesore. I hope Perdido Key incorporates because you are ruining this Key with your decisions.
Agreed
Let’s keep studying and watching from 221 S Palafox and in the meantime, the trees that were planted a week ago in the middle of the roundabout for the 4th time are dead - what has that cost taxpayers and what a continued eyesore for the entry to the most tax producing dense section of Escambia County! This is a small problem but is the overall issue with our county government - no one is watching out for Perdido Key. You don’t live in our district, you don’t visit our district, you don’t care about our district - you just want to sit at 221 S. Palafox and look in the rear view mirror while the barn is burning. NO REPRESENTATION WITH ALOT OF TAXATION and BLUSTERY EGO FILLED RHETORIC - WE DESERVE BETTER!
Anonymous 9:08: You sound exceptionally agitated, aggravated, lathered, and triggered. First, grab a warm milk and a cookie, or a Zanax or Scotch, or whatever it takes for you to level out, then listen to the facts. Your messiah, your hero Doug Underhill, whom I am sure you voted for twice when he was the commissioner for this area of the county, was responsible for the approval of the roundabout and the large apartment complex under the Baars bridge. So if you are so angered over the traffic, look at the person in the mirror and yell at him/her. Because I inherited both of those projects upon this portion of the county reverting to D1 after the redistricting. Your hero Doug and his office secretary Jonathan are the ones that buried the state report indicating the roundabout wouldn't work, and then they pushed staff to fund, design, and ultimately construct the roundabout with D2 discretionary LOST money. Those are the facts. I am going to fix that intersection, that is a fact as well. And to your point about where I live---I live in District 1, Perdido Key is a part of District 1, and I am out in the district frequently--including Perdido Key. Just because you don't know it, doesn't mean it isn't a reality. Now, if you think incorporation is your panacea to fix all things--then by all means vote for it once it is on the ballot. Meanwhile, I am going to keep fixing all the issues I inherited out in Perdido. Now, go have a warm milk and cookie and chill out--lest you burst a vein in your neck or go apoplectic.
See Jeff….that’s the issue - you continue to blame Doug when no one else does, well maybe just wacko Pino. I am not a full time resident so, no…I didn’t vote for Doug, never met Doug and really don’t care what Doug did or didn’t know or do - you are the commissioner now even though you weren’t voted for. You are the voice, the eyes and ears for Perdido Key now but you continue to look back and not forward. Let the plants die, let the apartments and storage take over, gaslight the people about beach access with no plan in place for true access, but the bottom line - it’s just an ego filled position for you. You really could care less. If you cared you would be out in PK making a difference, correcting the small things that add up to big things - code enforcement, bike paths, beautification enhancements, traffic calming measures by slowing traffic down, traffic light synchronization on certain days and hours to allow flow, cross walks with real warning systems that van be seen. Spend a few days a week in PK, it’s not rocket scientist work to figure out the issues, but that means you actually need to come out and live like a local to see it. You know, experience it as if you care.
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