- January 20, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
What would you like A1A to look like? Do you want more sidewalks, raised crosswalks, or the addition of bike paths?
The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a planning study to consider capacity, safety and multi-modal enhancements along State Road A1A from East Granada Boulevard to Sandra Drive. A community meeting was held on Tuesday, May 24, to discuss the project.
During the video presentation, FDOT outlined that previous studies of the 3.61-mile stretch of road revealed that current vehicle speeds are too high for the frequent pedestrian volumes, significant bicyclist activity and number of residential driveways along the road.
There were 212 crashes in that area from 2015 to 2019, 95% of which were car crashes. Two fatalities were reported, which FDOT stated highlights the need for safety improvements.
FDOT divided the project area into four sections, each with specific proposed improvements such as new sidewalks, shared use paths, enhanced landscapes and raised crossings.
In section 1, from east Granada Boulevard to south of Amsden Road, one of the proposed improvements included adding a chicane, or a curve on the road, to help slow traffic.
In addition, FDOT is looking into adding other improvements along the corridor such as in-pavement lights, crosswalk lighting and turtle-friendly solar lights.
Other improvements like hurricane-resistant trash cans, textured pedestrian crossings and decorative imprinted asphalt were also briefly discussed.
FDOT seeks input on its plans. To view the presentation, visit https://www.cflroads.com/project/962200-2
Public comment submitted by June 7 will be made part of the project’s public meeting record.
Heading to the beach this Memorial Day weekend?
Volusia County Beach Safety states residents should plan accordingly as the weekend weather is expected to include a mix of sun, storms, moderate surf and early morning high tides.
According to a press release, vehicle ramps will be open no earlier than 8 a.m. and all vehicles must exit the beach before 7 p.m. Beachgoers are encouraged to access the beach using less-trafficked vehicle access ramps, and the county reminds residents that parking is also available at the county’s off-beach parking lots.
As rip currents are bound to be present, the county asks beachgoers always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.
Leading up to Memorial Day, Beach Safety will also be celebrating its Beach Safety Week. Safety information and tips will be posted daily on social media.
Beachgoers are also asked they fill in holes and flatten sandcastles before leaving the beach to avoid disrupting turtles.
Volusia County Fire Rescue has recently celebrated numerous achievements in its division, including the upcoming retirements of Fire Chief Howard Bailey, Lt. Matt Branch and Division Chief Paul Ebanks.
According to a press release. all three have over 90 years of combined public service to the Central Florida area.
“Chief Bailey and Ebanks and Lieutenant Branch will be greatly missed,” said Interim Public Protection Director Mark Swanson. “We appreciate their dedication and professionalism displayed for many years. Their legacies will leave a mark on our division and inspire other firefighters to work hard and advance within the squad.”
Bailey will join the city of Ormond Beach as its new fire chief in August.
In addition, in March, VCFR Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Alberts completed the U.S. Fire Administration’s executive officer program, and VCFR Battalion Chief William Whalen earned the distinction of Airport Fire Officer by the American Association of Airport Executives, becoming the second in the state to achieve this honor.
The Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee will host a workshop to hear ideas and recommendations to identify ECHO program improvement opportunities.
The workshop will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 14, in the County Council chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center at 123 W. Indiana Ave. in DeLand.
