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St. Petersburg Leaders Call for Increased Safety Measures

Enhanced safety measures in St. Petersburg aim to protect residents and improve road conditions.

News Summary

In response to rising safety concerns due to recent violent incidents, St. Petersburg community leaders are advocating for enhanced safety measures. This follows a neighborhood shooting that has prompted urgent policy changes. Despite a reported 21% reduction in crime, pedestrian and cyclist safety remains a priority, with new initiatives planned to improve road conditions. Community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement are essential in these efforts to foster a safer environment for all residents.

St. Petersburg community leaders are actively advocating for enhanced safety measures in response to ongoing violence and hazardous road conditions affecting residents. Recent events, including a shooting incident that occurred during a neighborhood celebration, have heightened concerns about safety and prompted calls for impactful policy changes.

Amber Woods, a member of the Wildwood Heights Neighborhood Association, experienced the frightening reality of gunfire erupting outside her home while preparing for her birthday party in March. The incident left her and her daughter in a state of panic and served as a powerful catalyst for her advocacy work towards improving community safety. Woods emphasized the need for increased collaboration between the community and local law enforcement, expressing hope for progressive legislation to ensure residents feel secure in their neighborhoods.

The push for safer environments was echoed during a recent city council meeting where Council Member Corey Givens Jr. expressed serious concerns about community safety directly to Police Chief Anthony Holloway. In response, Chief Holloway acknowledged the fears shared by residents and suggested that an increased police presence through patrolling might be more effective than opening additional police substations.

In light of the community’s concerns, statistics reveal a positive trend overall in crime reduction within St. Petersburg. According to Chief Holloway’s quarterly report, crime rates have dropped by 21%, which includes significant decreases in auto thefts, burglaries, property crimes, and violent offenses.

Despite this decline in crime, a report by Smart Growth America highlighted that the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater metropolitan areas ranked as the eighth most dangerous locations for pedestrians and cyclists in the nation. This alarming distinction has driven city initiatives to enhance safety for all modes of transportation.

St. Petersburg is collaborating with the University of South Florida on a multimillion-dollar safety project aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. This initiative will integrate features such as solar-powered lights, bike boxes, and curb extensions throughout the city, with financing partially sourced from a $3.6 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In downtown St. Petersburg, pedestrian safety improvements are also making progress, particularly along 4th Street, where curb bulb-outs are being installed at ten intersections. These enhancements aim to increase pedestrian visibility and decrease vehicle speeds, ultimately reducing the incidence of accidents. Data from 2015 to 2019 indicates a troubling 364 crashes occurred on 4th Street, with 17 involving pedestrians.

The bulb-out project is estimated at a cost of around $2.7 million and is anticipated to be completed by early 2024. Additionally, the city council has unanimously approved a “Safe Street” study for the 49th Street South corridor, known for its high prevalence of injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians.

This safe streets initiative will feature lane repurposing and the addition of designated bus bays, enhancing walkability while working to lower traffic speeds. Community engagement played a significant role in these discussions, especially regarding the safety of minority residents, who are disproportionately affected by road safety issues.

Recognizing the immediate need for action, city officials plan to implement quick changes that include leading pedestrian intervals, which will enhance safety while longer-term plans are developed and executed. The collaborative efforts between community leaders, city council members, and law enforcement continue to evolve, with the aim of fostering a safer environment for all St. Petersburg residents.