Fort Myers is ramping up safety efforts to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Local authorities have received a state grant to support these initiatives.
The Fort Myers Police Department secured more than $27,000 from the Florida Department of Transportation and the Institute of Police Technology and Management. This funding will give officers the tools they need to address speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, which are key factors in pedestrian and cyclist crashes.
The goal of this initiative is to reduce crashes causing serious and fatal injuries by increasing awareness and compliance with traffic laws.
“We’ve seen a lot of crashes, a lot of tailgating, a lot of crazy driving. So anytime they can help that, it’d be great,” said Michael Froncek, a Fort Myers resident.
The Institute identified specific locations in Fort Myers where enforcement and education efforts will be concentrated. These include Palm Beach Boulevard from Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard to Pine Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from Palm Avenue to Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard.
Additional areas that will see increased enforcement include Fowler Street from Evans Avenue to Dora Street, and multiple sections of US 41, including from Collier Avenue to Golview Avenue, Linhart Avenue to Victoria Avenue, and Page Mobile Home Park to Winkler Avenue.