ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Residents near Park Street and 33rd Avenue North in St. Petersburg say they are concerned about speeding after two recent serious crashes, including a deadly one in September.
A memorial and damage to a tree now mark the area where a driver was killed at Park Street and 33rd Ave N. Police said the driver was going 100 mph down Park Street just after midnight on Sept. 28.
“I was the first to arrive on scene and there was just debris everywhere,” said Erica Bricker, a Park Street resident.
Bricker said it’s yet another example for her that living Park Street has become more difficult because of speeding drivers.
“Living on Park Street has become very dangerous,” Bricker said. “It’s very difficult to pull out of our driveway.”
Erica Bricker’s husband, Kevin Bricker, said they have nearly been hit on Park Street and regularly see drivers traveling faster than the posted 40 mph speed limit.
“We’ve actually thought about leaving several times, but yeah, I mean for now we just have to deal with it and pray we stay safe,” Kevin Bricker said.
The Brickers said they would like to see more police patrols in the area.
St. Petersburg Police told Spectrum Bay News 9 that there will be more patrols on Park Street and that the road will be included in future speed enforcement efforts.
Yolanda Fernandez with St. Pete Police said the road’s layout contributes to the problem.
“There’s a 20-block stretch of two lanes each way with no traffic lights and no stop signs,” Fernandez said. “So it’s a straightaway and people tend to speed on that straightaway.”
Fernandez said police are working to remind drivers that they still need to follow the speed limit, even when there is no traffic light nearby.
Police said they conducted a special operation on Park Street on Friday. They are reminding drivers to stay at or below 40 mph.