PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Palm Harbor residents are wondering why large potholes near several businesses and homes have never been repaired.
What You Need To Know
Neighbors would like to see large potholes repaired on a Palm Harbor road
It’s in a neighborhood off U.S. 19 and CR 95
Pinellas County confirmed the road is privately owned
The potholes are on a small road off U.S. 19 and CR-95, behind the old Sweet Tomatoes restaurant.
“Just the worst I’ve seen here in Palm Harbor,” said neighbor Avis Milton.
Milton lives near the road with the holes and often walks and drives by them.
“You get over one pothole, then you get up on another one. You don’t expect it,” Milton said.
She says the holes have been an issue for years and have become bigger. But recently, more traffic is using the side road to avoid the ongoing construction on U.S. 19.
“A lot of us use this back road because of U.S. 19, and with the congestion and the construction going on. So probably now there is a lot more traffic coming through here,” Milton said.
Because the road connects to several businesses and the Stone Gate Apartment complex, Milton would like to see the potholes finally repaired.
Pinellas County confirmed to Spectrum Bay News 9 that the road is on private property. Officials say they typically don’t tell property owners to repair roads — and that public use of the road is at the owner’s discretion.
Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to the property owner but did not receive a response. Property records show it has changed hands in recent years.
“You can tell just by looking at the coloring of the road that it’s been years or decades since it’s been paved. Even if it is a private owner, just fill in the pothole. Just fill in those. Put some gravel in there or something.”