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Heads-up for drivers in Clearwater.  Here are some early detour announcements related to November’s Ironman Competition:

The 2nd Annual Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 will impact Pinellas County traffic on race day, Saturday, Nov. 10. Lane and road closures will start at 5 a.m. throughout the county. Clearwater Beach road closures will begin at 3 a.m., and drivers will not be allowed to go south of the roundabout due to closures on Coronado Drive and South Gulfview Boulevard.

Estimated Times of Impact
The bike route, which travels 56 miles throughout northern Pinellas County, will affect the following areas:
- Ft. Harrison Avenue from Chestnut Street to Drew Street, 7:30 to 9:18 a.m.
- Drew Street, from Ft. Harrison Avenue to Belcher Road, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Belcher Road, from Drew Street to Countryside Boulevard, 7:38 to 9:55 a.m.
- Countryside Boulevard, from Belcher Road to Lake St. George, 7:48 to 10:13 a.m.
- Tampa Road, from Lake St. George to East Lake Business, 8 to 10:22 a.m.
- McMullen Booth Road, from Curlew Road to the Bayside Bridge, 8:18 to 11:20 a.m.
- 49th Street, from the Bayside Bridge to Park Boulevard, 8:41 a.m. to 11:56 a.m.
- Park Boulevard, from 49th Street to Belcher Road, 8:49 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
- Belcher Road from Park Boulevard to Gulf to Bay Boulevard, 8:55 a.m. to 12:43 p.m.
- Gulf to Bay Boulevard from Belcher Road to Clearwater Beach, 9:13 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Run Route
The run route will go from Pier 60 through downtown and into Harbor Oaks and back to Pier 60. Runners will do two loops and will affect traffic on the Memorial Causeway, in downtown Clearwater, and in the Harbor Oaks neighborhood between approximately 9:20 a.m. and 4 p.m. To access Morton Plant Hospital, drivers will have to use Pinellas Street.

Full Road Closures
Most roads along the route will have only partial lane closures. Full road closures include the following:
- South Gulfview Boulevard south of the roundabout to 5th Street, due to construction
- Coronado Drive will be closed from the roundabout to 2nd Street, 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ft. Harrison Avenue from Chestnut Street to Drew Street, 7:30 to 9:18 a.m.
- Countryside Boulevard from Northside Drive to Curlew Road, 1:30 to 11 a.m.
- Bayside Bridge southbound from Drew Street, to Roosevelt Boulevard, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Ft. Harrison Avenue from Chestnut Street to Jeffords Street, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Bay Avenue from Druid Road to Jeffords Street, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Magnolia Drive from the Pinellas Trail to Druid Road South, 8 a.m. to 4 pm.
- Druid Road South from Jeffords Street to Orange Avenue, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Orange Avenue from Druid Road to Turner Street, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Turner Street from Orange Avenue to Oak Avenue, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Oak Avenue from Turner Road to Chestnut Street, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Clearwater Beach Traffic Impacts
Because the majority of the event takes place at Pier 60, Coronado will be closed from the Clearwater Beach roundabout to 2nd street starting at 3 a.m. Residents should plan to leave the beach before 7 a.m. to avoid the traffic impacts. Between 7 and 9 a.m. north beach residents will have limited access to the roundabout. South beach residents and those needing access to and from south beach after 3 a.m. will need to use the Belleair Causeway.

Helpful Driving Hints for Race Day
To ease problems on race day, drivers should leave early to allow for extra traffic and lane closures. The bike course will re-open at 1 p.m. and the run course will re-open at 4 p.m. Since the race route does not affect U.S. 19, it should be used as the main north-south route. Signalized intersections along the route will have police officers assisting motorists. Motorists who come upon a non-signalized intersection should yield to bicyclists. The rules of road apply as bikes have right-of-way on the course.

Drivers will have to share multi-lane roads with bicyclists. Throughout most of the route, cyclists will be in the outside curb lane and vehicles will travel in the remaining lanes. On McMullen Booth Road, cyclists will be traveling on the inside median lane, and vehicles will be traveling in the outside lanes.

Road closures, comprehensive course and event-related information can be found at http://www.myclearwater.com/ironman or by calling the hotline at 562-INFO (4636).

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The East and Westbound lanes of the Polk Parkway will be closed at the I-4 on-ramp for constuction.  This closure will be in affect through 8:00p.m. on Thursday, October 25th.

All traffic on I-4 attempting to cross this access ramp will be detoured to County Line Road.  Traffic on the Parkway traveling Eastbound on I-4 will be detoured to the Clarke Road Off-Ramp.

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With more Americans living longer thanks to better health care, nutrition and an overall quality of life, the challenge of keeping seniors mobile is especially a priority here in Florida.  And Hillsborough County is leading the way with an award winning program designed to reduce traffic crashes involving older drivers.

Michael McCarthy, Traffic Division Director for Hillsborough County, understands the difficulties mature drivers face.

MM: “There are a lot of challenges in that normally senior’s vision, the acuity that they have for seeing signs or pavement markings or other things that control the traffic, it does decrease with age.”

Michael has been instrumental in implementing Hillsborough County’s Senior Zone Program, designed to help older Floridians stay independent and accident free… by better controlling traffic patterns near senior related service centers and retirement communities. 

MM: “We’ve put out postings of our signs that are larger, we have double posted signs on either side of the roadway where there is a divided median, we’ve put out additional pavement markings.”

Additionally, senior zones feature more reflective roadway strips for night driving and a reduced 35 mph speed limit. 

MM: “Our goal is to reduce crashes and increase safety.  Our goal is to make the comfort of the driver and pedestrian to be increased.”

The John Knox Senior Zone is the first of its kind in the nation and was created by the citizens who live in this retirement community, conscious of the traffic created with USF just across the highway.

The average traffic crash in Florida costs about 100 thousand dollars, but senior zones can be a very cost-effective way to manage traffic congestion.

MM: “What we spent here was about 35 thousand dollars, and when you look at that expenditure versus in excess of a quarter million for a traffic signal, it’s a very economical investment.”

The senior zones follow predetermined federal regulations similar to those of a school zone… and the extra traffic regulation can be especially helpful during snowbird season.

MM: “With people coming in that are a little less familiar with the area, that are not as familiar with the commuter traffic and the times of day when traffic is heavier and what to look out for, also not knowing where they may want to turn which access to use, the additional signing will be a big benefit for them as well.”

The John Knox Senior Zone is one of two active senior zones in the Bay area, and county officials hope to continue to implement up to two a year, depending on their operating budget.

The Senior Zone Program recently won the Most Innovative Program Award from the Florida Association of Aging Service Providers.

If you would like to contact Michael regarding Hillsborough County’s Senior Zone Program, please call (813) 307 - 1860.

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Good Monday morning. Below I have posted some information for our friends in Lakeland.  Hope you all have a great week!

The outside south-bound lane of South Florida Avenue at Walnut Street will be closed on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 for approximately one month while the City of Lakeland Public Works Construction & Maintenance Division installs streetscape and sidewalk.  This closure will be day and night for the duration.  There will be one lane of traffic south-bound, along with the turn lane and two lanes north-bound.

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Pasco drivers may see a parade of bikers in their path this weekend in their County.  The second annual Sheriff’s Charity Ride will kick off Sunday at noon at Gulf Coast Harley Davidson, 5817 State Road 54.  The event runs rain or shine.  Proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in West Pasco.

The motorcyclists are scheduled to leave the Harley dealership and head East on State Road 54 for a 50 mile stretch along local roadways including Starkey Boulevard, Moon Lake Road, State Road 52, Little Road and Massachusetts Avenue. The ride will wrap-up at the weekend’s Cotee River Bike Fest in downtown New Port Richey.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Charity Ride warns drivers to expect delays throughout the region and estimates that bikers could take up to 20 minutes to get through a given intersection. 

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President Bush is scheduled to visit the Bay area later this morning.  The exact details of his trip and route are intentionally vague for security reasons. 

What we can report is that he is scheduled to fly into the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport sometime mid-morning.  After a brief award ceremony, the presidential motorcade is expected to travel by road to a home in Pinellas Park for a fundraiser to benefit the Republican National Committee.  As of Friday morning, White House officials have not released any other details about the trip including the owner of the home. 

Commuters could see brief closures along any of the following roadways including the Roosevelt Boulevard, Ulmerton Road, 49th Street, 28th Street, Park Boulevard, Gandy Boulevard, US-19, and I-275. 

Early reports indicate that President is planning to make only the one stop to Pinellas Park before heading to Miami. 

At this time, bridge traffic does not appear to be affected by the Presidential visit.  However, with the possibility of closures along some of the aerterial roadways, it may be wise to leave a few extra minutes if you are traveling through this region in general today.

Finally, that message will be especially important for anyone catching a flight at St. Pete/Clearwater International, as delays are pretty much guaranteed when the president arrives and departs Pinellas County. 

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Susan R. Chrzan, Communications Manager for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority, forwarded me some great news about the Crosstown Expressway:

The Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority Reversible Express Lanes (REL) project has received the IBTTA International President’s Award for the most creative, innovative and positive Toll Project in 2007.

The REL project has already been recognized in the United States as one of the most innovative solutions for solving urban traffic congestion.  However, the most impressive – and important – recognition has come from our customers who are using the REL at a record pace.

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Hey Bulls fans… just wanted to pass along a message from Tom Beury, Police Special Events Coordinator with the Tampa Police Department, regarding parking for the USF games at Ray Jay:

The USF Football programs national success along with sold out attendance has brought new fans to Raymond James that are unfamiliar with the stadium traffic flow and parking locations.

As a fan, with a reserved or general parking, you should plan on arriving and being parked 1 ½ hrs before kick off.  Arriving later, plan on traffic congestion, delays and your favorite parking lot being full.

To avoid the traffic delays on MLK Blvd from the southbound I-275 exit, fans should continue south on I-275 and use the Himes , Dale Mabry and Lois exits.  Upon exiting the interstate turn right and follow the message boards to available open parking lots.

Lot 14 on the south east corner of Himes and MLK Blvd (know as the student parking area) filled and was closed at the last game.  We are expecting the same for future sold out games.  Alternate parking lots from south and northbound Dale Mabry, westbound on MLK Blvd and northbound on Himes and Lois are HCC, lots 11, 12 and 13 on the west side of stadium.

We encourage fans to plan on using the Himes, Dale Mabry and Lois interstate exits and parking using the west stadium parking lots. 

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Early this morning, a pedestrian died in a fatal crash along Elgin Boulevard and Elwood Road in Spring Hill, Hernando County.  Florida Highway Patrol remain on the scene as of 8:00am sorting out the details of this wreck.

In the meantime, the intersection remains closed to drivers.  Local detours are in effect.

For Eastbound Elgin Boulevard drivers: make a RIGHT onto Harbinger Road, LEFT onto Blythville Road, LEFT onto Hanford Avenue, RIGHT back onto Elgin Boulevard.  Westbound drivers should reverse those directions.

For commuters trying to go South on Elwood Road: make a LEFT onto Topaz Street, RIGHT onto Orton Avenue, then LEFT back onto Elgin Blvd.

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Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages six to 33.  And now officials in Pinellas County have gathered to kick off a safety campaign to put the brakes on this deadly trend. 

October 10th is nationally known as “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”.  Here in the Bay area, one of the most deadly highways is US-19.  Between 2004 and 2006, there was an average of 3,555 injury crashes per year on US 19 from Pinellas County through Citrus County.  One-third of these injury crashes were related to aggressive driving.

In light of these numbers, today the Florida Department of Transportation launched “See the Lights, Save a Life.” – a program aimed at reinforcing good driving practices.  Law enforcement agencies will conduct intensified special enforcement details all along the US 19 corridor during this three-month campaign.

This safety campaign will correspond with an upcoming construction project to add street lighting on US 19 in Hernando County, but the safety push will extend up and down the the entire 95-mile US 19 corridor.

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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens.  Last year in the Bay area, 89% of the 15-19 year olds who died were not wearing their seat belt. 

Last week, I talked with Laura Marchetti.  In March 2006, Laura’s daughter, Katie, died in a car accident along I-75.

LM: “I never thought it could happen to us.  I used to watch the news and think, oh my gosh, those poor people. But that can’t happen to us. But i am living it.”

Laura continues to share her daughter’s story, hopeful her message will spare other families her grief. 

LM: “It was a Friday night, she reclined her seat back, her boyfriend had on his seatbelt, and she took it off.”

Katie’s boyfriend survived.  Katie did not.  Officials say her seatbelt probably would have saved her life.

LM: “They dont think it is going to happen to them.  And they get caught up in the moment and it is not something they think through.”

Laura has been lobbying the legislature to toughen seat belt laws.  But she also calls on all teen drivers to take responsibility.

LM: “Take care of each other.... kids talking to kids is where it is most powerful.”

And that is the message of this November’s Battle of the Belts competition… a student led campaign encouraging Hillsborough County teens to increase seat belt use among their peers.  The Battle of the Belts program was initiated to increase safety belt use among our teens.  Last year three high schools in Hillsborough County participated in the program and this year, all high schools in the County are encouraged to participate.  The event is scheduled for the week of November 12.

Susan Joel chairs the Hillsborough County Community Traffic Safety Team who organized the effort. 

SJ: “We are going to do a survey counting how many of them are wearing them before the week of November 12th and after to see what the results are, how well their campaign worked.”

Laura encourages every student to take this campaign to heart.

LM: “You don’t know how hard it is on the family and how it changes forever and you have to take responsibility for yourself.”

The Battle of the Belts will also award schools based on five categories of success: 1) highest seat belt use, 2) most improved, 3) best campaign, 4) best public service announcement, and 5) best individual poster.  Organizers of Battle of the Belts hope to raise $10,000 for the cash awards… But they need your help!

Battle of the Belts is requesting tax deductible donations from local businesses, parents, and anyone interested in supporting this life-saving effort.  Supporters will receive recognition at each of the awards ceremonies.  Checks can be made payable to MORE HEALTH, Inc. - Battle of the Belts, (a 501(c) 3 organization).  Please send donations by October 12th and mail to:

Susan Joel
CTST Chair
4350 West Cypress Street, Suite 340
Tampa, Florida 33607

For more information on the program, you can contact Susan at or (813) 831-8870.

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Alicia Roberts, Jeff Garcia, Stacie Schaible

Hey everyone, just thought I would post this picture.  You know how much we love the Buc’s here at Channel 8.  Recently, Stacie Schaible and I attended NBC’s Fall Premier Week Lunch.  Buc’s Quarterback Jeff Garcia was the guest of honor.  How fun! 

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Traffic is being detoured along Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico, Hillsborough County.  Shortly after 3:00am, a vehicle collided with a TECO pole at the intersection of New River Hills Parkway.  The accident brought down several power lines. 

TECO crews are now on the scene making repairs.  They are not expected to wrap up their work until after the morning rush. 

In the meantime, expect delays in the region.  Drivers should plan for alternate routes including Northbound Bell Shoals Road to Bloomindale Avenue.

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In this morning’s Traffic Talk, we take a look at a tragic statistic… work zone fatalities.  With the enormous growth seen in the West Central region, roads are being reconstructed to meet capacity… but these work zones are quickly becoming a deadly danger.

I recently talked with Florida Highway Patrol’s Trooper Larry Coggins about this startling trend.

LC: “When motorists who come through the area know day in a day out where the slow down is, where the cones are, where the barricades… they don’t heed the warnings of the signs.”

And that complacency could be a dangerous mistake.

In March 2006, Road Ranger Donald Bradshaw died when he was hit while setting up flares on I-275.

In February, an electrical worker was struck and killed while taking measurements near I-75 and Fowler Avenue.

And just yesterday, two people were killed in a fatal crash along I-75 in Sarasota County as construction crews were set-up for ongoing work past Bee Ridge Road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida leads the nation in work zone fatalities with 162 recorded in 2005. 

LC: “As we continue to grow, the roadways are going to continue to grow themselves and we are going to continue to see the cones, and the barricades and the machinery and the lights and all the workers out there … motorists need to remember that they do their part to help us improve the roadways for them… slow down in construction zones, pay attention to what is going on and together we can all get to where we are going safely.”

Currently, the investigation continues into yesterday’s multi-vehicle fatal crash in Sarasota, specifically to determine if there was proper signs posted warning drivers of the active construction zone.

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How Safe is America’s Roadway System?
The U.S. roadway system’s positive trends have leveled off at a 2005 fatality rate of approximately 1.46 deaths per 100 million miles of travel (down from 5.50 fatalities in 1966). However, that’s still not good enough. In 2005, nearly 2.7 million people were injured and 43,443 people died on our nation’s roads.

How Significant is the Work Zone Safety Problem?
With nearly a 40% increase in work zone fatalities between 1997 and 2005, work zone safety is a growing roadway safety concern. In 2005, there were 1,074 work zone fatalities; this figure represents 2.5% of all roadway fatalities for the year. Over four out of every five-work zone fatalities were motorists.

In all, in 2004, there were an estimated 115,000 (1.3% increase from 2003) work zone crashes and an estimated 49,620 (a 2.1% increase from 2003) people were injured in work zone crashes (1.8% of all roadway injuries).

10 Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones
• EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! (Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.)
• SLOW DOWN! (Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.)
• DON’T TAILGATE! KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE CAR AHEAD OF YOU. (The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision. So, don’t tailgate.)
• KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT.
• PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS! (The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.)
• OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS! (The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.)
• STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS!(Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
• KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW. (Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don’t drive right up to the lane closure and then try barge in.)
• SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE SAFELY AND CHECK RADIO, TV AND WEBSITES FOR TRAFFIC INFORMATION. (Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. Check the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse - http://wzsafety.tamu.edu - for information on work zone delays throughout the country.)
• BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM. (Work zones aren’t there to personally inconvenience you. Remember, the work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.)

Source – Federal Highway Administration

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