I’ve written about the inability to get around in – and out of – certain areas of South Shore many times. Whether it’s trying to find a way to beat the rush-hour traffic or the shortage of east-west and north-south routes available in case of an evacuation, whenever I talk about these issues in a column, I get a good response.
This shows that others are thinking about these matters, too, and that I’m far from the only one who can see the problems with our area’s crowded roads and streets.
Recently, The Tampa Tribune showed graphic simulations of what would happen to Tampa if a hurricane the size of Katrina hit anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.
Channel 8 news has also shown graphic images of larger portions of the Bay area, including St. Petersburg, South Tampa and South Shore, that would literally disappear underwater in such a scenario. One of the areas included in the most recent simulation of shoreline disappearance included all of Apollo Beach west of U.S. 41.
That report again drove my thinking back to which of South Shore’s roads and streets are available for quick evacuation.
With only three roads leading out of Apollo Beach, it’s easy to imagine traffic backing up clear west to the bay. Fortunately, the population of Apollo Beach is still under 10,000 – quite small when compared to other areas in South Shore.
I’m not writing this column with the intent of scaring anyone, especially about things that are out of our range of control. But some things are still within our sphere of control and using them could help us remain safe.
Making possible more entrance and exit points in every community is one way we can add to our safety in emergencies, and lessen day-to-day traffic problems, as well.
There are several places in Sun City Center that are intentionally “closed” to keep “outsiders” from roaming free. The argument is that more people cause litter, wear and tear on the streets and crime.
Two places in Sun City Center that come quickly to mind are St. Andrews Estates and the many new communities on the south end of Sun City Center built along Pebble Beach Boulevard.
St. Andrews Estates is built like a huge cul-de-sac, and I’m not sure there’s much anyone can do about adding back entrances, although if enough homeowners approached their association with suggestions there’s always a possibility something could be worked out.
Pebble Beach (in the Renaissance area of Sun City Center) is another matter. This situation can be easily remedied ... if residents choose to do so.
Pebble Beach Boulevard has been extended to U.S. 301 and is being used as a construction entrance for workers building the new areas southeast of the Renaissance community. Some county maps show it eventually being an open road onto U.S. 301, and that connection has been a matter of contention with some residents.
Sun City Center resident Jim Johnson recently wrote a letter to The Sun saying he thinks there may be a way to appease people on both sides of the Pebble Beach Boulevard controversy.
“I would like to see South Pebble Beach (Boulevard) opened to through-traffic from (U.S.) 301. I can also see a need for an evacuation route from this area. But we could use a gate at the 301 entrance that would be opened only by the sheriff’s office in case of an evacuation order. This could make both sides of the argument happy.”
Jim’s idea seems to make good sense. Other ideas are also welcome and views on all sides will be considered for publication.
u Please send your ideas and suggestions for columns regarding South Shore’s roads, streets and traffic to 3032 College Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570 or e-mail them to with “Road Raves” in the subject line.

Penny Fletcher is the editor of The Sun.