It’s time for me to take a new road.

I’ve had a good run here at the South Tampa News, but an opportunity has come around the corner that I cannot ignore.

As of July 17, I’ll be leaving behind my South Tampa editor’s post – and with it, this traffic column – to tackle a new venture for Media General.

My task is to launch a stylish, weekly nightlife and culture publication for the under-35 set, and I’m excited about the creative possibilities. It’s a chance to turn my skills toward a new purpose, and discover what it takes to build a publication up from the ground.

I feel I’ve learned, and hopefully accomplished, many things through my study and discussion of traffic, while navigating city departments and planting seeds of change.

So many readers have written in with thoughts and observances, keeping me informed of South Tampa road conditions. Without each of you as eyes and ears, this street beat would have never gotten rolling.

Many had concerns I was not able to address before leaving. It’s hard for me to let these go, but they don’t have to remain as dead ends.

Unexplored issues will be passed on for my successor to research, and as that new editor prepares to take the wheel, community input remains vitally important.

Please, keep writing. The staff here needs to know about potholes, parking snarls and speeders on your streets.

It’s one small outlet to affect progress. Use it.

And remember to stay safe out there.

I’ll see you on the streets.