That was the best answer we could get from the Florida Department of Transportation when we asked about the lights atop the Matanzas Pass Bridge. The bridge remains pitch black at night and dangerous for walkers and bikers when the sun goes down.
FDOT Public Information Specialist David Scarpelli told Beach Talk Radio Monday that “At this time, the permanent lighting across Matanzas Pass Bridge is anticipated to be operational in Fall 2025.”
Regarding whether bikers have to continue to walk their bikes on the shared path as they did before that section was expanded, Scarpelli said, “The sidewalk along Matanzas Pass was widened to a shared-use path, meaning that it is intended to be used by both pedestrians and bicyclists, with bicyclists having to yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists have the option to either ride their bike along the shared-use path or within the northbound lane. The project team plans to collaborate to remedy the conflicting signage that states “Walk Your Bike.”
Phil had a good idea. Call one of the local news stations (WINK?) and have them do an expose, at night, on the bridge, with no additional lighting. I bet the wheels would mysteriously start turning rapidly.
Again, I’m no expert.
Why not install ground level lighting that illuminates the street.
Many bridges in the area have such lighting. Seems a viable alternative to overhead lighting. Surely a 100k “study” could shed some light onto this issue. But first we must study the traffic light we already studied before we installed it.
They are probably waiting for turtle season to be over so they don’t get yelled at.
Where’s the Mayor and the rest of the council? Why aren’t they contacting the DOT, writing letters, contacting our state reps and holding a press conference at night on the bridge.
John and Karen have their hands full fighting a ridiculous recall elections that has no merit.
Scott is MIA.
There’s no ribbon to cut so career politician Jim won’t be there and then there’s the Mayor.
He’s probably too busy sitting on a bar stool with a microphone or going to a house party and jumping in the pool with his cloths on. The life of the party and another intelligence quote this week, “I wish I would have known”, referencing the budget shortfalls. You’re the Mayor – it is your job to know. Another famous quote, “I did it and I would do it again”, referencing his unilaterally decision to ignore the FEMA rules for one business that cost us the FEMA certification and now probation until the spring. The last thing was the letter to the school board about the island school and how they received money for a new school allegedly. So our budget guru mayor is writing the school board to tell them how to run their district while this towns is in arrears for over 9 million dollars.
How about fighting for the people and their public safety. You would do more good Mr. Mayor, if you took a bar stool and a lantern and sat on the bridge all night long.
UNBELIEVABLE and SAD.
Hello Phil,
There’s quite a bit to unpack in your comment. Some of what you’ve written shows a clear misunderstanding of the facts, and I’d encourage you to look a little deeper before drawing conclusions.
I’d be happy to sit down with you and compare notes on the many accomplishments and improvements our town has made over the last five years. That kind of discussion can be productive, far more than anonymous commentary from the sidelines.
In the meantime, I’ll stay focused on the work ahead. I appreciate your interest, and I truly do wish you the best.
How about Estero Blvd lights? The south end has so many light poles without a light fixture. This street light fiasco has been going on for over 10 years. The Town and county are inept at everything they touch.
Seriously shame on them. Daylight savings time ends Nov 2nd, and it will be dark even earlier. And are there more lights on Estero Blvd yet?