Urgent Call for Safety Improvements on West Cervantes Street
In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of an 8-month-old girl and a 28-year-old woman, community members in Pensacola are rallying for immediate safety improvements on West Cervantes Street. The online petition, initiated by local resident Christian Wagley, has gained significant traction and was recently endorsed by the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) during a meeting held on Wednesday.
The Tragedy That Sparked Action
The heartbreaking accident occurred when Nephateria Williams, 28, and her infant daughter, Neariaah Williams, were struck by a vehicle while crossing the poorly lit West Cervantes Street. The incident also left the baby’s mother, Quineka Baldwin, injured. As police continue their search for the driver of the white Dodge Challenger involved in the hit-and-run, community leaders and residents are calling for urgent changes to prevent further tragedies.
The Petition for Change
Wagley, who is also the owner of Sustainable Town Concepts, launched a petition on Change.org, advocating for swift safety enhancements on the street. The petition outlines several proposed changes, including:
- Reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph.
- Narrowing the lanes from 11 feet to either 10 or 10.5 feet.
- Increasing police enforcement of speeding violations.
- Adding designated crosswalks equipped with signals.
These measures aim to create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers alike, addressing the urgent need for action in the wake of the recent fatalities.
Unanimous Support from Local Officials
During the TPO meeting, local elected officials from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, as well as Baldwin County in Alabama, unanimously endorsed Wagley’s petition. This collective support underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing safety on West Cervantes Street. Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill emphasized the importance of police enforcement in reducing speeds, stating, "It shouldn’t take a baby dying in one of our streets for us to come to grips with that."
Ongoing Efforts for Safety Improvements
While the petition has garnered significant attention, plans for improving safety on West Cervantes Street have been in development for months. Local officials have been advocating for changes, but the planning process for state roads can often be lengthy. Escambia County Commission Chairman Jeff Bergosh expressed his disappointment that it took such a tragedy to galvanize action, stating, "It’s sad it took these deaths to get everyone pushing to get this done quickly, but we’re all engaged now."
Wagley plans to present the petition to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the city of Pensacola, and Escambia County. He believes that immediate actions, such as deploying police speed trailers, could significantly enhance safety in the short term.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
The community’s response to the petition has been overwhelmingly positive, with Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson noting that all local jurisdictions supported the initiative. He assured residents that efforts to implement safety improvements have been ongoing, with significant financial commitments from both the county and city.
Pensacola City Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn is also taking action by proposing additional short-term safety measures at the upcoming City Council meeting. While the city has allocated $1.5 million for the improvement project, progress remains hindered by state processes through FDOT.
Commitment to Safety
In a statement, Ian Satter, a spokesman for FDOT, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to safety, stating, "The department will continue to look at safety improvements along Cervantes Street in addition to the lighting project scheduled to start at the end of the month." However, Wagley insists that while lighting improvements are beneficial, they do not address the core issue of speeding. "Speed kills," he remarked, emphasizing the need for immediate measures to reduce vehicle speeds.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life on West Cervantes Street has ignited a passionate call for change within the Pensacola community. With the endorsement of local officials and the support of residents, the petition for safety improvements represents a collective effort to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again. As the community rallies together, the hope is that swift action will be taken to enhance safety for all who traverse this vital roadway.