A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck our community—14-year-old, a beloved member of our neighborhood, was tragically killed while attempting to cross Palm Beach Blvd. This is not an isolated incident. Numerous others have fallen victim to vehicles on this hazardous road, leaving behind grieving families and a community desperate for change.

Palm Beach Blvd, right here in Fort Myers, FL, has become a perilous place for our pedestrians. The lack of sufficient warning signs, proper lighting, and effective crosswalk indicators makes it extremely dangerous, especially for our children who brave this road to get to school, to visit friends, to attend community events, and to simply enjoy their daily lives. Lives that should be full of promise and growth have instead been cut short by preventable accidents. 

Recent statistics highlight the severity of the problem. In the past five years, pedestrian fatalities have alarmingly increased in the United States, with over 6,000 deaths annually according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Fort Myers has been no exception, facing an uphill battle in ensuring pedestrian safety. Specifying Palm Beach Avenue as a priority area for improvements could potentially save lives and prevent future tragedies.

We urge the local government to take immediate, actionable steps to rectify this dire situation. The installation of additional warning lights, enhanced crosswalk signals, and the placement of physical barriers or traffic calming measures could drastically improve pedestrian safety and potentially eliminate future incidents.

By coming together as concerned residents, we can push for these essential changes. Our voices united can compel decision-makers to prioritize this critical issue and allocate the necessary resources to implement these safety measures.

Sign this petition to safeguard our community, protect our pedestrians, and honor the memory of those we've lost. Stand with us to make Palm Beach Avenue a safe place for everyone.