As a resident of the Winter Garden Vineland area, I find it deeply distressing to witness the heartbreaking sight of roadkill on my way home. Our community is nestled in a region abundant with wildlife, yet the lack of awareness about animal crossings on State Road 535 puts countless innocent lives at risk every day.

State Road 535/Winter Garden serves as a major route for both residents and tourists alike. It has rapidly grown with new additions such as luxury apartments and Evermore Resort. Despite its importance, this road runs through areas rich in biodiversity and natural habitats. Animals, unaware of the dangers, often attempt to cross the road, especially at night, leading to frequent accidents and tragic deaths. This not only affects the animals but also poses a significant safety risk for drivers.

Animal crossing signs are a simple yet effective measure to alert drivers to the presence of wildlife, encouraging them to reduce speed and proceed with caution. By installing these signs, we can drastically reduce the number of wildlife fatalities and enhance the safety of our roads.

In regions where animal crossing signs have been implemented, studies have shown a significant decrease in roadkill incidents. For instance, the Florida Department of Transportation previously reported a 25% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions in areas where such signs were installed.

Our local fauna is vital to the ecosystem, and it is our responsibility to ensure their protection. Many of our creatures are protected by Florida law, including goffee tortoises, that I have personally saved on many accounts on this exact road. I believe that taking immediate action and installing animal crossing signs along Winter Garden Vineland, we can contribute to conserving local wildlife and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

I urge the Florida Department of Transportation and the Orange County authorities to prioritize this initiative and take decisive steps to safeguard our precious wildlife. 

Please join me in this endeavor by signing this petition. Your support can make a significant difference in protecting our wildlife and enhancing road safety for everyone.