It’s a scary location and those of us in Anna Maria city and the north side of Holmes Beach who pass through the intersection often should understand. With the City Center road closure on Marina Drive and the still ongoing work on Holmes Boulevard, all traffic (each car) must come to a stop at this intersection. Action to date by Holmes Beach authorities amounts to a fourth stop sign be- ing strapped to a telephone pole.
As drivers go through the intersection, the game of whose turn is it is interesting – while also frightening – to experience as unkind gestures and words are exchanged. Add pedestrians navigating the intersection on the single crosswalk across Gulf Drive. My wife and I have survived a near miss while I have witnessed more as drivers are now faced with five decisions.
In the morning, several delivery trucks stop on Holmes Boulevard servicing the many businesses in the area. Gridlock occurs, drivers are out of cars arguing with delivery truck operators, again exchanging gestures and salty language. One would think you were in Manhattan, not our island paradise.
It’s October, a “quieter” time on the island, less traffic and people. This situation will only get worse.
A few suggestions:
1. A cop to direct traffic during the busiest hours;
2. A temporary street light system intelligently programmed to reduce backups and flow traffic;
3. Transition the parallel parking on the west side of Holmes Boulevard by the Freckled Fin to a Deliveries Only space to assure two travels lanes remain open;
4. Add a much-needed crosswalk across Holmes Boulevard to Vinny’s Kitchen to connect the many shops on both sides of the street.
Happy Halloween and be safe.
David Barstow
Holmes Beach
