BRADENTON BEACH – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has responded to a Sandpiper Resort Co-Op resident’s requests for the replacement of the lighted and audio-equipped crosswalk signal that had been out of order for nearly two years. On Tuesday, May 27, a new crossing signal was installed.
Audio crosswalk signals help those who are blind or visually impaired cross the street in a safer manner. For Bob Gumson, who is blind, crossing Gulf Drive near his mobile home at the Sandpiper Resort became a more hazardous endeavor in the absence of the audio crosswalk signal that was damaged by the 2024 hurricanes.
At some point after the 2024 hurricanes, the non-working crossing signal and its support pole were knocked down by a construction vehicle, which created an additional tripping and injury hazard. Gulf Drive is a state road that is maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The new lighted and audio-equipped crosswalk signal stands at the corner of 27th Street North and Gulf Drive North.
“I appreciate all the efforts taken to install the new audio signal at 27th Street,” Gumson wrote in a May 27 email to The Sun. “It will be extremely helpful to our Sandpiper residents and neighbors and all visitors to the Island. It pays to bring your issues directly to speak to power. That’s how advocacy gets done.”
Gumson discussed the damaged, fallen and missing crossing signal with the mayor and city commission on May 21.
“I live at Sandpiper and there are 166 others who live there. It is the largest senior housing in Bradenton Beach. Since the devastating hurricanes in 2024, it (the signal) hasn’t been operating,” he told the commission.
Gumson noted that eight years ago, then-city commissioner Jake Spooner helped get the audio crossing signal installed.
“It was incredibly helpful to get across the street,” he said. “I tried all last season and this season to get the attention needed to put it back in operation. I contacted the mayor’s office, I contacted FDOT and it’s still not working; and I’m still crossing the street at great risk of getting killed, along with everybody else that is a senior in Sandpaper. It’s essential to get that light back working for everybody.”
Gumson’s friend and neighbor, Mark Shaw, accompanied him to the May 21 meeting and he also addressed the mayor and commissioners.
“We know it’s not Bradenton Beach (jurisdiction), but we need your help,” Shaw said.
In response, Mayor John Chappie said he and Police Chief/Public Works Director John Cosby previously discussed the crossing signal and phone calls were made two weeks prior to the May 21 meeting.
“I received an email from a gentleman from FDOT. He let me know he finally got a response, and it is on their list. We need to get this done,” Chappie said.
Less than a week later, the new crosswalk signal was installed.
