Released on 11-06-20 at 11:42 a.m.

Reminder: starts Monday, November 9th, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., 18th Avenue South between 22nd Street South and 34th Street South.

-Media interested in getting sound please contact PIO office, 727-893-7550, to arrange an interview with the Traffic Sgt. from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Background information

SPPD received a $53,764 contract to conduct High Visibility Enforcement operations focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety from November 9th, 2020, through May, 2021.

Year-to-date we have had seven pedestrian fatalities compared to 13 during the same time period in 2019, and two bicycle fatalities for both 2019 and 2020. Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Over the next several months, education and enforcement efforts will be conducted along the following roadways:

34th Street North and South
4th Street North
54th Avenue North
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street
18th Avenue South
16th Street South
3rd Street North
US 19/5th Avenue North
49th Street North and South
Gandy Blvd.

Working in partnership with the Institute for Police Technology and Management and The University of North Florida, this traffic safety initiative is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's, "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow" campaign. FDOT in cooperation with IPTM awarded the police department the contract to provide an increased police presence in high traffic areas to raise awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists.

Please remember:
Drivers- obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Bicyclists- obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.
Pedestrians- cross the street in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.