Search
Close this search box.

Seven ‘pedestrian-activated crosswalk beacons’ coming to Okaloosa Island

On Tuesday morning, Okaloosa Public Works Director Jason Autrey presented the plan for adding “solar powered pedestrian crosswalk systems” to enhance safety at seven beach park access crossings on Santa […]

On Tuesday morning, Okaloosa Public Works Director Jason Autrey presented the plan for adding “solar powered pedestrian crosswalk systems” to enhance safety at seven beach park access crossings on Santa Rosa Boulevard.

  • The cost to make this happen is $275,000

Previously, crosswalk improvements did take place before the 2020 tourist season. However, the 2021 tourist season traffic has “underscored the need to enhance safety at the beach park access crossings,” according to Autrey. 

“We’ve had a substantial number of complaints from citizens because the pedestrians are trying to use the crosswalks and they say that drivers just don’t pay attention to them,” said Autrey on Tuesday morning. “The hope is that this will improve driver awareness to when somebody is entering into the crosswalk, which in the State of Florida, by law, you are to stop when the pedestrian enters into the crosswalk.”

The proposed solar-powered pedestrian-activated crosswalk systems are said to heighten driver awareness by providing a real-time warning when pedestrians are in or about to enter a crosswalk. 

  • It will also be easier to relocate these signs than wired systems and can be reused for any upcoming Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements.

The funding for this project was originally set to come from Infrastructure Sur-Tax dollars (the half-cent sales tax passed in 2018.) However, after a comment from Commissioner Nathan Boyles, staff will first try to use Tourist Development dollars to fund the project with a promotional overlay, or alternately find some combination of dollars blending the Sur-Tax money.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Hello, how can I transfer my membership from a lodge in a different state?”
Respond
“Elks (BPOE) Fort Walton Lodge No. 1795 is an amazing lodge with great members. You will be hard pressed to find a more inviting atmosphere and the view from our...”
Respond
“How about roping off the swimming/beach area. Prevention is key. May not look aesthetic but will help save lives. Also job of lifeguards to direct people, be aware of tide...”
Respond
“Would you be interested in glass art items to sell? My name is Rosanne Painter and I do glass art items to sell. Anything from small pocket hearts, picture frames,...”
Respond
“Horrible idea and very short sighted. You will not only destroy the neighborhoods just north of 98 at the proposed location but will destroy natural(restored) habitat for endangered species. Expand...”
Respond
“thank you so much to you for your loving work taking care of our creator God's animals and thank you to FPL. I am just grateful for being able to...”
Respond
“Hi Jason, I really hope you are right. There are two boats half sunk in the bayou now. It took over a year to get the sunken shrimp boat removed....”
Respond
“FPL needs to work on lowering rates not publicity stunts. If they think giving $25k away to this organization makes them look good, they need a new publicity team. Too...”
Respond
“Is there a link for the camera?? Would love to watch!”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.