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Masonic Lodge leaders urge city to add safety measures after repeated crashes
Summary
Leaders of Zephyr Lodge No. 198 and nearby residents told the Zephyrhills City Council that high‑speed crashes have repeatedly damaged their building and property and urged physical barriers or a four‑way stop. City staff said a preliminary traffic study found no recommended changes but the final report is due tomorrow.
Leaders of Masonic Lodge Zephyr Lodge No. 198 and nearby residents pressed the Zephyrhills City Council on March 10 to take stronger safety measures after a string of crashes that have damaged the lodge and endangered people on the sidewalk.
The lodge’s representative, Rod Neil, told the council the building has been struck three times in recent years and that the latest crash damaged the sign, porch and door. “We would really ask that you take strong consideration of some type of barriers. Four‑way stop would be great,” Neil said during the meeting’s citizens’ comments.
The council heard similar concerns from former Mayor Cliff McDuffie, who said the curve approaching the intersection and limited sight lines make the crossing dangerous for lodge members and other residents. “It is a dangerous intersection,” McDuffie said, adding that older residents who meet at the lodge have difficulty navigating the intersection.
City staff told the council the traffic analysis conducted to date did not recommend changes. The city manager said, “The traffic study… recommended no corrections at this time. This is the preliminary report. We expect the final report to be in tomorrow.” Staff and the lodge representatives discussed possible countermeasures mentioned in the preliminary work, including flashing signs or advance stop warnings.
Panelists and the lodge representatives discussed options that would require additional property or easements. City staff noted that a guardrail or other physical barrier would likely require additional right‑of‑way or an easement because the existing travel lane and shoulder are too narrow to meet clearance requirements.
Council members asked staff to review the final traffic study and return with recommended next steps if the report supports them. Neil and other lodge representatives said they will return to the council if more discussion is needed.
The meeting record shows the lodge reported an insurance estimate of $3,500 for property damage cited in the draft traffic study; lodge leaders said that figure understates replacement costs. The council did not take formal action on the item and directed staff to report back when the final traffic study is available.
