Committee members and citizens told the Road Safety Task Force on July 24 that a traffic signal is needed at the intersection of Highway 17 and Palmetto Bluff Road, a location that has seen crashes and driver complaints for years. Task Force members said a traffic study completed about two years ago found traffic volumes below the state threshold for a signal, but they urged the county to request an updated study and to press FDOT to consider signalization as nearby development and a planned interstate could increase volumes.

Task Force member Mr. Leary recounted that a 2013 school board request had previously sought a signal at the intersection and that a more recent traffic study did not show sufficient counts; he asked whether FDOT could re‑evaluate counts because the planned interstate and local development may change traffic patterns. Mr. Leary also noted that Palmetto Bluff Road has a drainage project followed by resurfacing and suggested raising the signal request while DOT updates project scopes.

A county official present confirmed that the drainage project (county work funded through a state appropriation) will precede resurfacing and that Palmetto Bluff Road is scheduled for a resurfacing contract; Task Force members said they will continue to press DOT and the county on design considerations such as turn lanes and potential signal placement.

No formal action was taken at the meeting to require FDOT to install a signal; members recommended that the task force include the signal request on the consolidated priorities list that county staff will draft and present to the Board of County Commissioners and the legislative delegation.

Task Force members also suggested using the resurfacing and drainage projects as leverage to obtain smaller, shorter‑term design changes (for example, turn lanes, passing zones or shoulder adjustments) without waiting for full corridor reconstruction.