Residents urge action on speeding near Old Beach Road park; police say they will follow up

Several Old Beach Road residents told the City Commission on March 3 that traffic speeds have risen near a neighborhood park, pickleball courts and new local destinations, and they asked the city for measures to improve safety.

Perry Clark, who identified his address as 616 Old Beach Road, told the commission: "We do have children on that street... we do have tons and tons of children at the park," and asked for guidance and help to slow traffic. Residents Ashley (last name not provided) and John Paccino also described vehicles using the street as a cut-through and said they had observed speeding and occasional reckless driving.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up and suggested the police department check recent calls for service and consider traffic-calming options, including targeted patrols and potential physical measures. The police chief said a supervisor had already visited the neighborhood and would follow up; in the meeting the chief characterized the matter as one his office had not received prior formal reports about but said officers would look into the concerns and provide an update.

Outcome: Staff and the police department agreed to follow up with residents, evaluate patrol coverage and report back to the commission. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with residents and provide an update at a future meeting.

Why it matters: Residents said young children and pets use the park and nearby dog park; commissioners said early outreach and enforcement are appropriate first steps before considering capital measures such as speed humps or tables.