Public Safety Committee members raised several safety concerns on Oct. 21 about driver behavior at the new roundabout and the recently installed crosswalk at the base of the bridge.

Members reported drivers stopping in or near crosswalks when the through traffic signal is green, which can block traffic and create confusion. One member asked how the town would educate drivers approaching from the bridge to avoid stopping mid-road to yield pedestrians when the crosswalk control is not showing a walk indication. Town staff noted signage exists indicating drivers must yield to pedestrians "in the crosswalk" but acknowledged the wording can be read broadly and can lead to stopping even when the crosswalk signal does not indicate to walk.

The committee also discussed signal timing. A member said lights at the ends of the bridge appear to be turning red on a timer even when there is no side-street traffic, producing unexpected stops for drivers, particularly in early-morning hours. Staff said FDOT intends to synchronize lights but that synchronization may not be complete and suggested following up with FDOT to determine where vehicle-detection triggers (vehicle "trips") are located along approach lanes.

Members described driver confusion around red arrows at the roundabout approaches. "So far, every single person I've been behind takes that to be no turn on red," a member said; the committee asked whether arrows could be adjusted or converted to standard red lenses or blinking signals to clarify permissible turning movements.

Committee members also reported pedestrians crossing through medians rather than using the new crosswalks. Staff and members discussed potential landscape or barrier measures at medians to channel pedestrians to crosswalks; staff said landscaping work at the base of the bridge remains to be bid and that Margaritaville has agreed to maintain plantings once installed.

The committee discussed enforcement and messaging as interim steps, including sheriff visibility at the site and public education efforts. Town staff said they will pass the committee's concerns to FDOT and county partners and seek clarification about signal timing and detector placement.

No formal action was taken; staff will seek additional information and coordinate with FDOT, county staff and the sheriff's office.