Board approves three speed humps on Shenandoah Street after residents report safety concerns

Polk County commissioners on March 4 adopted a resolution to install three speed humps on Shenandoah Street in Lakeland after staff said the roadway met the county's traffic-calming criteria.

Traffic manager Amy Gregory told the board Shenandoah is a 20-foot-wide local residential road with a posted speed limit of 25 mph; collected speed and volume data showed the 85th percentile speed at 33 mph and average daily traffic of 511 vehicles, meeting the county's criteria for speed and volume. Ballots sent to homeowners with property fronting Shenandoah returned the 80% favorable response required under county policy. Staff recommended installing three speed humps; the board approved the resolution by voice vote.

Two residents spoke in favor of the speed humps during the public hearing. Carol Brown said she has lived on Shenandoah Street for nine years and described traffic as "ridiculous and scary," adding she sees school buses and that a child in her household walks to George Jenkins High School daily. Sonia Fernandez said traffic worsened after changes on Lakeland Highlands Road diverted traffic through Shenandoah; she said there are no sidewalks and parents worry about children walking to school.

Following public comment and a staff presentation, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution and the board approved the measure by voice vote. Staff said they posted on-site notices, set the hearing date by consent and would proceed with installation following the board's resolution.