Parents and school leaders press Martin County to add school-zone protections at Citrus Grove Elementary

Kelly Roboto, a parent and safety advocate, opened public comment at a joint Martin County session urging officials to prioritize traffic safety around Citrus Grove Elementary.

"The Martin County is growing rapidly. With population now exceeding a 165,000 residents, we are seeing more development, more vehicles, and increased congestion," Roboto said. She told the boards that in the past five years the county has recorded "more than 26,000 reported crashes" and that "in just the first 3 months of 2025 alone, there are already 12 traffic deaths," and called for visible school‑zone signage, flashing beacons, reduced speed enforcement and crossing protections.

School board members and county officials responded in the joint meeting. Dr. Brian Moriarty, vice chair of the Martin County School Board, said he has observed fast-moving traffic through the school area and that the school resource officer has used a vehicle with flashers to slow traffic. County Administrator Don Donaldson said the matter should be handled by the County Commission and that staff can request the county engineer and traffic engineer to prepare a presentation for commissioners.

Commissioner Blake Capps asked whether a formal motion would be required and whether county staff could put the item on an upcoming agenda; Donaldson said the county administrator could take the direction and schedule a presentation, with timing to be announced.

School board members asked for a comprehensive county review of school zones countywide and suggested interim steps — for example, temporary traffic direction or extra enforcement — while permanent engineering solutions proceed.

Next steps: county staff agreed to route the school‑zone safety request to the county engineer and traffic engineer for a presentation to the commission; the county administrator will notify stakeholders when the item is scheduled for commission consideration.