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Port St. Joe seeks DOT support to block left turns where Eastern Shipbuilding traffic creates safety concerns
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to work with the Florida Department of Transportation on options, including a raised median, to prevent left turns from an industrial entrance used by Eastern Shipbuilding, citing a daily traffic surge and public safety risks.
The Port St. Joe City Commission voted to direct staff to work with the Florida Department of Transportation on measures to prevent left turns at an industrial entrance used by Eastern Shipbuilding, after commissioners described repeated morning traffic conflicts and a risk of serious crashes.
Commissioner S3 outlined observations that the industrial entrance carries roughly 600 employees and creates a traffic "fiasco" near the private road in the morning. S3 said DOT provided multiple design options, including a raised median to eliminate left turns, and moved that staff prepare a resolution and bring DOT plans back to the commission for selection.
The commission seconded the motion and asked staff to begin the resolution and planning process. Commissioners said the action is intended to reduce crash risk and to encourage Eastern Shipbuilding and the county to move toward design changes that route trucks and employees off problematic left-turn movements.
Why it matters: The change would physically prevent a left turn at a high-traffic industrial entrance and requires DOT approval and likely right-of-way work. Commissioners said the measure would protect local residents and traffic patterns while Eastern Shipbuilding expands operations.
Next steps: Staff will work with DOT on plan options, prepare a draft resolution and return recommended plans and potential costs to the commission for a future vote.
