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Council agrees to survey residents on lowering Gulf Boulevard speed limit to 30 mph
Summary
After reviewing county and FDOT speed and crash data, the council supported an electronic survey to test community support for reducing Gulf Boulevard from 35 to 30 mph and side streets from 25 to 20 mph; several council members emphasized safety for pedestrians and micro-mobility users.
Staff presented speed and crash data collected by Pinellas County and FDOT; council members discussed a range of options including a 30-mph Gulf Boulevard zone, lowering side streets to 20 mph, or pursuing a citywide 20-mph policy. Council member Mark Beam argued a 20-mph citywide limit "makes sense" given narrow streets, lack of sidewalks and the prevalence of golf carts and electric bikes; Vice Mayor Roberts favored 30 on Gulf Boulevard and 20 on side streets and urged enforcement.
The county’s technical review found varying results (including a single-day data set that could support different interpretations). Council members proposed a short, electronic resident survey (simple yes/no questions) asking whether residents favor changing Gulf Boulevard from 35 to 30 and side streets from 25 to 20. The manager and clerk agreed to prepare an online survey tool and return results at the next workshop so the council can make a formal decision.
Council also discussed targeted safety measures such as advanced crosswalk signals (estimated about $12,000 per crosswalk). Several members emphasized that slower speeds reduce injury severity and improve safety for children and people using small vehicles.
