Innovation Way – East Orlando’s Longest Dead End Road

 According to Mark Massaro, Director of Orange County Public Works, the extension of Alafaya Trail will be completed in March 2008. However, negotiations to connect Alafaya Trail to the Beachline have been delayed for at least another 2 ½  to 3 years.

Linda Stewart, Orange County Commissioner for District 4, challenges Massaro’s report. She says that Orange County has spent $26 million to expand Alafaya Trail and we’re not going to have it go down the drain to a dead end. She concludes that soon after March or April of 2008, we will be able to drive down Alafaya to the Beachline. 

So who is right? Is there a contract on the interchange’s construction? I can’t seem to find any records of this on the county’s website.

Stop Light Misery in East Orlando

That’s just the way it is, is definitely not a good enough answer. I have heard many excuses to why driving can be such a nightmare. The blame gets laid on the college kids, the retirees and the foreigners. Well guess what, those demographics make up more than half of Orlando (by the way, 79% of all statistics are made up on the spot)! Instead of laying the blame, how about we start taking some action to make our roads safer? 

I am not a goody two-shoes by any means, but some laws are really made with our safety in mind. Making a complete stop at a red light is one of those laws. Yes, we are all in a hurry during rush hour, but causing accidents by running red lights is not going to get you, nor anyone else stuck in traffic, to work faster. 

I do have other unlawful driving pet peeves such as using a handheld mobile/texting while driving, crossing the solid white lines, speeding in construction and school zones, and passing on the right. I see these rules broken on a daily basis. But we have to start somewhere in making our roads safer and I am putting my focus and energy on our red light problem. 

Red light camera enforcement is a proven way to help combat the dangers red light runners impose on our safety.  

ü  Please click on the following link to learn the FAQs of red light camera enforcement and to read Melissa Wandall’s story in how the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act originated.

http://www.floridastopsonred.org/ 

ü  Please click on the following link to sign a petition that will be presented to the State Legislature this year.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/redlight/

ü  Please take 5 minutes of your time and email your Representative. Let him or her know just how important this issue is to us! I live in District 33 and our State Representative is Rep. Sandy Adams. Here is a link to her homepage/email.

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/Rep. Sandra Adams  

VOICE YOUR SUPPORT       CHANGE IS NEEDED