ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Neighbors on a St. Petersburg street are worried about cars speeding through.
They now have some help after one resident reached out to Spectrum Bay News 9’s Traffic Expert Tim Wronka.
Daniel Marusarz says he’s had enough of the speeding on Mystic Lake Drive. He and other neighbors say there’s been an increase in cars speeding through to cut between 4th Street and 1st Street.
“I’ve been here 35 years. I’ve never seen the traffic or people ripping through here like they do now,” Marusarz said.
He’s tried taking action. He’s put out his own slow down sign in the middle of the street. He also started a petition to the city. He’s even tried speaking to some drivers he feels are going too fast, though he doesn’t always get the reaction he’s looking for.
“They’ll say, ‘Don’t have anything better to do with your time old man?’ It’s like no, actually I don’t. I’m trying to look out for the neighborhood and keep everyone safe. So if that’s wasting my time, I’m sorry it’s bothering you,” Marusarz said.
The City of St. Petersburg says they did several studies of the area but didn’t find enough data to add something like a stop sign or speed bump.
“I’m worried someone is probably going to get hit or hurt. And then it’s too late. When something like that happens, it’s too late,” Marusarz said.
However, after Spectrum Bay News 9 asked about Mystic Lake Drive, the city put a speed meter sign in the neighborhood near Marusarz’s home.
Marusarz says he is thankful that sign was added but he is hoping for a more permanent solution.
The city says they will continue to work with neighbors if the issue gets worse. St. Petersburg Police have also done some enforcement in the area to help.