WINTER PARK, Fla. – Two recommendations made by the Florida Department of Transportation could aid in slowing down drivers along a popular stretch of Orange Avenue.
The recommendations come after close to 30 crashes have taken place this year along parts of Orange Avenue that stretch from Clay Avenue to Highway 17/92, according to preliminary numbers from the state of Florida.
Just recently, a car flipped and crashed in the Orwin Manor residential neighborhood.
"They're just speeding every day and with no regard for everybody else and it's just really dangerous. People just need to slow down," said Leroy Samson, who drives on Orange Avenue regularly.
Samsun and his brother said they've both had their fair share of scares when driving in the area.
"Possibly could be one of my friends or even me, if I am in the passenger seat riding with my brother. You never know who it could be, so it's, just, we want something to be done now," Samsun said.
FDOT officials are working on that.
In April, they drafted two suggestions to Winter Park city commissioners on remedies to reduce speeds.
The first is to create a roundabout at Clay and Orange avenues.
The second option is to reduce the number of lanes.
That's not an ideal suggestion for Danielle Anderson, but it's better than nothing.
"I think that a stop light would be a better option, but at least it's something," said Anderson.
Clarissa Howard, with the city of Winter Park, said the neighborhood association at Orwin Manor was not in favor of the recommendations presented by FDOT in its April study.
"FDOT’s new corridor study will have alternative recommendations and once we receive the final report from FDOT, staff will review and then we will schedule a discussion with the City Commission. I do not have that date yet," said Howard.
Steve Olson with FDOT said the study is expected to be released to commissioners in early 2019.
Emails and phone calls were made to Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary and commissioners, to ask about their thoughts on the proposals.
Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel responded and said she is in favor of the roundabout.