PINE HILLS, Fla. – A new study is putting numbers behind what many in Pine Hills have said for years: the roads can be dangerous.
Hundreds of crashes — including dozens involving pedestrians — are highlighted in a new Orange County report.
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Tonight, two community meetings are giving neighbors a chance to share concerns and push for safety improvements, especially along Silver Star Road and Hiawassee Road.
“There have been hundreds of crashes right here at this intersection — Silver Star Road and Hiawassee Road — according to a new study on bicyclist and pedestrian safety," said Orange County District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott
“We’ve had some pedestrian challenges, where folks have had near misses and car accidents,” said Julien Serrano-O’Neil of the Pine Hills Community Council. “So this is about making it a more pedestrian-friendly environment, but also a safer environment.”
Several neighbors at the Multicultural Center in Pine Hills shared ideas to improve their community.
“One of the topics residents talked about was safety — especially along Silver Star Road, where there were eight pedestrian crashes last year.”
“Pedestrian safety is important, and it’s vital — especially considering Evans High School is right there,” Serrano-O’Neil said.
“More lights. More traffic lights, where pedestrians can push a button to cross,” said Linda Chisholm, a Pine Hills resident.
“And then there’s Hiawassee Road. According to a pedestrian and bicycle safety study released last month by Orange County, this roadway has seen 37 pedestrian crashes from 2019 to 2024.
“And right here — where it meets Silver Star Road — the report says there have been 465 total crashes.”
“It’s one of our heavy traffic areas — even Darden — where there have been many accidents,” said Jacqueline Taylor, a Pine Hills resident. “To see improvements there for safety is definitely needed.”
Orange County said the study and community feedback will help shape what comes next for Hiawassee.
We reached out to FDOT about projects along Silver Star Road and will update you when we hear back.