SANFORD, Fla. – On today’s Trooper Steve on Patrol, we took a drive through historic downtown Sanford, not just to enjoy the local shops, but to check out some construction concerns shared by small business owners.
Over the past few weeks, I received several messages from shop owners who were worried that ongoing construction projects might be impacting foot traffic and visibility for their businesses. So, we loaded up Results-1 and headed straight into downtown Sanford to see exactly what’s happening.
There’s no question about it, construction is very noticeable, especially along Second Street. Lane closures, cones and detours are all part of the current setup, and on this rainy morning, it was easy to see why some visitors might feel a little unsure navigating the area.
That said, the shop owners I spoke with prior understand the bigger picture. They know this construction is necessary and will ultimately improve safety, traffic flow and the overall downtown experience. Still, that doesn’t make the day-to-day disruptions any easier, especially for smaller businesses that rely heavily on visibility and walk-up traffic.
During our drive, we showed viewers what drivers and pedestrians can expect... including where detours are posted and how access to businesses is still very much available.
The good news? Downtown Sanford is open for business.
As long as visitors remain committed to supporting local shops, restaurants and venues, businesses are continuing to thrive despite the temporary challenges. It may take an extra turn or two to get there, but the doors are open, the lights are on, and the community is still welcoming visitors every day.
Construction can be inconvenient, but it’s also a sign of growth and once the dust settles, downtown Sanford is expected to be better connected and more accessible than ever.
If you have a traffic concern, construction question or neighborhood issue you’d like us to check out, you can always reach out. Trooper Steve on Patrol is here to take Results-1 out and bring you along for the ride.
For more community stories, ride-alongs and real conversations from the road, keep it right here with Trooper Steve on Patrol. And if you have an idea for a “On Patrol,” email me atAskTrooperSteve@wkmg.com.