Almost two years ago I sat and watched pedestrians struggle to cross Aloma Avenue between Forsyth and Goldenrod. I reached out to my newly elected commissioner, Emily Bonilla, to find the solution to this issue. Along with her staff, they were able to put me in contact with the Florida Department of Transportation which began looking into it. Sadly, a few months ago a woman with disabilities was killed while trying to cross here. Today, however, with little fanfare (ok none), these flashing beacons were installed.  

“We’re considering flashing pedestrian signs, and also looking at off-duty sheriffs to conduct traffic,” said Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, who added that she got calls from frustrated parents that improvements were taking too long. Her district covers UCF’s campus. She said her office receives $50,000 yearly for public works projects, part of which she hopes to invest in the vicinity of UCF’s campus. “I’m trying my best to make it safe as safe as possible, as soon as possible,” Bonilla said. Safety improvements that are expected to be built as part of the county’s larger project include: installing midblock crosswalks; adding barricades; widening sidewalks; and adding more lighting in the area.