HUDSON, Fla. (WFLA) – After a popular Tampa Bay area band members was killed at a dangerous Hudson intersection, his friends and family are trying to prevent another tragedy.
Rob Cartwright was killed at U.S. 19 and Beach Boulevard Sunday evening.
His friend, Kelly Quinnell, said enough is enough. “How many more fatalities do we need in this area?” Quinnell asked.
She started a petition for a traffic light at the intersection. “I’ve been wanting to do it for years because I live close by and been seeing how many accidents have been happening here,” Quinnell said.
She said the issue is illegal U-turns. “It just ludicrous. I just don’t get it. I mean, I can see if there’s just one sign and one car doesn’t see it, but there’s literally three no U-turn signs before they even get there to warn you, ‘Don’t do it,’” she said.
The Florida Department of Transportation previously concluded, after several studies, Beach Boulevard doesn’t warrant a light. Officials said there’s not enough traffic at that intersection.
Officials also said adding another light, when there’s already two nearby, would cause more congestion.
Jack Lamanna said he personally contacted the department to dispute those findings. “We need a safe way to get out,” Lamanna said.
“There were like 80 U-turns, but the contingent for this was like 140 turns an hour. Everybody in this development has had a close call,” he said.
Residents said a lot of the congestion comes from the Walmart. Pasco County officials are looking to see if modifications can be done to Beacon Woods Drive.
Law enforcement officials have also increased patrols at the intersection.
Funeral arrangements for Cartwright are pending, but Snappers Grill & Comedy Club in Palm Harbor has organized a benefit show on Saturday, Dec. 3. Doors will open at 1 p.m.
