Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/121369
Sarasota News Leader April 12, 2013 Page 91 Siesta Seen Barbetta said he felt the 40 mph speed limit was too high on the segment of Midnight Pass Road under consideration, but he needed more assurances about how the golf cart situation would be handled. Wiggins concurred with the latter part of the remark, noting more drivers would be breaking the law. "More tickets," Barbetta said. "They'll give 'em tickets," Wiggins added, reBesides, Barbetta said, if the speed limit goes ferring to deputies. down to 35 mph, "[Drivers are] going to go 44." "Ultimately, that will lower the speed they're going," Patterson said with a chuckle. "This particular segment of Midnight Pass is straight as string," Patterson said, "and it's THE STATUTE actually not as dangerous as some of the further-south areas that are twisty and turny and After listening to the County Commission discussion, I contacted FDOT about the state fairly narrow." statute regarding golf cart use on roads. Hines suggested the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office be asked to weigh in on the matter be- Robin Stublen, communications specialist with the department, directed me to the statfore the board takes it up again. ute. The very first part reads as follows: When Robinson asked whether the Sheriff's Office representative on the TAC voted in fa- "A golf cart may be operated only upon a counvor of the request, the response was that he ty road that has been designated by a county, or a municipal street that has been designated did. by a municipality, for use by golf carts. Prior Barbetta made the motion to continue the dis- to making such a designation, the responsible cussion to the commission's morning session local governmental entity must first determine on Wednesday, May 8, adding a request that that golf carts may safely travel on or cross Wiggins check with the Florida Department the public road or street, considering factors of Transportation beforehand about the state including the speed, volume, and character of statute regarding golf cart usage on roads. motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be Patterson also asked that the county's engisafely operated on a designated road or street, neers as well as the Sheriff's Office weigh in. the responsible governmental entity shall post Referencing Barbetta's earlier comment, she appropriate signs to indicate that such operaadded that if most vehicles already are traveltion is allowed." ing at 49 mph when the speed limit is 40 mph, lowering the limit to 35 is going to pose more It will be up to the County Commission, then, to make those determinations. enforcement issues.