Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/129431
Sarasota News Leader May 10, 2013 Page 57 it on the segment of Midnight Pass Road in question, Wiggins continued, the deputy said the Sheriff's Office had "no issues with lowspeed vehicles on this particular roadway if the speed limit is reduced to 35 mph." The Sheriff's Office would oppose the use of golf carts on that road, she added. WORRIES ABOUT SAFETY Patterson referenced data Wiggins presented last month, showing the average speed of vehicles on that part of Midnight Pass Road is 49 mph. "People are just as likely to pass a vehicle that can't go over 25 as they are a vehicle that can't go over 20," Patterson pointed out. Wiggins agreed: "There are folks that will probably pass." Commissioner Joe Barbetta brought up the concern about public confusion over where golf carts can travel on the island. A map shows the location of Capt. Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar on Siesta Key. Map courtesy Google Maps Wiggins responded that golf carts are not al- Appropriate signage would have to be erected, Wiggins told the board, to indicate where golf lowed on any portion of Midnight Pass Road. carts and low-speed vehicles could operate. "People think if golf carts are approved [for Barbetta also pointed out that if such vehicles the segment in question], people are going to tended to stay close to the edge of the road, go right down Midnight Pass Road and go to they could interfere with pedestrians and biCaptain Curt's [Crab & Oyster Bar] and any of cyclists. the condos along there," Barbetta said. "That is the possibility, that they can create a Captain Curt's is located near the intersection safety issue," Wiggins agreed. of Midnight Pass Road and Stickney Point "And if somebody passes, you run into an even Road. greater problem," Barbetta added. The County Commission would have to designate any streets for golf cart use, Wiggins When Commissioner Charles Hines asked whether the members of the Traffic Advisory replied. Council had had as in-depth a discussion of "We're going to run into a major problem on the request as the County Commission was Midnight Pass Road, I think," Barbetta said. having, Wiggins said they did not.