Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/277189
In the meantime, she said, the signal timing adjustment should help. "We realize this [situation] is important to everybody all the way around," Hatchell told the News Leader. The department erected the "No Turn on Red" sign several weeks ago in response to com- plaints from pedestrians who reported feeling endangered in the crosswalk. Subsequently, residents on the island have complained about the resulting traffic jams on Stickney Point Road and its drawbridge, with traffic backed up to U.S. 41 on numerous occasions. "We've received so many phone calls and emails," Hatchell said. "I think once people find out we are fully aware that this has caused an impact and that was not the intent … that will put a lot of people's minds at ease." Contacted a short while later with the news of FDOT's action, Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson told the News Leader, "That's great. I'm glad to hear that," adding that the timing of the "No Turn on Red" sign's appearance "couldn't have been any worse," right at the height of sea- son. "I'm afraid that it's leaving tourists with a bad taste in their mouths. … It just made it impossible for tourists to enjoy being [on Siesta]. They're just spending a lot of time in their cars getting on and off the key." Even though the county commissioners had nothing to do with the sign going up, she pointed out, "We've fielded a lot of complaints." The Florida Department of Transportation is preparing to install a new sign to alleviate traffic back- ups resulting from the 'No Turn on Red' sign it put up several weeks ago. Photo by Rachel Hackney Sarasota News Leader March 14, 2014 Page 10