FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — The question weighing heavily on the minds of drivers departing Fort Myers Beach is simple yet perplexing: who removed the stop sign that has now vanished, leaving behind confusion and a trail of backed-up traffic stretching for miles?
WATCH THE FULL COVERAGE BY FORT MYERS BEACH COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV HERE:
To Stop or Not to Stop? Drivers confused as stop sign vanishes on Fort Myers Beach
The missing stop sign, which disappeared around the close of summer, has left the local community speculating. Some residents theorize that a powerful hurricane may have taken it out, while others believe it was purposefully removed to ease the flow of traffic. Regardless of the reasoning behind its disappearance, drivers continue to halt at the solid stop line after enduring long delays.
Residents like Steven Thomas recount their struggles with travel, “I had my GPS on, and it indicated 1.5 miles. Yet, it took me 53 minutes to get through. It was truly frustrating.” These sentiments echo through the community as they grapple with the frustration of increased congestion.
The northbound bridge lanes leading off the island won’t reopen until the spring of 2025. That’s when the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) anticipates completing Phase One of the Matanzas Bridge Project. Without alternative routes available, the FDOT is appealing to residents to consider carpooling or planning their trips during off-peak hours. It’s a call for solidarity amidst the chaos.
Although the stop sign is gone, many locals point to the Crescent Street traffic light as a significant factor contributing to the traffic jams. “That traffic light has truly become an obstacle for smooth travel,” Thomas observes. He believes the light has hindered the natural flow towards the bridge, compounding the existing issues.
Earlier this year, the town briefly employed a traffic officer at the intersection of Crescent Street to alleviate some of the congestion, an approach reminiscent of strategies used nearby on Sanibel Island. Though this service was short-lived, residents are now advocating for its return, hoping for some relief from the gridlock.
As the Town of Fort Myers Beach works on maintaining Crescent Street, many are left pondering about the fate of the absent stop sign. Matt’s Beach Resort, known for its sun-soaked vistas, has felt the ripple effects of the traffic troubles, hosting weary travelers who come seeking peace but find only frustration. The community waits patiently for answers.
In a surprising twist, the town’s mayor once shared a little-known fact: the island’s unique geographical location plays a significant role in its traffic challenges. This small detail, though unexpected, hints at a broader understanding of the issues at hand. All that remains is to find out what will restore order to this charming coastal haven.
