Drivers Speed Past Ocklawaha Stop Signs

Drivers are routinely ignoring stop signs and exceeding the 30 mph speed limit at the intersection of Southeast 115th Place Road and Guava Pass in Ocklawaha, according to a local resident.

Joel Hickman has lived on the corner for four years. He states that the hazardous driving behavior began a few months ago. Hickman says he worries about accidents whenever his children play in the front yard or when vehicles exit the driveway. “It’s pretty concerning because, you know, the more we started thinking about it, like there could be an accident there and then a vehicle would come into the house,” Hickman said.

Florida Highway Patrol officers responded to a crash at this intersection in April. A visual inspection of the area reveals that vegetation and other obstructions block sightlines for approaching drivers. This makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic until a vehicle is directly at the stop sign.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office received Hickman’s complaint last week. A deputy issued a written warning for speeding and failing to stop this week. Hickman and his family are hoping county officials will implement additional safety measures to protect the area.

Marion County’s road department has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding plans for extra safety features, such as flashing lights on the stop signs.