New pedestrian beacons aim to prevent deaths on Palm Beach Boulevard

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A project intended to help people along Palm Beach Boulevard is taking shape.

For Sara, riding her bike along Palm Beach Boulevard isn't a choice. It's her daily routine, but she says it comes with a constant risk.

"I do not feel safe most of the time, being that there is not enough openings and crossings for the pedestrians to cross," Sara said.

She points to the losses still felt in this community, such as the 14-year-old boy killed here last year.

"I personally have known about three or four people that have died trying to cross. Yeah, it's pretty dangerous," Sara said.

"I didn't personally know the child, but I mean, it's somebody's child, and it just… it hurt me," she said.

That pain and fear is why many are watching this project closely. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are designed for roads just like this, where traffic is fast and gaps are limited.

Federal data shows they can reduce pedestrian crashes by 55%. Martinez says he sees that danger play out every day, especially during rush hour.

"The speed… it's like ridiculous. They're not even looking at the speed limit. It is very dangerous if you go out the road," Martinez said.

"There's a bike posted on the side… got hit by a car. I think these things would slow the traffic down, and it will also save lives," he said.

The Florida Department of Transportation says these six locations were chosen based on where people are already crossing and where crashes have happened.

"It doesn't take much to take a life… just speeding," Martinez said.

Five of the six beacons are up, but they are not turned on yet. According to FDOT's website, construction here is expected to continue through fall 2026.