TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Green light given for Wal-Mart golf cart path

ADVERTISEMENT

By Sherri Lonon | Sunbelt Newspapers

Published: November 4, 2009

After three years of having no truly safe way to cross U.S. 301 in golf carts to get to Wal-Mart, Sun City Center area residents have help on the way.

The Hillsborough County Commission voted 6-0 Nov. 4 to approve a $250,000 path that will connect East Del Webb Boulevard to the signalized intersection of Cape Stone Avenue and U.S. 301. The money for the project is already available in the public works department's budget, said Bob Gordon, director.

To move forward with the path, the county would need to acquire some right of way, Gordon said. Preliminary talks with the owner, however, are already under way.

"(It will take) a couple of months to build after acquisition," Gordon said.

Although the vote was unanimous, with Commissioner Kevin White not present, some concerns were raised.

"I haven't heard anybody say on the record there are no safety issues," said Commissioner Rose Ferlita. She wanted a report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office before the vote proceeded. The sheriff's office did respond, saying it was concerned about the speed of vehicles on U.S. 301, but that issue could be addressed.

Gordon stressed the need for a pathway, saying safety issues already exist.

"There appears to be 'unofficial' use (of U.S. 301) now," said Gordon. "They are doing that now (crossing) without the benefit of a hardened cart path."

The need for the cart path arose three years ago when Wal-Mart opened its new location on the other side of U.S. 301 from Sun City Center and Kings Point. Don Schings, secretary of the Sun City Center Community Association, said the location has posed a hardship for seniors who only get around using golf carts. They have been "denied access," Schings said.

"(Wal-Mart) is the only large place in Sun City Center," he said. "This will open availability."

Ed Barnes, president of the community association, presented commissioners with letters of support for the path from the CA, the Kings Point Federation and the Condominium Association of Kings Point.

"The average age of Sun City Center is 74," said Barnes. "Most of the people live on limited incomes and (many) depend on their golf carts."

Barnes said the lack of access to Wal-Mart has "created a real problem for many of our residents." He also pointed out the path will provide access to Hillsborough Area Regional Transit's bus stop, which is located by the Wal-Mart.

"This golf cart path is really desperately needed by our community."

Residents began their quest to obtain the golf cart path several years ago. In that time, they've worked with county and state officials to brainstorm a solution and have held petition drives in favor of the path. While an $8 million bridge over U.S. 301 was posed as an option down the road, many preferred the more expedient and lower-cost golf cart path.

An exact time frame on construction was not available as of press time. Gordon indicated, however, that completion be could achieved by early next year.

Sherri Lonon can be reached at slonon@mediageneral.com or at (813) 731-1976.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT