By GARRETT VALCOURT
CHIPLEY, FL – Concerns over excessive speeding took center stage at the Chipley City Council meeting on Tuesday night, as residents voiced their growing unease about the rampant disregard for speed limits and safety on local roads. In a series of heartfelt and impassioned statements, community members painted a vivid picture of the dangers they face daily.
One by one, Chipley locals approached the podium, each with their own story of witnessing drivers treating residential streets like high-speed thoroughfares. The areas north of 5th Street, commonly used as a bypass for beach traffic along Highway 77, were highlighted as particularly problematic. Church Avenue, extending from high school into town, along with the south ends of 3rd and 7th Streets, Forrest Avenue, and Bennett Drive, were also named as hotspots for reckless driving.
In response to the growing concerns, Chipley Mayor Tracy Andrews acknowledged the severity of the issue. “It looks like we need to discuss a pilot project starting with 5th Street,” Mayor Andrews remarked, emphasizing the need for immediate action. “City policy will need to change by City Council to truly enact a fix to this issue.”
The mayor’s statement underscores a call to action for the city council to adopt new measures aimed at curbing the speeding problem. Possible solutions discussed included increased traffic enforcement, the installation of speed bumps, and enhanced signage to remind drivers of speed limits and pedestrian safety.
Residents’ testimonies were poignant and evocative, shedding light on a pervasive problem that endangers the lives of Chipley citizens. The emotional gravity of their accounts underscored the urgency of implementing effective solutions. As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of determination among both the residents and city officials to bring about meaningful change.
The community’s outcry serves as a reminder of the crucial role local governance plays in addressing public safety concerns. As Chipley moves forward, collaboration between residents and city officials will be key in creating a safer environment for all.
KINSLEY COOK