Another speed limit change was announced for Holmes Beach Sept. 30.
The Florida Department of Transportation released a study Sept. 29, recommending a reduced speed limit on a stretch of Manatee Avenue from 40 mph to 35 mph.
The reduced speed limit will affect a 0.368 mile stretch from Gulf Drive to 800 feet east of East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. Upon entering Holmes Beach on Manatee Avenue from the Anna Maria Island Bridge, the speed limit will drop from 45 mph to 35 mph.
The 24-hour traffic study, conducted by the DOT July 22-23, was done at the request of Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to determine if traffic needed to be slowed when entering Holmes Beach.
“I just want to make things safe,” Tokajer said of his request.
According to the study, 14,500-41,500 vehicles travel on Manatee Avenue on a daily basis.
The DOT changed the speed limit signs Oct. 1, but Tokajer said the work was done too fast. He and the DOT agreed to postpone enacting the speed limit change until Oct. 8.
The chief said he wanted to first alert the public in the media.
— Kristin Swain