Holmes Beach begins slowly, lowering speed limit
Speedy drivers beware: There’s a new, lower speed limit in Holmes Beach.
New speed limit signs with accompanying orange flags to draw driver’s attention were positioned the week of Aug. 17 on north- and southbound Gulf Drive between Manatee Avenue and Marina Drive. The new signs drop the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph.
According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, the Gulf Drive corridor is a test area for a speed-limit decrease he hopes to enact citywide.
“We need to get in line with other island cities,” Tokajer said. “This is the first area because it’s in front of the school. We need to get people to slow down when driving through this area while school’s in session. It’s safer for drivers and safer for kids,” he added.
— Kristin Swain