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Traffic concerns in Ozona over new construction near elementary school

Posted at 2:42 AM, Jul 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-13 07:03:49-04

Construction in Ozona has some homeowners concerned over safety, especially with school starting back up in August.

Alan Cliff has lived in the area for more than 30 years.

"This area was a quiet, little fishing village really," said Cliff.

Progress is being made after county leaders approved the project in March. The "Ozona Village" plans call for 26 townhomes, two per building, and a private drive. Trucks are moving dirt for it along Tampa Road near the Pinellas Trail.

Ozona Village Drive is the private road serving the project.

"Everything in the county just keeps building, and building, and building," said Cliff. "What are you going to do?"

The project is going up right across the street from Ozona Elementary School.

Cliff says Tampa Road is at jammed up with traffic mornings and evenings when school is in session. He is worried about the children and fears more cars will cause an even bigger traffic mess.

"You add more cars at the crossing down here, where the trail crosses right at the school and sure there's going to be a little more safety issues," Cliff said.

Before approving permits for projects that will impact traffic, county roads or unincorporated parts of the county, the Pinellas County Public Works Transportation Division requires developers submit a traffic and maintenance plan for review.

The department says, "depending on the complexity of the project, a more detailed maintenance of traffic plan may be required, including time restrictions for construction and marked detours for pedestrian and vehicle traffic."

If you still have safety-related concerns over a road or sidewalk, you can call the department directly at (727) 464-8900. An inspector will come out and take a look at the problem.

If you see a project but don't know what it is, you can look at up, too. This online map shows you site plans in the county and the status of those permits.

Parents wanting to report a travel-to-school safety issue, can contact the Pinellas County School District.

The process is similar in other counties.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Residents wanting to report a problem with a road or sidewalk can call the Public Works Department at (813) 635-5400 or fill out this form online.

You can also look at permits in Hillsborough County, track their status and apply for a permit for a residential and commercial development by clicking here.

PASCO COUNTY

If you have any safety-related concerns over a road or sidewalk, different departments handle those concerns. Officials there recommend you contact their customer service line and let them direct you to the appropriate department.

The phone number is (727) 847-2411. They are open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

You can learn more about any construction project In Pasco County by checking its permits at this website.