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Visually-impaired St. Petersburg couple concerned about malfunctioning crosswalk near 55+ community

ABC Action News taking concerns to city leaders
Posted at 6:24 AM, Feb 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-25 18:19:06-05

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. —A visually-impaired couple in St. Petersburg is concerned about using a malfunctioning crosswalk just outside their 55+ condo community.

ABC Action News tested the crosswalk at 8th St. N and 83rd Ave. N in St. Petersburg and found one side to be functioning with flashing lights and voice-activated cues. The other side did not have either function working.

Stephanie and Virginia Carlisle said they've been trying for weeks to get something done, including calling the Mayor's Action Committee.

"We've had a lot of neighbors say 'oh, we watch you from our window and we hold our breath, saying we hope you get across the street safe,'" said Virginia Carlisle, who is visually impaired.

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Her spouse, Stephanie, is legally blind.

"It adds an element of fear," Stephanie said. "I treat each crossing, and I know Ginny does too, as if the lights are not working. We track every vehicle as if they aren't going to stop."

ABC Action News contacted the City of St. Petersburg to see about getting the crosswalk fixed. City leaders responded immediately, saying they would send the transportation department out to inspect it.

The crosswalk is now functioning properly on both sides.

ABC Action News was able to help get solutions for families like the Carlisles through our of our Driving Tampa Bay Forward initiative, which is dedicated to keeping you and your family safe on the road.