DUNEDIN, Fla. — More places to stay for visitors to Honeymoon Island is making some businesses and tourists happy. However, some locals say it's only adding to an already big problem: Traffic.
"Beaches are gorgeous water is clear, and the fishing is great," said Joe Londot, owner of Barracuda Bob's, a local surf and bait shop.
The beautiful area is why it was easy for Nancy Greeley and her husband to decide to stay in Dunedin during the winter months. But she says finding a place to stay hasn't been easy.
"I’m having a hard time trying to find a place to rent, like a hotel or condo and a hotel would be terrific."
She'll have her wish soon. Workers are building an 85 room Hampton Inn right on the causeway.
Rich Dalia lives across the street from the where the hotel is going up and he’s all for seeing something other than a shopper center fill the vacant spot.
"It’s neat because we get a lot of tourists and where they stay I really don’t know so this is going to be a big plus," said Dalia.
But some people are not as thrilled. Holly Adimari lives near the new hotel and says traffic is already bad enough without a stop light the area.
"It's a big big issue. You can’t get out on certain parts of the day when people are coming to the Honeymoon island and coming from the Honeymoon island," said Adimari.
She believes the sewer lines and traffic system needs updating to handle the increase in people.
"If there was a light you could at least get out," said Adimari.
As for business owner Joe Londot, who owns Barracuda Bob's right on the causeway, he says the traffic isn't too bad.
"The more the merrier. For people to stay here close by its going to make their lives a little easier," said Londot.
The hotel is scheduled to open February 2019.
