Pedestrian Safety Lighting Under Review

Since incorporation, the issue of pedestrian safety has been continually raised to Marco Island’s city leaders. 

Old Marco, North/South Collier Boulevard, Palm Avenue and Bald Eagle continue to be areas of concern for residents and some city council members. Discussions often center on the success and growth of the island’s dining and entertainment establishments. 

At a recent Marco Island City Council meeting, resident Marilyn Nervig came forward to speak about her concerns for pedestrian safety. Nervig stated her opinion that the amber flashing lights on North Collier Boulevard between Amazon Court and Saturn Court are ineffective. “People just don’t seem to pay any attention to those lights, and I have almost been struck by vehicles failing to adhere to those warnings,” she told council members.

In 2016, city council commissioned a study to determine whether a signalized intersection could be placed along what is known as “Restaurant Row.” The consultant recommended that a signal be placed at Saturn Court. Some condominium residents living in that area questioned that recommendation, citing the traffic load entering and exiting the South Seas Condominium Complex and the realignment of the interconnected parking lots on the east side of Collier Boulevard. Their concerns were rejected, and council voted to proceed with the plans for Saturn Court. 

Almost one year later, and after a redesign of the project to address Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) objections, the signalized intersection was eliminated, and the plans were redrawn for a crosswalk at the Bayside Court juncture. A pedestrian walkway with warning devices was approved, with an activation podium on both sides of the street and amber flashing lights. It was hoped that those lights would alert motorists of pedestrians seeking to cross the busy roadway.

This safety measure would be especially important during season, when the area west of Collier Boulevard is heavily populated with both full time residents and seasonal renters living in the many condominium complexes. Thousands of citizens live on the west side of Collier Boulevard. Rather than driving a short distance, those residents and visitors walk to access the businesses on the east side of Collier Boulevard. 

Six years later, Marilyn Nervig advised council of her belief that the amber lighting does not sufficiently protect pedestrians in the crosswalks. She suggested that the amber lights be replaced with red. 

Over the years, Marco Island Public Works Director Tim Pinter has reported to council that the use of red lighting is not allowed by FDOT. However, the use of “Red Stop for Pedestrians” lighting can be found off-island, in areas as close as Bayshore Drive in Naples. Those lights can be found near the popular Celebration Park venue on Bayshore. The red lights have been there for several years and appear to be quite effective at protecting pedestrians.

Councilor Becky Irwin commented on similar red safety lights within Collier County and agreed with Nervig as to pedestrian safety issues.

The flashing amber lights can be found throughout Collier Boulevard, as well as on Winterberry Drive, where new crosswalks have been installed. On Winterberry Drive amber lights are located near the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, which has a parking arrangement with the Marco Walk Complex.

In the evenings, the area near the Hilton Resort and the Surf Club timeshare has also become an area of serious concern, as pedestrians continue to cross in non-designated areas with little or no protection. Those pedestrians seek to reach the popular Marco Walk Complex. A crosswalk with amber lighting was recently installed further down Collier, at the intersection of Heathwood and Winterberry.

Councilor Greg Folley has been working with Collier County officials on the pedestrian crosswalk issue, seeking solutions for the county’s South Beach access point at the intersection of Swallow and South Collier Boulevard.

Marco Island City Council will hear back from City Manager McNees on this matter, in order to develop an overall plan to address the pedestrian safety issues.