Traffic Light Petition in Ellenton After Death of 17-year-old Mikeal Steele
The intersection of U.S. 301 and 42nd Avenue Road East in Ellenton has a bad reputation, and now a death.
One week ago on Sunday, October 25th, 17-year-old Mikeal Steele lost his life at this intersection. Florida Highway Patrol Troopers said he was hit and killed by an impaired driver. Steele was driving his motorcycle on U.S. 301 when David Shanks made a turn and ran into him.
Many people who travel this road, including Mikeal's mom, believe a traffic signal could have saved his life.
Andy Ameres, the owner of the near by Shake Station restaurant has now started a petition on Change.org, to install a traffic signal and also add extra street lights at the intersection. So far, over1,000 people have signed.
He hopes the petition catches not only the attention of Manatee County, but also the Florida Department of Transportation.
This intersection includes the near by, tax collectors, stores, restaurants and a bank.
In terms of incidents in this area. Since the first of this year, North River Fire District has responded to about 10 accidents within 2 miles of the area. Mikeal Steele's death was the first.
The goal of this petition and changes it asks for, hopefully would make this fatal accident the last for this intersection.
To view or sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/united-states-department-of-transportation-traffic-signal-at-a-dangerous-intersection-in-ellenton-fl-on-us-hwy-301-42nd-ave-rd-e.