ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The City of St. Pete Beach hosted a Land and Gulf Safety event on Thursday, highlighting a new pedestrian safety campaign.
Michael Moses has made it his goal to help get people safely from point A to point B.
“We hope to minimize future pedestrian fatalities," said Moses. "There’s been too many.”
He stood just steps from busy Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, where walkers, bikers, and drivers all come together. On Thursday, Moses helped unveil a new pedestrian safety campaign, starting with cards full of simple reminders.
"We’ll be having these playing card size cards being handed out to every business that is willing to support this campaign," said Moses. "When the business gives you your restaurant bill or your beverage bill, it’s just to remind you in that moment please be careful crossing the streets.”
With permission from FDOT, Moses said they will paint pelican footprints on sidewalks, leading people to the nearest crosswalks.
For him, the campaign is personal.
“About seven or eight weeks ago, a dear friend of ours was driving right out here, and two people left an establishment and were jaywalking on a diagonal back to their hotel. It was a tragedy," said Moses. "They met with our friend’s car, and they did not survive. She was cleared by all the authorities.”
St. Pete Beach officials said they've had 5 fatal accidents between 2017 to 2022 and 18 accidents with serious injuries. Officials said 21 out of 23 of those accidents happened on Gulf Boulevard or Blind Pass Road, including their intersections with 75th Avenue.
The event also provided important water safety tips, registration for free swim lessons, and a free life jacket giveaway.
“Any body of water, like a lake or river, we still want everybody protected," said Kelly Intzes, the Fire Marshal for St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue.
RELATED: St. Pete Beach group unveils simple solutions to serious Gulf Boulevard dangers
The campaign focuses on promoting pedestrian safety in St. Pete Beach and encourages residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings while walking or biking. The citizen-led initiative was started to increase awareness around jaywalking along Gulf Boulevard.
