BRADENTON, Fla. — Dan Powers wants to see changes on SR-64 after his son died last month in a tragic crash. Matt Powers was on his way to a homecoming dance with his friend Chase Coyner. Their vehicle was hit by another vehicle as they were making a left turn onto SR-64 near Pope Road.
"Everybody knows its a hazard, they’ve known for years,” said Powers.
State statistics show 11 crashes in the area within 12 months. Residents have been petitioning the state for years for more safety measures.
FDOT closed the left turn lane where the teens crashed. A spokesperson for FDOT said the agency plans to install a roundabout in the area by 2023 to slow traffic down.
"My 11-year-old daughter will be driving by 2023, she may have the opportunity to die in the same spot my son did because nothing is being done,” said Powers.
FDOT leaders said the traffic needs in Manatee County will be constantly re-evaluated, so the timeline for the roundabout could be moved to an earlier date.
“It’s only a matter of time until it happens again,” said Powers.
