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Articles by Philip Stuart
Watch for electric crews on Centerville and other summer road dangers
Philip Stuart Street Scene June 6, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET Tallahassee electric crews are upgrading power lines and replacing utility poles along Centerville Road. Work is scheduled in four phases. Phase one includes the project limits and detours as follows. Northbound traffic on N. Magnolia Drive will detour to westbound 7th Avenue, local traffic may continue northbound to the detour for eastbound Hodges Drive. Southbound Centerville Road will detour to southbound Blair Stone Road.
From guard rails to trucking to the mystery of River Sink Trails
One of our Street Scene family members has suffered a stroke. A mild stroke if there is such a thing. Our little “retired” Special Olympian, Gold and Silver medalist and multiple blue ribbon winner, Lane Gerald Weston Stuart, remains quite happy, although now doesn’t fully understand the world around him.
From guard rails to trucking to the mystery of River Sink Trails
One of our Street Scene family members has suffered a stroke. A mild stroke if there is such a thing. Our little “retired” Special Olympian, Gold and Silver medalist and multiple blue ribbon winner, Lane Gerald Weston Stuart, remains quite happy, although now doesn’t fully understand the world around him.
Tips for navigating mishaps, Tallahassee road dips and detours
File under "Helpful Hints": Reaching adulthood brings with it many understandings we didn’t have years prior. Obtaining the privilege (driver license) to operate a motor vehicle adds new and different understandings we didn’t have weeks prior. At least it should. But not all learn as quickly as others. Falling off our roller skates at 5 years, or as in my case, falling out of trees, crashing the bicycle we got for our 7th birthday or getting injured playing little league and high school sports.
Tallahassee's year in streets filled with upgrades, repaving
A school zone speed enforcement camera is set up in front of Raa Middle School. As of right now, there are two active cameras are in the school zones for Ruediger Elementary and Raa Middle School near North MLK Jr. Boulevard and West Tharpe Street, and Desoto Trail Elementary on Kerry Forest Parkway. 2025 has been a whirlwind year for Street Scene.
Street Scene readers inquire about lack of progress on Seventh Avenue
Q. We are receiving many inquiries about the one-way pair of 6th and 7th Avenues.
Tracking down reasons big rigs could be driving on small roads
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a semi-truck flipped over in Jefferson County after colliding with a culvert at 6:30 p.m. on March 10. We've been chasing around the country recording some curious activity by drivers of tractor trailer trucks in an attempt to figure out why in the world supposedly “professional” truck drivers want to go out of their way to avoid safe multi-lane highways and choose instead rural two-lane roads. Some of these roads are poorly maintained, some unimproved.
Temporary signal installed at dangerous Tallahassee Airport intersection | Street Scene
Donald, local jurist extraordinaire, finds a subject so baffling he includes attachments which illustrate the Florida Department of Transportation (one of my alma maters) may not always be thinking clearly about traffic safety these days when it comes to plans for new road construction.
Tallahassee drivers report street parking issues, suspicious toll messages | Street Scene
Q. Barbara tells us that speed limits on Kerry Forest Parkway are completely ignored by too many drivers. If we can get the police out here to write speeding tickets they will also write following too close tickets. A. We are all familiar with scofflaws on Kerry Forest Parkway. Disregard for the red traffic signal at Velda Dairy is not uncommon. Let’s ask our TPD traffic enforcement squad to police the area before a serious injury is the result. Street parking sign missing? Q.
Flagging problem potholes on Pedrick Road, light out on I-10 | Street Scene Original
Q. Tim writes, due to high volume traffic from several neighborhoods, two schools, the Alford Greenway, horse trailers and bad weather, new potholes are appearing almost weekly on S. Pedrick Road. Are there any plans to repave S. Pedrick? A. I believe you write about the section of Pedrick Road within Tallahassee City limits. However, digging through Tallahassee and Leon County websites I found nothing addressing repair for Pedrick Road.
School's out but speeding zone debates continue | Street Scene
Q. Emily asks, will a person only be ticketed if they exceed the speed limit when the lights are flashing or does a person have to slow down when lights aren’t flashing? A. Florida Statute 316.1895(5) reads: “A school zone speed limit must not be less than 15 mph except by local regulation. No school zone speed limit shall be more than 20 mph in an urbanized area, as defined in s. 344.03.
School's out but speeding zone debates continue | Street Scene
Q. Emily asks, will a person only be ticketed if they exceed the speed limit when the lights are flashing or does a person have to slow down when lights aren’t flashing? A. Florida Statute 316.1895(5) reads: “A school zone speed limit must not be less than 15 mph except by local regulation. No school zone speed limit shall be more than 20 mph in an urbanized area, as defined in s. 344.03.
Slow down, there's confusion over school zone speeding cameras | Street Scene
Q. Nita is asking if Street Scene is able to shed some light on the recent school zone camera installation project. There are several school zones in Leon County and inside the city limits in which the beginning and end of the school zone is not clearly marked. Additionally, there are others where the signage cannot be seen because of overhanging tree branches. One specific zone that is not marked clearly and cannot be seen because of overhanging branches is Hawks Rise Elementary.
Street Scene weighs in on left-lane bill, North Monroe eyesore and school zone speeders Original
Street Scene considers proposed House Bill 351 (HB 351) filed by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka and companion Senate Bill 636 (SB 636) filed by Sen. Johnathan Martin as unnecessarily redundant to existing law. This proposed law, if passed, to limit drivers impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane by continuous travel in the left lane is already prohibited by Florida Statue 316.081 Driving on the right side of roadway: exceptions.
Beware stop-bars, potholes and overhanging oak limbs on Tallahassee roads | Street Scene Original
Street Scene has been informed the City of Tallahassee and Leon County are poised to try to make major changes in our Comprehensive Plan. Revisions that might pave the way (pun intended) for commercial developments in already protected residential neighborhoods. There is more to understand about this and as soon as Street Scene has more to share, you will see it here.
Proposed Thomasville Road project could create bottleneck | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has teamed up with the City of Tallahassee and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency “to prioritize enhanced safety and accessibility for roadway users through roadway reconstruction.” That’s nice.
Snow, sleet and ice test Tallahassee's driving skills | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene Well, we have witnessed the kind of weather Mother Nature brings our way occasionally, freezing temperatures, sleet, snow and more sleet. We all took pictures of the winter wonderland which graced Florida’s capital city back gardens, front yards, sidewalks and streets.
On the radar in 2025: AV signals, I-10 repairs, street sign legibility | Street Scene
Hello everyone, Happy New Year! I’m glad to report some good news for drivers in America. This New Year's celebration to welcome in 2025 has been what traffic safety professionals might refer to as a success. That is, traffic deaths due to celebratory alcohol consumption on New Year's Eve continue to decline. We can all be glad of that tidbit knowing it is becoming less likely some dumbbell full of booze will run into us as we go about our daily lives in our cars.
On the radar in 2025: AV signals, I-10 repairs, street sign legibility | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Hello everyone, Happy New Year! I’m glad to report some good news for drivers in America. This New Year's celebration to welcome in 2025 has been what traffic safety professionals might refer to as a success. That is, traffic deaths due to celebratory alcohol consumption on New Year's Eve continue to decline. We can all be glad of that tidbit knowing it is becoming less likely some dumbbell full of booze will run into us as we go about our daily lives in our cars.
Creative solutions needed for greenway trail and Welaunee access | Street Scene
Q. I shall respond to everyone with the same answer for the same concerns as Joe. Joe, who frequently walks the sidewalks along Dempsey Mayo Road from Westminster Oaks to the Greenway Trail, is worried the extension of Dempsey Mayo into the Welaunee subdivision will increase vehicular traffic resulting in additional exhaust fumes. Joe is asking the officials to allow the Dempsey Mayo Road cut-through into Welaunee be rescinded. A. You might get your wish Joe.
Crossings on our list: There's a new railroad company in town | Street Scene
Q. Jeff says what with all the railroad crossing fixes, pothole fillings, intersection cleanups and general street repairs Street Scene wants to get done I think you are trying to put the alignment shops out of business. A. Not me Jeff, WE! About those railroad crossings Speaking of railroad crossings.
Speeder control, pothole patrol and sidewalk safety among top concerns | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Gordon is asking for speed control in Indian Head Acres and other neighborhoods bordering South Magnolia Drive as the construction has provided a path for speeding drivers racing through otherwise quiet safe neighborhoods forced to offer up detour streets. A. Calling Chief Revell. Chief, these neighborhoods provide a significant amount of grammar school children walking to and from Hartsfield School.
Kids sitting in dark street to wait for school bus poses alarming problem | Street Scene
Q. Lauri brings to our attention students waiting for the Leon County School bus sitting in the street, in predawn darkness. There is nowhere for the children to sit down at the Harriet Drive and Ruth Drive Intersection which is designated a Leon County School Bus stop. My husband is offering to build a bench to give the children a place to sit away from the street when it was advised by an individual reading the Nextdoor post to contact Street Scene. A.
An update on I-10 bridge, greenway concerns, railroad crossing bumps | Street Scene
Q. Frank asks when the I-10 bridge at mile marker 248 be completed? And why does the construction speed limit begin 3 miles from the construction site? A. This is a major bridge replacement project in Madison County which has had its share of rain and high-water delays. The good news is the current expectation for opening the new bridge for two eastbound lanes is Spring 2025.
An update on I-10 bridge, greenway concerns, railroad crossing bumps | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Frank asks when the I-10 bridge at mile marker 248 be completed? And why does the construction speed limit begin 3 miles from the construction site? A. This is a major bridge replacement project in Madison County which has had its share of rain and high-water delays. The good news is the current expectation for opening the new bridge for two eastbound lanes is Spring 2025.
Miccosukee Greenway suggestion strikes a nerve | Street Scene Original
Oh brother, occasionally Street Scene writes of a subject that strikes a nerve. Our column about lifting the Tallahassee-Leon County Greenway over intersecting roads is one. Street Scene is in place to give all citizens a voice to be heard above the ballyhooing of those in government claiming to know what’s best for the people they serve. To invite a public hearing only to shun what the public has to say brings disillusion in the process and general discontent of the people represented.
Make change at dangerous crosswalk; try better idea at Miccosukee Greenway | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene On April 29, 2024, FSU sophomore Elizabeth Sims was killed crossing the street, in the crosswalk, "protected" by the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This beacon flashes yellow. Street Scene has brought to the forefront before, and again says this extremely valuable lifesaving traffic control device must flash red.
Congrats, dads! Have a safe driving week | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene Being a father is truly awesome joy. And, yes, an awesome responsibility. But you won’t do anything more worthwhile in your life than caring for a tiny little human being nurturing into childhood then preteen then from exuberant teen into proud early adulthood. A more beautiful life experience does not exist. Congratulations to all fathers. We begin with a reminder the Magnolia Drive Trial project is in full swing with detours closing access to through-traffic.
Navigating school zones, construction zones and other driving hazards | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Ann believes the flashing school zone signs on Trojan Trail in the vicinity of Apalachee Elementary Magnet School of The Arts and Lincoln High School are lacking in the sheen and brilliance they once had. Asking: do these signs need cleaning? A. It could be, Ann. Pollen, road grime, tree sap and general soot can reduce the target value of all traffic signs and signals.
Mom is anxious about allowing teenager driving privileges | Street Scene Original
Q. Katherine asks, how do I tell our teenage daughter that she is not ready to drive a car? Ever since her 15th birthday this topic of conversation has become a regular unwanted routine. If she has an accident and is hurt or if she hurts someone else I don’t know how I would cope with that. Please tell me what to say that will convince her I don’t want her to drive yet. A.
Readers weigh in with politics and history on I-10 route in Tallahassee | Street Scene
Notice: the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (CRTPA) will host a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Lake Jackson Community Center. This is for public discussion regarding proposed safety improvements slated for North Monroe Street. I recommend all interested parties attend and be heard. Take copious notes. Thanks goes to Street urchins weighing in on the history of I-10 through Leon County and Tallahassee.
Children's memorial gains support; I-10 construction raises questions | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene We are very happy to receive many letters in support of our proposed children's memorial for placement at the Florida Capitol Courtyard honoring Ansley Rayborn and the many Florida children killed in traffic crashes through the years. Ninety percent of children who loose their lives in vehicle crashes are the result of carelessness, recklessness or blatant disregard for traffic laws by adults. Brad is ready to not only support but contribute.
Vehicle size just one factor contributing to pedestrian injuries | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Tallahassee Democrat Q. Ed, responding to my column published Jan. 29, writes that large trucks might be safe for the drivers but are considered by some to contribute to pedestrian fatalities. Ed sent Street Scene an NPR article about some of the how’s and why’s of pedestrian fatalities involving large/ heavy pickup trucks. A. Thank you for the valuable information Ed, we very much appreciate our readers sharing any information about traffic safety. We monitor vehicle v.
Avoid accidents by entering interstate highway at speed of traffic flow | Street Scene
Q. Dan asks Street Scene to please give people direction about how to enter an Interstate Highway. People entering a stream of 70+ miles per hour traffic at 40 miles per hour are creating a scary scenario. I’ve seen some come to a stop at the end of the merge lane. A. Entering all Interstate Highways or any multilane freeway require we enter the flow of traffic at the same speed as the Interstate / freeway traffic. If you are slower you could be held responsible for creating a multiple vehicle pileup.
Avoid accidents by entering interstate highway at speed of traffic flow | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Dan asks Street Scene to please give people direction about how to enter an Interstate Highway. People entering a stream of 70+ miles per hour traffic at 40 miles per hour are creating a scary scenario. I’ve seen some come to a stop at the end of the merge lane. A. Entering all Interstate Highways or any multilane freeway require we enter the flow of traffic at the same speed as the Interstate / freeway traffic.
Roundabout education, speeding and a quest for synchronicity | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Questions about navigating roundabouts have increased recently which I attribute to the influx of people moving to Florida from cities without them. It is the local population writing to Street Scene as they encounter drivers not knowing what to do once inside a roundabout. As every city or county that has built roundabouts, Leon County public works department provides a pamphlet that pretty well explains the proper way to drive through a roundabout.
Drivers, watch out for goblins in the road on Halloween | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Beginning early evening on Tuesday, Oct. 31, All Hallows’ Eve, a mass invasion of excited children will enter neighborhoods in anticipated delight of scaring the bejesus out of anyone or anything that dare come in close contact with them. These goblins of today, our bright futures of tomorrow, will have little else on their reactionary brains except to get from house to house as quickly as possible. Leave work in broad daylight.
Here's an update on traffic signal at Chiles High entrance | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene With many inquiries about what happened and why, an ongoing discussion has manifested for driver safety at the main entrance to Chiles High School, which is the intersection of Thomasville Road and Timberwolf Crossing. Many have students at Chiles and had children attending previously.
Chiles High School entrance has urgent need for traffic signal | Street Scene Original
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Where in the world does there exist a two-lane school access intersecting an unsignalized ‘T’ intersection encompassing high speed traffic on a 4-lane divided highway visited by the least experienced drivers available? A. The main entrance to Lawton Chiles High School at US-319 in Tallahassee! Colloquially known as Thomasville Road & Timberwolf Crossing.
Aggressive drivers invading Tallahassee neighborhoods | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene A new problem is brewing in Tallahassee. Street Scene has learned residents of what were, until recent months, safe, quiet, and peaceful neighborhoods are becoming more intimidated by speedy cars and aggressive drivers. This trending-up bad driving has parents not only concerned for their own safety while driving to and from home but wondering if it’s become too dangerous to have their children walk a couple of blocks to the school bus stop.
Injured blind pedestrian raises red flags about turning right on red | Street Scene
Sila, a dear and longtime friend, forwarded a scathing report covering vehicle-pedestrian conflicts at intersections. Shortly after Street Scene first appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat in 2014, Sila invited me to speak about transportation safety at a public meeting which is where I first met this remarkable woman. Sila’s story is as remarkable as it is devastating as Sila suffered tremendous shock, many months of physical therapy, and painful injury.
What goes into setting speed limits on Tallahassee's 4-lane roads? | Street Scene
Well my goodness, in our July 9 Street Scene we gave a heartfelt welcome to our esteemed incoming FHP Director, Colonel Gary Howze ll. And how did we do it? By misspelling the Colonel's last name. My sincere apologies, Colonel Howze. Please consider yourself now officially welcomed. Godspeed. Complications in setting speed limits Q. Kris has conducted a little speed limit study provoking thought on what criteria is used for setting speed limits on local streets.
FHP director retires, potholes repaired, truckers off track | Street Scene
I take this opportunity to thank retiring FHP Director, Colonel Gene Spaulding for his long-decorated law enforcement service through the ranks and his outstanding years leading the Florida Highway Patrol. We join in sending best wishes in all future endeavors of which I’m sure will be many. Also, I congratulate our incoming FHP Director, Colonel Gary Howeze ll. Colonel Howeze joined the Florida Highway Patrol in 1990 plus accepting a tour of duty serving with the Florida Attorney General.
Give teen drivers the facts on feet per second | Street Scene
My goodness, so many birthday wishes. I send a big thank you to each and every one for your good wishes and your expressions of gratitude for Street Scene. We are always proud to hear how Street Scene has such a positive impact on so many of our local Tallahassee Democrat readers as well as our more distant online readers.
Warning: Summer is a deadly time for teen drivers | Street Scene
Philip Stuart Street Scene Thanks goes to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for sounding a cautionary alarm bringing our attention to what history tells us about traffic crashes involving teenage driving. The beginning of the 100 deadliest days is the Memorial Day weekend which coincides with America’s school students summer vacation. : "With the academic year in Florida coming to an end, kids will have more free time on their hands — for teens that includes more time spent on the road.
Double yellow lines and darkness on the edge of Deer Lake Way
Philip Stuart Street Scene Q. Jeff says driving south on Deer Lake Way, approaching the intersection with Chadwick and Waters Meet Drive the two-lane road becomes four lanes with a wide median. The (double yellow) centerline pavement markings direct the driver straight into the median. Streets are poorly lit and have no pavement edge line stripes. Drivers unfamiliar with the area depend on the centerline, especially on rainy nights. Please investigate and see if area needs some upgrade.
Tharpe Street sidewalk concerns deserve immediate attention | Street Scene
Q. In May, 2017, six years ago, Street Scene first addressed the concerns residents have with West Tharpe Street between Ocala Road and Blountstown Street. Today Gary and Sue ask: why does this section of Tharpe Street continue to be a forgotten road? A.
Tharpe Street median contributes to a bump in the night | Street Scene
Q. Phil eastbound on Tharpe Street during darkness encountered a jarring experience as he was transitioning left from the inside through lane into the left turn lane to head north on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. There is an unmarked median that cannot be recognized at night. A. It appears to be a “many years ago” median which served as an island refuge for pedestrians crossing 4 lane Tharpe Street at mid-block. A time when few vehicles traveled Tharpe Street at night.
Stopping is a part of driving life in Tallahassee | Street Scene
Q. Sidney writes: how is it that a lane on Capital Circle NE can have cars stopped blocking traffic to turn into Chick-fil-A? A. Welcome to Street Scene, Sidney. Although I do not endorse the idea of stopping in a lane designed for vehicular traffic, using a traffic lane for staging vehicles into a popular venue, be it a concert, sporting event or restaurant is accepted as necessary when geometrics or physical obstructions allow no other opportunity.
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