Pedestrian crash increases calls for crosswalks in Seminole Heights

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Neighbors and business owners in Seminole Heights are asking the city to install more crosswalks after a violent pedestrian crash nearly a week ago at Florida and Idlewild avenues.

According to workers at Front Porch Bar and Grill, two of their employees, Isaiah Moss and Danny George, were trying to cross Florida Avenue to get to the bus stop when a car hit them. The crash sent both workers to the hospital with broken bones and left them out of work.

The restaurant community has raised more than $3,000 for the injured men, but residents say it doesn't change the fact that there are no crosswalks between Hillsborough and Hanna Avenues, a nearly half-mile portion filled with neighborhoods and popular restaurants and bars.

The incident has spawned renewed calls for more crosswalks on that stretch of Florida Avenue.

"It's not very pedestrian friendly," said Christopher Mitchell, a Seminole Heights resident.

"We want the foot traffic and we want the bars to be busy we have to have available safe spaces for people to walk and get here," said Brian Herndon, a server at Fodder & Shine.

Jean Duncan, director of transportation and stormwater services for the City of Tampa, told FOX 13 she wasn't aware of the recent pedestrian crash. She said, however, FDOT and the city of Tampa are conducting several studies to improve pedestrian and bike safety in this area. 

Meanwhile, the growth along Florida Avenue is expected to continue. An out-of-state developer is planning an 81-unit apartment complex at Florida and Idlewild avenues.