Petition calls for lower Bayshore speed limit, more safety measures

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A petition is calling for more safety measures along Bayshore Boulevard 10 days after a woman and her baby were hit and killed by a car while trying to cross to the other side.

The accident has caused public outrage. People say speeding along that stretch of road has been an ongoing problem and little has been done to prevent it.

"This is not a highway, this is a city park. It's time for it to be treated as such," said Alex Engelman, who co-created the petition with his friend and fellow Bayshore resident, Nick Friedman.

Since it was launched, the petition has gained nearly 4,000 signatures.

Engelman said he recognizes the city's efforts to decrease the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph but argues it needs to be knocked down even more, to 25 mph.

The petition also calls for constant police presence and more visible crosswalks.

"I know that when we all speak together and all recognize the sense of urgency after a tragedy that's when change happens," said Engelman.

This week, police released disturbing new details about the crash that killed 24-year-old Jessica Reisinger and her 21-month-old daughter, Lillia Raubenolt.

According to investigators, the car that hit the mother and daughter was traveling at 102 mph.

"We need to make it physically impossible to travel 102 miles per hour," said Engelman.