JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recommended installing a pedestrian hybrid beacon crosswalk and refuge island on Baymeadows Road following a deadly crash in May, and the friend of the man who died with his 1-year-old son said he is “thankful” for the potential safety upgrades.
The improvements target the area near Goodbys Executive Drive where Mitchell Patch and his one-year-old son Everett were killed while crossing Baymeadows Road after leaving Wicked Barley Brewing Company.
A traffic study conducted by FDOT revealed 12 crashes at the location since 2020, including two involving pedestrians and a bicyclist. The findings underscore the need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures along this busy corridor.
The safety upgrades also come as welcome news to Travis Akers, a friend of Mary, the widow to Mitchell and mother to Everett.
In a statement, he said in part, “I am thankful for those who joined in starting this effort. We are not finished yet, but the heavy lifting is nearly complete… My prayer is that another family never has to experience what we did on May 16. God rest their souls and bless our friend Mary as she continues to rebuild her life."
Monte, whose family owns the nearby No Way Jose Mexican Bar & Grill, heard the tragic May incident. “We were both here and had a table outside and heard the impact and heard the tires screech,” he said.
It’s why he supports the recommended crosswalk.
“It’s something that we definitely need for our safety,” he said.
In a release from Joe Carlucci, the city councilman for that area, he said in part, “Engineers at FDOT will be working on design and construction costs for this project. Once I receive those costs, they will be shared. Until then, I am going to remain engaged with FDOT, State Legislators, and the Mayor’s office to make sure the city does everything we can to expedite the process.”
