ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Shearwater residents faced traffic headaches during school drop-off times at Trout Creek Academy.
News4JAX witnessed cars piling up on Wednesday morning near the school entrance, causing backups that frustrated both parents and neighborhood residents. It resulted in a complete standstill in one of the lanes in the neighborhood that stretched at least a mile.
“Well, as you can see right now, it’s starting to pile up,” a resident said. “The problem is people will just start parking at the entrance to the school before the police show up to start directing traffic.”
Luis Garcia, a local parent, jokingly said he would rather not take a car. “It is much better on the bicycle,” he said.
Jasmine Harris, who lives in Shearwater, shared her thoughts on a possible solution.
“At the corner here, they are building a street that I feel like goes back to this new highway that they’re building. I feel like that’ll save a lot of time. If there’s any way that we can come out this pathway and then come in through here, maybe that’ll help.”
The county confirmed that the new street off 16A, currently packed with dirt, should be fully open in about two months.
County officials also said they are actively working with the Sheriff’s Office and the local community to address the traffic concerns.
A spokesperson said this:
“The county is aware of the situation and is actively working with the Sheriff’s Office and the local community to address the concerns. We’re taking a proactive approach to identify and implement solutions that will help alleviate the traffic backup, with both effectiveness and safety in mind.”
Harris added that this year’s traffic has improved compared to last year.
“I feel like they did a little bit better this year, because now we know what to expect,” Harris said. “I do want to give the school a chance, as this is their second year being opened, so I know we got to work out the kinks and everything.”