Editorial: One-way traffic already a nuisance ... don’t make it deadly

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - When January 22 rolls around next week, Gasparilla Island will have hit the big time with its first official set of stoplights.

Of course, they won’t be permanent, but it will signify the beginning of a new era in the island’s history. We will be driving across a new south bridge ... at least one lane and the sidewalk.

Gulf Shores Drive traffic will be slightly changed. The south entrance near Gill’s Grocery will be the same, but the north entrance will be entrance only ... no exit onto Gasparilla Road there. That’s because that’s where the south stoplight will be. Traffic flow on Gasparilla Road will remain the same.

Please, don’t be tempted to run the lights. Even if it’s 1 a.m. and you’re headed home without another car in sight. Whichever way you’re headed, the light will never be red for more than three minutes at a time.

One-way traffic will be in force from January 22 until February 20.

Marcy Shortuse is the editor of the Boca Beacon.