News Summary
Following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of a local teacher and his son, Jacksonville city officials are proposing major traffic safety improvements on Baymeadows Road. City Councilman Joe Carlucci revealed the proposals which include a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crosswalk and a refuge island for safer pedestrian crossings. The changes aim to address community concerns for enhanced safety after twelve accidents, including two involving pedestrians, occurred on the road since 2020. The city is committed to expediting the implementation of these vital safety measures.
Jacksonville Proposes Traffic Safety Improvements on Baymeadows Road Following Tragic Accident
Jacksonville city officials have announced significant traffic safety changes to Baymeadows Road following a tragic incident that resulted in the fatalities of local math teacher Mitchell Patch and his one-year-old son on May 16, 2025. The safety changes were unveiled by City Councilman Joe Carlucci on July 23, 2025, coinciding with the completion of a traffic study initiated in response to the crash.
The fatal accident occurred while Patch, a dedicated teacher at Bayview Elementary, was walking with his son, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures in the area. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted an evaluation of Baymeadows Road, focusing on the intersection near Goodby’s Executive Drive and the Wicked Barley Brewing Company, where the crash took place.
Recommended Changes for Enhanced Safety
The traffic study resulted in several key recommendations aimed at improving pedestrian safety. A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crosswalk is proposed, along with a refuge island at the intersection to provide a safer crossing option for pedestrians. The urgency behind these recommendations comes from the community’s desire for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
Local residents, including Lane Thomas and Phillip McCuloum, have expressed strong support for the proposed safety changes. They believe these enhancements could significantly reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future. Since 2020, Baymeadows Road has seen 12 crashes, with two involving pedestrians, underscoring the pressing need for improved safety measures in the area.
Community Impact and Historical Context
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of Mitchell Patch, a respected educator who had taught for over 12 years and received a teacher of the year award in 2024. His tragic death alongside his son has increased local demand for enhanced safety protocols to protect other families in the Jacksonville area.
Baymeadows Road is recognized as a major east-west connector in Jacksonville, but it currently lacks sufficient safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians, particularly in busy areas. The results of the traffic study show a clear need for safety improvements to ensure the protection of pedestrians and drivers alike.
Implementation Timeline and Support
Councilman Carlucci has indicated that he is actively working with state representatives and the mayor to expedite the implementation of these recommended safety changes. Currently, Baymeadows Road is maintained by the FDOT, which holds authority over any road alterations. According to FDOT, alterations typically undergo a standard operating procedure review, especially concerning crashes that result in fatalities.
The anticipated timeline for implementing the recommended safety features may exceed 90 days, as thorough analysis and recommendations are essential for effective planning. Nevertheless, local governments have the ability to collaborate with the state to accelerate the installation of vital safety signals and crosswalks.
Mayor Donna Deegan has shown her support for the proposed improvements and extends her empathy to the Patch family during this difficult time. As the community rallies together to advocate for safety enhancements on Baymeadows Road, city officials aim to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again in the future.
The commitment to improving traffic safety reflects the community’s resolve to prioritize the well-being of its residents and foster a safer environment for families.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: FDOT Recommends Pedestrian Crosswalk on Baymeadows Road
- First Coast News: University Boulevard Safety Study
- Jacksonville.com: FDOT Asked to Add Crosswalk
- Florida Politics: Florida Cities with Worst Drivers
- Action News Jax: Former General Counsel Leads Employees
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Improvements
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Studies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Traffic Safety Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
