Safety on A1A — Concerns about the investigation of the fatal November hit-and-run on State Road A1A and the need for more safety measures brought a number of residents to the December council meeting.
Several of the attendees reside at the Barclay, the former home of Hatixhe Laiqi, 73, who was killed while crossing A1A to the sidewalk on the west side.
PBSO Sgt. Mark Garrison said in his monthly report that the investigation was ongoing and no details would be announced until it was done. Two residents addressed the council about installing flashing lights and/or a crosswalk, but Mayor Bonnie Fischer said that will be up to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Fischer said she had spoken to FDOT and that it plans to send a representative to meet with the council soon.
“Everybody knows we’re aware of this problem and have spoken to FDOT in the past,” Vice Mayor Bill LeRoy said. “We can’t take a crosswalk from a street to a blank space, only a sidewalk to a sidewalk. So, we’ve asked them to come back. Something has to be done. We can’t figure it out; they have to.”
Gottlieb vacates seat — Council member Robert Gottlieb formally announced his exit effective Dec. 28 due to health concerns and an unwillingness to abide by the new Form 6 financial stipulations. His four-year term was due to expire in March. Because no candidate filed to fill the vacancy then, the remaining four council members will appoint someone to serve until the 2026 election. Gottlieb served 18 years on the council.
Community Affairs — Resident Bea York Blitzer was appointed to the Community Affairs Advisory Board.
— Brian Biggane
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