City Explores Largo Mall Traffic Light Issue

Largo City Commssioner Michael Smith recently asked the city to investigate why a Seminole Boulevard traffic light flashes red sometimes at the intersection near the McDonald's and Largo Mall.

A pedestrian, Margaret Wix, was struck twice and died south of the intersection on Nov. 4. The elderly woman was apparently looking for her dog, which the community later helped reunite with the woman's family.

The city reportedly found two issues with the traffic light on Seminole Boulevard. There are long wait times for southbound vehicles turning left into the Largo Mall. Also, the signal goes into a flashing mode late at night when there is less traffic, according to a city report.

Concerning wait-time at the traffic light, the city learned from the county's traffic control center that the light's timing has been adusted because of construction on Ulmerton Road and an increase in pedestrian traffic. Once the construction is complete, north of the mall, the county will reevaluate the signal timing and make adjustments as needed, the city reports.

Concerning the flashing-red traffic light, the city checked with the county's traffic control center, which is now checking with the state to see why the light flashes at night on the state-controlled road.

Apparently "a few years ago the night time flash operation was discontinued and this intersection was overlooked for some reason. There may have been a benefit or request from someone through the FDOT for it to remain programmed to flash during the night," the city reports.

The city will provide an update as information becomes available, according to the report.

Have you noticed problems with this traffic light, or with others around town? Post a comment below.