A Clearwater man was killed in a crash that shut down most lanes of U.S. 19 in north Clearwater late Friday.
Around 11 p.m., Luis Manuel Sanchez, 44, was driving a 2004 Honda Civic at a high rate of speed when he took the exit from southbound U.S. 19 for Sunset Point Road. He lost control of the car and slammed into a power pole on the west side of the road, in front of Celebration Station, Clearwater police said.
Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The impact downed live power lines onto the access road and main lanes of U.S. 19. Only one northbound lane was left open.
All of the main lanes were reopened by 1 a.m., but the exit to Sunset Point Road stayed closed until after 7 a.m.
Duke Energy crews worked through the night to restore power to the area.