Drivers at a busy Seminole Heights intersection in Tampa say it is just too busy to pull out of their neighborhood onto a main street. 

  • Growth and traffic causing issues in Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa
  • Drivers say one intersection in particular is difficult to pull out into traffic
  • Fence, business on corner of Florida Avenue and Flora Street blocking view
  • Bay News 9 Traffic resources

So just what are drivers to do while trying to get a better look at oncoming traffic on Florida Avenue without being struck by oncoming traffic?

Sarah Phillips and her family have lived in Seminole Heights for nearly a decade and said she loves the growth in the neighborhood. But with that growth comes more traffic. 

"This whole neighborhood is blocked off by the (Hillsborough) River, so most of these streets dead end," said Phillips of her neighborhood near the Lowry Park area. "There aren't a lot of outlets, if you're wanting to head west from this area. 

"So whenever there's an accident either here or down at Sligh and Florida, a lot of traffic gets rerouted through these small residential streets."

According to state records, the number of traffic crashes at Florida Avenue and Flora Street has increased every year for the past three years. 

Phillips said it is extremely difficult to see oncoming traffic when leaving her street without edging dangerously out onto the road itself.

"I feel like I have to get my car well out on to Florida before I'm able to see oncoming traffic clearly enough to make a safe turn," she said.

The way a used car business fence is positioned in the lot on the corner, unless a driver noses out onto the street, there is little way of seeing if an oncoming car is approaching. 

Despite the lot and fence being there for a long time, even the owner of the business said the way the fence is positioned can create a safety issue for drivers. 

City of Tampa code officials are examining the sight lines, which at a minimum distance should be 25 feet. 

"If his fence isn't in compliance with local codes, then I hope that he addresses that," Phillips said. "And if it is then he's done his part."