Polk County is looking for ways to make a dangerous corridor safer following three deaths - including a teenager last year. 

But those improvements could force residents to dig in their pockets.

County officials held a meeting Monday to discuss Florida Department of Transportation proposals for changes on Country Club Road in Lakeland. 

The fatal crashes date back to 2014 with three cases of people being struck by cars as they tried to cross Clubhouse Road. All of the accidents happened in the dark. 

George Jenkins High School student Kalen Kirk was struck and killed by a school crossing guard supervisor as he tried to cross the road in the dark in May. The teen was trying to get to his school bus stop. 

In August 2014, the body of Jill Braddock was found next to Clubhouse Road, the apparent victim of a hit-and-run. In November 2014, Scott Sherman, 27, was hit by a Ford F-250 as he rode a skateboard on Clubhouse Road.

In addition to lighting (one intersection has already added lighting), FDOT has previously suggest connecting sidewalks that aren't continuous, adding signs to address speeding and installing left-hand turn lanes at three of the busiest intersections along the roadway that don't have traffic control signals. 

"If you travel the road much, it's an awfully dark road," resident Robert Bennett said. "I had to put reflectors out at the end of my road to make sure I didn't overrun my road going to my house so I think it's a great idea. We really need it."

However, before any upgrades can be implemented, residents in the area would have to pay an assessment fee of $16 to $17 a year. That is receiving mixed reactions.  

"It's the principle of the matter," said resident Cheryl Edwards. "I'm already paying taxes. I already paid impact fees when I built my house. 

"The county needs to step up to the plate and provide us with what they're supposed to be providing is and I believe that a safe road is part of that."

Officials said they are optimistic the work will start and maybe before next school year – if the county approves the group that will oversee the work.