Card Sound Road has been in the news for recent fatalities and crashes, headlines no one wants to read. ORCA’s Tim James, Vice President & Director of Public Safety, has wasted no time connecting with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to see what measures could be taken to help create a safer route for all who drive Card Sound Road, most of whom are travelling to and from Ocean Reef Club. In addition to increasing enforcement by both Ocean Reef Public Safety and the Sheriff’s Office, James reported that the following proactive initiatives for Card Sound Road and 905 have been proposed by MCSO:
– Add a speed sign temporarily at the three way facing Card Sound Road/905.
– Place a message sign just south of the Card Sound Bridge facing southbound traffic that states “Arrive Alive Drive Safely.”
– During the weekdays when there are two Deputies at The Reef, put a Deputy on proactive patrol for educational purposes patrolling the three way and Card Sound Road/905.
– Cut the foliage back from the speed sign by Card Sound Road (this is in process).
In addition, Florida Highway Patrol has teamed up with Public Safety to instill “traffic calming” and subsequently there has been an increase in citations issued. Contractors working on The Reef are also being educated daily on the importance of safe driving and enforcement by Public Safety continues.
Card Sound Road goes through both Monroe County and Miami-Dade County. A task force led by Claude Kershner and comprised of Ocean Reef stakeholders (Members, Chamber of Commerce, business owners, Club and ORCA Associates) is in contact with several organizations and departments within Miami-Dade County. The County has hired an independent engineering company to work on a feasibility study and is proposing solutions for this portion of the roadway. Kerschner is currently awaiting a time/date for the group to meet both with designated elected officials and Miami-Dade County departments for a report. As progress happens it will be detailed in upcoming editions of the Ocean Reef Press.
What Can You Do?
One, avoid driving at the peak times which MCSO says are early morning and 4 – 5:30 p.m. when so many of the workforce are on the road. Two, concerned community members can report unsafe drivers (as much information on the vehicle as possible is helpful) at drivesafely@oceanreef.com. This information is shared anonymously with Sonny Vasquez who works with Public Safety. Being cited may negatively affect a contractor or associate’s right to drive on Ocean Reef property.
It is clear there is a shared goal between Ocean Reef Club, ORCA, the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce businesses and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to provide a safe route for all to travel.