Continued from page 3
Trowell’s efforts began by writing
a detailed letter to local traffic
reporter Leslee Lacey at WFLA-
TV (News Channel 8), who helped
Trowell research crash statistics.
Lacey discovered there had been
14 accidents within a mile of that
intersection during the school year.
Lacey also used a speed tracking
device and clocked drivers traveling
more than 60 mph in the school
area. Trowell started a petition and
collected more than 500 signatures
to support expediting construction of
traffic controls.
Armed with this data, she met with
Pasco County officials and contacted
County Commissioner Jack Mariano,
who represents the area that includes
the middle school, to state her
case. Mariano became a supporter
and helped get the project into the
County’s budget and approved –
typically a slow process, he said.
“We’re elected by the people
to be responsive. It’s satisfying in
the end when things happen the
way they were supposed to, and
there’s nothing better than when
government works for you,” said
Mariano, who attended the ceremony
in August where Trowell turned on
the signals.
“I got chills. It was a really cool
moment for her, her father, and
everyone involved in this project,”
he said.
Once the project received necessary
approvals, the County gave Ayres
Associates notice to proceed July 10
AyresAssociates.com
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