A deadly crash in St. Petersburg is renewing calls for changes along a stretch of MLK Street South that neighbors say has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. On August 8, Kendra Dillard, 47, was struck by a dark-colored sedan while using a marked crosswalk at MLK Street South and 15th Avenue South. The driver fled the scene.

Safety Concerns

Justin Cournoyer, co-founder of Activate St. Pete, said the southern portion of MLK Street has several safety challenges, including higher speed limits, limited crosswalks, and a lack of signs and traffic signals. Data shows five people have died along MLK Street South between 2022 and summer 2026, including Dillard and 29-year-old Tamara Williams, a mother of five who was struck while leaving a gas station near 9th Avenue South.

Forward Pinellas says a redesign of MLK Street South is in the works for the stretch between 7th Avenue and 30th Avenue. However, there is currently no funding behind the proposed redesign. Forward Pinellas is waiting for guidance and direction from the City of St. Petersburg.

Community Response

Brian Peret, president of the Campbell Park Neighborhood Association executive board, said residents would like to see MLK Street South receive safety improvements similar to those made along MLK Street North. The northern portion of MLK was redesigned in 2018 with one lane in each direction, protected bike lanes, and traffic signals timed for lower speeds.

Activate St. Pete plans to hold a vigil at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, to remember the people who have lost their lives along MLK Street South.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.