MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Martin County officials are calling for urgent safety improvements to State Road 710 following multiple fatalities, including two double fatal crashes on Tuesday.
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, three people have died on the roadway this year, with an average of three fatalities annually. The road's safety issues have persisted since the 1980s, exacerbated by increasing traffic levels.
During a recent county commission meeting, Sheriff John Budensiek urged leaders to expedite a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to widen the road. “If there's any extra money in the state, allocate it to prevent more deaths,” he said.
In 2022, deputies issued over 2,000 citations on this stretch of highway, which has become known to residents as “Bloody 7-10.” State leaders acknowledged the need for both short-term and long-term solutions.
District Two Commissioner Stacey Hetherington emphasized a commitment to achieving “Vision Zero,” a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities, while addressing immediate safety concerns. District Five Vice Chair Edward V. Ciampi called for temporary measures such as blinking signs and improved lighting until permanent solutions are in place.
The sheriff plans to meet with FDOT next month to discuss implementing these interim fixes swiftly. “Anything's worth saving a life out there,” Budensiek stated.
This report was prepared with the assistance of AI and is verified by our editorial team for accuracy.