NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — Soraya Matos says at the intersection of Pine Island Road and Woodward Avenue, near a Walmart, there used to be a stop sign that helped control the busy intersection. However, after Hurricane Irma hit the area in 2017, it took the sign with it. Matos says, she's been trying to get the stop sign replaced because it’s just a matter of time before a serious accident happens at this intersection.
“It needs to be put in because there's a lot of new drivers here and a lot of new out of state people that live here now and there could be an accident right here. It could be bad, intersection traffic is bad, cars are flying by and no one is going to know to stop here because they are not seeing a stop sign,” said Soraya Matos.
Matos says she's reached out to the City of Fort Myers, Lee County officials, and Walmart trying to get answers and action, but so far nothing. I called the same groups, hoping to find out who is responsible for replacing the missing stop sign and when that will happen.
Walmart responded back saying, “We are aware of the issue and working with the appropriate parties to get it resolved,” said Casey Staheli, Senior Manager, National Media Relations
Lee County says, “The stop sign in question is on private property and, as such, is not maintained by Lee County. The property owner would be responsible. Lee DOT previously has been in contact with Ms. Matos and DOT explained to her it is not a county sign. She was directed to the property owner," said Tim Engstrom Lee County Government Communications Specialist.
Matos says she is not stopping until there is a stop sign back where it belongs.
“Especially if my daughter is going to start driving, and I did speak to her about it, and she said she would’ve just rode right past it because she doesn’t know to stop because there isn’t a stop sign there,” said Matos.
Now we were able to locate the company that owns this property, However, at this time we have not been able to make contact but be sure to stick with Fox 4 to keep you updated on this public safety story.
