MARION COUNTY, Fla. (352today.com) — From bike paths to better crosswalks, safety on Central Florida roads was the focus of a major summit where local leaders, police, planners, and advocates came together with one goal: preventing crashes and saving lives. Held at Daytona International Speedway, the event highlighted real changes happening across the region—including right here in Marion County.

Transportation and public safety leaders gathered on May 9 for the 2nd Annual Central Florida Safety Summit, hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Five.

The event brought together more than 250 attendees from across nine counties, including representatives from 70 organizations, 31 cities and towns, 15 public safety agencies, and the region’s five MPOs and TPOs.

Focus on “Target Zero”

FDOT District Five Safety Administrator Loreen Bobo emphasized the region’s shared commitment to eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on the roads.

“Our common goal is to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways, and we do that by engineering safety features into transportation projects and by educating drivers and pedestrians on how to travel more safely,” Bobo said. “The Safety Strategic Plan builds on FDOT’s Target Zero initiative and many communities’ Vision Zero plans.”

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State Rep. Bill Partington delivered the keynote address, while State Sen. Tom Wright provided the welcome. Speakers throughout the day shared best practices and strategies to promote safer transportation networks in Central Florida.

Safety Awards Presented

FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E. and Bobo presented awards recognizing efforts in safety education, engineering, and enforcement:

  • Community Award – City of Port Orange for consistent community engagement through safety events and messaging
  • Public Safety Award – Palm Bay Police Department for their enforcement efforts and community outreach
  • Individual Award – Brenda Urias of Sanford, for fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity in the cycling community
  • Outreach Award – Ocala Marion TPO for its Safety Matters initiative and video series
  • Partner Award – Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida for education-focused injury prevention for children
  • Project Award – Orange County for the UCF Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project, featuring mid-block crosswalks, LED lighting, and a shared-use path

The summit reflects growing collaboration across agencies and communities to implement the Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan. Updates and resources can be found at fdot.gov/D5Safety.

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