Repeated collisions by speeding vehicles have plagued a Jacksonville business, igniting a fresh push through Ask Anthony to install a protective guardrail on Emerson Street.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A family-run countertop store located on Emerson Street is once more dealing with devastation after a car crashed into its premises, marking the seventh such incident in just two years.
This latest accident occurred in the early hours of November. For Vicky Marcal, who co-manages Duval Finest Countertops, the late-night call was disturbingly routine.
“The vehicle approached extremely quickly,” Marcal explained, gesturing towards the new tire tracks skirting the business’s perimeter. “I’m thankful this tree was in place.”
Marcal noted that the driver was racing at approximately 85 mph, over twice the legal speed limit of 40 mph, before plowing through the company’s fencing. Not long before, the business had completed significant repairs from a previous incident where a car vaulted off Emerson Street, struck a tree, and then crashed into the building.
These repeated accidents have not only impacted the shop’s insurance premiums and finances but have also shaken its confidence in safety.
“Terrifying,” Marcal said, describing what it’s like to hear cars racing by throughout the day.
After the Ask Anthony team first reported on the issue last year, Jacksonville City Councilman Joe Carlucci, who represents District 5, pushed for several safety improvements. Within months, the Florida Department of Transportation installed new curbing aimed at stopping drifting vehicles, added bright yellow curve-warning signs and adjusted traffic-light timing to slow drivers down.
But the crashes have continued.
Now, Marcal is asking for stronger protections. Specifically, a guardrail along the property line. Carlucci told First Coast News he has already contacted the Florida Department of Transportation and believes the request is reasonable.
“You’ve helped us before,” Marcal said. “We definitely need your help again. I believe you can do it.”
FDOT confirmed Thursday it is reviewing the most recent crash to determine whether additional safety measures, including a guardrail, should be added. The agency said crash and speeding data for the corridor would come from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Marcal confirms the crash report indicates reckless driving and speeding as the causes of this latest incident.
If you have a problem you can’t solve, you can always email AskAnthony@firstcoastnews.com
