'It's a safety issue': Many streetlights still out 1 year after hurricanes, Pinellas County residents say
Share this @internewscast.com

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Numerous lights remain unlit across the barrier islands. On Wednesday night, streetlights were out along Causeway Boulevard, and on Coronado Drive, only one of the two lights on some poles was functioning.

It’s something Ryan Brusko said he couldn’t help but notice.

“My biggest thing is that I’m out riding my bike at night and, you know, it’s a safety issue,” he said.

Brusko contacted 8 On Your Side, explaining that he reached out to nearly every city along Gulf Boulevard regarding the streetlight issues. He was advised to get in touch with Duke Energy.

“So, I approached Duke, and they mentioned, ‘Well, each light needs to be reported individually.’ This turns into quite a significant task for one person. However, I’m here just trying to have the lights turned back on,” Brusko explained.

He said since August he’s reported 300 streetlights out. He marked them up on a map on his phone.

“I’ll come out, snapshot the actual pole number, and attempt to determine which light is out if there are multiple on the pole,” Brusko added.

He said many of the lights have come back on, but not enough to where he thinks there is no longer a safety concern.

Duke Energy sent the following statement:

“Duke Energy Florida has roughly 520,000 streetlights in our 35-county service region. About 150,000 of these are in Pinellas County. To date this year, Duke Energy Florida has been notified of 58,000 light outages, though not all are maintained by us. Typically, 97.5% of lights are fixed within 3 days after being reported. We greatly value our customers and seriously consider their concerns.”

8 On Your Side reached out to FDOT, which owns some of the other lights, and is waiting for a response.

Brusko said he just wants to see someone take initiative to get this done.

“I figured it’s been a year already, and, you know, it’d be helpful to get some lights back on. It’s getting darker earlier,” Brusko said.

You can report streetlight outages you see to Duke Energy, and they will help determine if the light is theirs.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Alleged Shooter in Rihanna Home Incident Faces Court: Attempted Murder Charges Loom

LOS ANGELES – A Florida woman, facing charges of attempted murder against…

Greeneville Board of Education Appoints Drinnon as New Director of Schools, Ushering in a New Era of Educational Leadership

In Greeneville, Tennessee, a significant decision was made by the Greeneville Board…

Melania Trump Brings Global Leaders and Tech Experts Together for Children’s Education and Tech Summit

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Melania Trump made a compelling call for international…

Cancer Nurse Transitions to Archbishop, Marking Historic Election as First Female Leader of the Church of England

LONDON – In a historic moment for the Church of England, Sarah…

Jewish Communities Enhance Security Measures and Maintain Traditions in Response to Increasing Hate Incidents

On Tuesday, law enforcement officials revealed their proactive measures to address and…

Individual with Outstanding Warrant Detained at Union Primary School, According to Sheriff’s Office

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) – Authorities apprehended an individual at Union…

Controversial Bahrain UN Proposal Sparks Debate Over Strait of Hormuz Access

The United Nations Security Council is currently debating a resolution that seeks…