JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville city councilman for the area where a father and his young son were tragically struck and killed while crossing Baymeadows Road is determined to prevent such incidents in the future.

Mitchell Patch and his toddler son were fatally hit while crossing in front of Wicked Barley, a brewery located a few blocks east of San Jose Boulevard on Baymeadows Road. 

Councilman Joe Carlucci expressed that his “primary goal is to implement significant improvements along this roadway as quickly as possible.” He believes there should be a traffic light, enhanced lighting, road markings, and signage to improve safety.  

“Cars are flying down this roadway and that needs to change,” he said. “That will change.” 

Carlucci’s office issued the following updates in the aftermath of the event:

• I have spoken to COJ’s Traffic Engineering Director to request urgency be placed on safety improvements for this roadway.
• I have spoken to FDOT District 2 Director about making this a priority and have formally requested the required study be done in order to start the process of discovering what traffic signaling can be installed.
• FDOT will be conducting the study/survey in the coming weeks. This is a requirement prior to any traffic enhancements can be installed.
• Speaker Pro-Temp Wyman Duggan is supporting this initiative in the House and willing to help legislatively.
• Senator Clay Yarborough is supporting this initiative in the Senate and willing to help legislatively. 

Carlucci said once FDOT completes its survey, they can make a full determination on what the approach will be. 

A spokesperson for FDOT told First Coast News they review all crashes, especially ones resulting in death or injuries and evaluate whether improvements can be made for safety.