Rosanna Hope loves to walk along Madeira Beach, but there was a time when crossing the street was a challenge for her. Hope says a rare eye disease left her visually impaired.
"I see very blurry," said Hope.
Hope was concerned about crossing Gulf Boulevard to get from her condo to the beach and reached out for help. Through the Lighthouse for the Blind, a request was made to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Once evaluated and approved, an audible crosswalk was installed at Gulf Boulevard and Madeira Way.
The sign talks to pedestrians. When it’s safe to cross it says, “walk sign is on.” The voice then counts you down as to how many seconds you have to cross the street safely. The voice also tell you when it’s not safe to cross, repeating the word, “wait.”
Hope isn't the only one benefiting from the talking crosswalk, other pedestrians who cross there say it helps them, too.
"I like it because it tells you exactly when to go, when not to go,” said Eric Pych who uses the crosswalk.
"I think it’s cute, been over here several times and used it, it’s really nice, I like it," said Pam Grose.
Hope likes the independence she now feels.
“Now it’s like a bird that can fly," she said. "Just feel free that I can cross over by myself.”
The Florida Department of Transportation installs audible pedestrian equipment based on recommendations from the Lighthouse for the Blind. Each request is evaluated on an individual basis.