JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash Monday evening on Beach Boulevard, just east of Interstate 295, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
According to troopers, a man was walking south across the westbound lanes of Beach Boulevard near Huffman Boulevard about 7:10 p.m. when he was fatally struck by a white Toyota Tundra pickup truck traveling west in the outside lane of Beach Boulevard. Troopers said the driver of the pickup took off on westbound Beach Boulevard after the crash.
The Highway Patrol said it was working to see whether a nearby Wawa convenience store had any surveillance video.
Anyone who sees the pickup -- which troopers said has damage to the right, front area -- is asked to call the Highway Patrol.
Duval County Fatality. Hit and Run Crash. Beach Blvd near Huffman Blvd. Vehicle vs. Pedestrian. Veh fled scene. Roadway blocked.
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) February 25, 2020
🔸Possibly a White Toyota Tundra pickup w/ right front damage. 🔸Please lookout for similar vehicles & damage.
🔸Call *FHP for reporting. pic.twitter.com/rexALl4JPP
News4Jax records show there have been 49 deadly hit-and-runs in Duval County since 2015.
“I didn’t think it was that high,” driver Carlos Cubera said Tuesday.
Of the 49 hit-and-run cases since 2015, according to News4Jax records, law enforcement officers have only made arrests in 13.
“That’s surprising,” Cubera said.
| Year | Number of fatal hit-and-runs in Duval County | Arrests made |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 10 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1 |
| 2017 | 14 | 4 |
| 2016 | 11 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 | 2 |
Crash puts spotlight on pedestrian safety
Several people who walk along Beach Boulevard every day told News4Jax they don’t feel safe a lot of times even when they’re using designated crosswalks.
“People just will literally keep going as you are walking and they won’t stop,” said one pedestrian, who did not wish to be named. “Pedestrians are trying to get to places just like you are, people on bicycles. Just pay attention to what you’re doing while you’re driving.”
Since 2017, according to the Highway Patrol, there have been seven deadly pedestrian crashes on Beach Boulevard between University and Kernan boulevards.
On Tuesday, News4Jax saw at least 10 people jaywalk across Beach Boulevard in about a span of an hour.
Also on Tuesday, News4Jax learned that the city is actively working to make the roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Mayor Lenny Curry will be in Tallahassee Wednesday to talk with members of the Florida House and Senate about three issues that he believes are important to Jacksonville, including the need for pedestrian improvements at 88 locations across the city. Curry will be asking the state for $750,000 to match $1.1 million by the city to add flashing lights to crosswalks and other enhancements such as pavement markings and signage.