Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog

When making a U-turn, a driver needs to be very cautious and make sure it is legal before doing so. Pedestrians and incoming automobiles must also be given the right of way. Careless U-turns are a frequent reason for collisions involving several vehicles, collisions with oncoming traffic, and collisions involving pedestrians.

A busy St. Pete intersection at Tyrone Blvd and 66th Street near the Crossroads Shopping Center is widely used by drivers to make U-turns, spurring concerns for area residents who feel the busy roadway coupled with drivers executing U-turns is a combination for disaster.

In Florida, U-turns are legal if there is not a sign at the intersection prohibiting them.

The problem with this specific intersection is that it is common for vehicles leaving the shopping center onto 66th Street to attempt a U-turn simultaneously with vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

In this case, the car making the U-turn should yield to the motorist turning right, but frequent visitors to the plaza feel that a ‘No U-turn’ sign would be a welcome addition to clear up any confusion and eliminate any dangers.

There is a sign up currently that alerts drivers to watch out for motorists turning.

According to a news report, the Florida Department of Transportation has been alerted to the potential issue and will conduct a crash review of the intersection to determine if any changes should be made.

Even if you are confident that the U-turn you are going to make is legal, you must execute it appropriately and with caution to ensure that oncoming traffic has passed and there are no pedestrians. Additionally, all U-turns should be made in the appropriate lane and location. The following are some causes of U-turn vehicle collisions:

• Not Yielding: Even though most of us are aware that we should look before turning, if we are in a hurry, we may make an irrational judgment and fail to check for oncoming traffic.
• Violation of Traffic Laws: A driver’s failure to observe or abide by the traffic signal often results in a U-turn crash. A driver who disregards the traffic signal and causes a U-turn collision may be held responsible for any injuries or property damage.
• Making a U-turn from an Incorrect Location: Examples include parking lots, areas where U-turns are prohibited, and the right side of two left-turn lanes.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Storms and fog can limit traction and visibility, increasing the likelihood of U-turn accidents. However, weather-related accidents do happen, even in the absence of rain or snow. Direct sunlight can impair a driver’s ability to see, which can lead to an accident.

U-turn car accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, and victims may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Should the accident be the consequence of another person’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, rehabilitation expenses, and even emotional distress. Continue reading

Tampa’s version of Mardi Gras, but with pirates is back! This swashbuckling shindig is slated to start on Jan. 20 with the Children’s Gasparilla Parade from 12-7:30 p.m. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest happens on Jan. 27.

You can view information on parking here as well as parade routes.

What Roads Will Be Closed for Children’s Gasparilla?

Friday, January 19 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 20 until 12 a.m.

• Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
• Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 20 ALL DAY

• West Bay to Bay Boulevard between South Ysabella Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 20 3 p.m.-midnight

• Eastbound lanes on West Bay to Bay Boulevard at South MacDill Avenue

What Roads Will Be Closed for Gasparilla Pirate Fest?

Friday, January 26 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 27 until 12 a.m.

• Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
• West Bay to Bay Boulevard between Bayshore Boulevard and South Ysabella Avenue
• Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 27 (3 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

• Bayshore Boulevard between West Brorein Street and West Platt Street
• West Platt Street/Channelside Drive from South Plant Avenue to South Franklin Street

Saturday, January 27 (5:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

• Crosstown – Eastbound South Willow Avenue Exit Ramp (Exit 4)

Saturday, January 27 (7 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

• South Ashley Drive between Jackson Street and Brorein Street
• Brorein Street from South Jefferson Avenue to South Parker Street
• South Franklin Street between Channelside Drive and Harbour Island Bridge
• Water Street between South Franklin Street and South Florida Avenue
• East Washington Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street
• East Whiting Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street

Saturday, January 27 (9 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

• East Kennedy Boulevard between North Florida Avenue and South Plant Avenue
• North Ashley Drive between East Cass Street and East Jackson Street
• East Jackson Street from North Ashley Drive to North Tampa Street
• East Madison Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
• East Twiggs Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
• East Zack Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
• East Polk Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue

Saturday, January 27 (11 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

• West Cass Street between North Willow Avenue and West Tyler Street
• West North A Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
• West North B Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
• West Fig Street between North Willow Avenue and North Gilchrist Avenue
• West Carmen Street between North Willow Avenue and North Delaware Avenue
• North Newport Avenue between West Cass Street and West North A Street
• North Gilchrist Avenue between West Cass Street and West Fig Street
• North Boulevard between West Cass Street and West Main Street

Saturday, January 27 (1:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

• Cass Street between West Tyler Street and North Tampa Street
• West Tyler Street between North Tampa Street and West Cass Street

Saturday, January 27 (2 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

• North Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Cass Street

Saturday, January 27 (3 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

• West Bay to Bay Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) between South MacDill Avenue and South Ysabella Avenue
• West Platt Street at South Howard Avenue
• West Platt Street at South Willow Avenue
• West Platt Street at South Boulevard
• South Willow Avenue between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
• South Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
• East Whiting Street between Tampa Street and Franklin Street

Saturday, January 27 (4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

• West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Himes Avenue
• West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South MacDill Avenue
• West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Howard Avenue
• West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Boulevard

Who Can I Call For Help During the 2024 Gasparilla Pirate Fest?

Other Safety Tips

• Establish a Meeting Spot: Limited mobile service may be available during the event due to big crowds. It is important to set up a meeting location ahead of time in case some of your group gets lost.
• Take a Picture of Your child in Their Costume: Notify the closest officer right away if your child disappears. Police will be stationed throughout the entire parade route. A picture of what they are wearing will prove helpful in locating them faster.
• Drinking: It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol at the Children’s Gasparilla events. “Wet Zones” will be set up by the parade routes in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where you can consume alcohol. It is not permitted to consume alcohol on public property outside of specified wet zones. Underage alcohol consumption and disruptive behavior are not tolerated at all.
  • Absolutely no alcohol consumption by minors.
  • No drinking or opening alcohol-containing containers outside of approved wet zones.
  • No kegs, coolers, glassware, Styrofoam cups, weapons, umbrellas, grills, tents, and fencing.
  • All bags and backpacks are subject to searches.

Can I Bring My Pet to Gasparilla?

Except for service animals, pets are not permitted at the event.

Are Bicycles Allowed?

Bicycles are permitted for transportation to the event location; however, riders must walk their bikes throughout the street closure. Always keep your bicycle under your supervision, and never lock it on city or private property.

What About E-bikes, E-scooters, and Golf Carts?

For shared e-scooters and e-bikes, a No-Ride Zone has been set up for the Children’s Gasparilla and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. At both events, personal scooters are not permitted.

At both events, personal golf carts are not permitted. Golf carts operated by approved festival personnel and vendors are the only ones that are allowed.

Can I Dock My Boat?

There is an extreme lack of docking space during Gasparilla in and around downtown Tampa. It is strictly forbidden for boaters to attempt to “come ashore” along Bayshore Boulevard or any other property without a permit.

On January 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, Ballast Point Park’s boat ramp will be closed.

It is forbidden to toss beads and other waste into the bay. In addition to being extremely detrimental to the environment, beads and other non-biodegradable objects pose a major threat to marine life.

Contact Us If You Are Injured at Gasparilla Continue reading