Police warn Bayshore Blvd. speeders of increased patrols

TAMPA (FOX 13) - One of the Bay Area's most popular and beautiful attractions is also a problem spot when it comes to speeders. According to the Tampa Police Department, since the start of the year, nearly 400 drivers have been pulled over for going over the 40-mph speed limit along Bayshore Boulevard.

Over the course of two days, from May 2 to May 3, more than 100 drivers were pulled over.

"They’re going 60 miles an hour along Bayshore Boulevard," said Roy Paz with the Tampa Police Department. "Sometimes 65 mph, sometimes 67.”

Several Bayshore residents have been contacting the police department to try and slow drivers down.

"It's not only infuriating but also scary," said Ross Newman, who has been in close contact with the police department.

Newman says he and his neighbors are fed up with feeling unsafe and have made repeated complaints. The police department says its traffic unit is constantly patrolling the area.

"[Drivers] aren't doing it maliciously," said Paz. "A lot of the people we stop will tell us, 'Officer, I didn’t realize I was speeding.'”

With every ticket or warning they give out, police say it's an opportunity to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding.

Residents and those who visit Bayshore Blvd. regularly say they're glad to see officers patrolling the streets, but hope drivers do their part and slow down.

Police also remind pedestrians to be responsible and only cross the street at designated crosswalks.