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A deadly intersection and a neighborhood on a mission

Neighbors and businesses on Herschel Street are demanding the state put in a crosswalk after seeing two people die, and dozens of pedestrians dodging cars every day.

Neighbors and businesses on Herschel Street are demanding the state put in a crosswalk after seeing two people die, and dozens of pedestrians dodging cars every day.

“I’ve actually seen many times people of had to run just to get across the street so they don't get hit,” said Sonya Hanlin, in the lobby of Soluna Yoga Spa, which overlooks the street.

Hanlin launched a petition demanding a crosswalk after Dillon Mullis, 23, died when his motorcycle hit an SUV in March.

Back in 2009, a pedestrian was also hit and killed right down the street.

“It was a gentleman, he was trying to cross the street to get some money out of his car and when he turned around to come back across the street he was struck by a car,” Hanlin said.

The petition has almost 500 signatures. Next to the signature, one user commented “very dangerous,” another, “much needed.”

“It's really scary and it's tragic,” Hanlin said.

Herschel Street is a state road which means any action would have to come from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The department began a traffic study in March but there is no timeline for when it will be finished, a FDOT spokesperson tells First Coast News.

In the meantime, neighbors like Phyllis Oca say they see drivers speeding and looking down at their phones.

While neighbors like her continue waiting on the results of the traffic study, the petition is picking up speed.

“I signed it already,” Oca said. “I think it's a good idea. People don't pay attention that's for sure.”

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