Officials say Morgan High School access improvements nearly complete; signal delayed by TECO pole easement negotiations

County transportation staff told commissioners July 16 that the bulk of required access and safety improvements for Morgan High School are substantially complete, including Westlake Drive widening and a 10‑foot multipurpose trail on both sides of the road. Adam Gormley of the Development Services Department said the signal at the school’s north entrance has been installed and is scheduled to be energized and placed on flash shortly, and most turn lanes and striping work are underway. "The turn lanes are done. Striping is... underway. The signal is installed, and it is set to be, energized next week and put on the flash," Gormley said.

One remaining complication involves relocation of a TECO pole required to accommodate final striping and a right‑turn lane at the intersection of 674 and Westlake Drive. Gormley said a small aerial easement — likely between 1 and 4 feet — is needed over an adjacent property and negotiation with the owner has delayed final acceptance of that piece of work. To manage traffic at the start of school, the developer Lennar has committed to hire off‑duty law enforcement officers to direct traffic during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up times until permanent signal and lane changes are completed.

The county expects drive‑way connection gaps and final surface details will be completed before the Aug. 11 school start. Commissioners asked about timelines and safety plans; staff reiterated their expectation that the signal and most improvements will be operational by the school opening, with alternate traffic management (off‑duty officers) set up to protect students and drivers if negotiations continue.