The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a public hearing about a pedestrian refuge islands design project on Bee Ridge Road (SR 758) from US 41 to Dunn Drive. In 2011, Florida pedestrian fatality rates were nearly double the national average and bicycle fatality rates were nearly triple the national average. From 2010 through 2012, Bee Ridge Road ranked third highest in crashes in the 12 counties of FDOT District One. Crash data for Bee Ridge Road from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012 shows 61 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. These crashes resulted in two fatalities and 59 injuries. To improve safety for pedestrians and motorists, FDOT is designing improvements that include 12 new islands allowing pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic and stop on the island before crossing the other side of Bee Ridge Road.