Community Pushes for Safety Improvements on State Road 44 in Lake County

The Story of Kimberly Mousette – Kimberly Mousette has been a resident of State Road 44 in Lake County, Florida, for 34 years. Throughout this time, she has experienced some close calls on the hazardous two-lane highway. Unfortunately, her dear friend Gladys was not as lucky.

Gladys had gone to Walmart to get her glasses fixed and was on her way home when tragedy struck.

Gladys lost her life in a tragic accident involving a tractor-trailer. The truck was traveling eastbound, while Gladys was heading westbound. The driver failed to pay attention and did not apply the brakes. The collision resulted in Gladys’ car being hit and spun into oncoming traffic, leading to her immediate death.

Gladys wasn’t just a friend-she was like family. The two texted each other every morning.

“I don’t get those texts anymore,” Kimberly said.

“Every time I go to her house, I cry. I look at her things, and it just hits me all over again.”

And she’s not alone in her grief.

All along State Road 44, crosses, flowers, and memorials mark the spots where lives have been lost. Residents say the crashes are relentless.

Denise Sapp, a 35-year resident, says the sound of accidents has become a chilling part of daily life.

“I hear wrecks from my kitchen. I pray every time that it’s not another death,” she said.

Just last month, an 80-year-old man was killed right outside her home.

“His shoe ended up in my yard,” she recalled.

When News 6 visited the area, it didn’t take long to see the problem firsthand.

The road is frequented by cars, motorcycles, and trucks that often exceed the 55 mph speed limit. Despite law enforcement pulling over some vehicles, local residents argue that issuing tickets alone is insufficient in preventing further fatalities.

Two and a half years ago, Arthur Godhardt was driving with his wife and young daughter when an impatient driver T-boned them.

Today Arthur uses a cane to help him walk.

“I had a fractured back, three discs in my neck, three in my back. I had operations on my arm. I couldn’t use my hand. Then, I had a stroke,” he said. “So that’s where I’m at now.”

Many residents say reckless passing is a major issue.

Doreen Bennett, a 26-year resident, has had multiple close calls.

“I’ve come close to head-on collisions myself. People pass four cars at a time — on a double yellow line — into a curve,” she said.

According to Lake County records, there have been 91 crashes on State Road 44 between 2023 and 2024. Many of them were fatal.

Kimberly refuses to let Gladys’ death be just another statistic.

She has started gathering signatures and calling on lawmakers to address the dangers on State Road 44.

“I’m going to get records of all the deadly accidents because we’re having a meeting with the county and the state, she said.

Officials have proposed adding a **turn lane**, but the project isn’t scheduled until 2027.

“How many more people are going to die before then?” she asked.

Lake County Commissioner Leslie Campione says the issue is tied to population growth and increased traffic.

“We have more people in Central Florida trying to find the best and fastest routes,” she explained.

She says she understands residents’ frustrations and wants to push for interim safety measures.

“My goal is to advocate for citizens to DOT and see if there are any immediate solutions,” Campione said.

For Kimberly, the fight is deeply personal.

When asked what it would mean to see real change, she grew emotional as she thought about Gladys.

“It’s not going to help her, but it’ll help me. I’ll feel better knowing other lives are being saved. That’s all I can do. Nothing’s going to bring her back.”

Here is the full statement from the Florida Department of Transportation:

“The Department is always evaluating state roadways for safety enhancements, and this stretch of S.R. 44 is no exception. FDOT has implemented 6-inch-wide raised thermoplastic rumble strips along the double yellow centerlines and the single white outside lines of the travel lanes on S.R. 44, from the Volusia/Lake County line to west of Britt Road in Eustis. These rumble strips are designed to alert drivers who may unintentionally drift out of their lane, reducing the likelihood of lane departures or head-on collisions.

“Additionally, there is an ongoing construction project along S.R. 44 from County Road (C.R.) 42 to east of the St. John’s River Bridge. In addition to the already completed replacement of the S.R. 44 Bridge over the St. John’s River, the project will upgrade the traffic signal at the intersection of S.R. 44 and C.R. 42. The existing diagonal traffic signal consists of a signal cable supported by two poles situated diagonally across the intersection. The new signal will have a box span configuration, in which the cables are supported by a pole on every corner of the intersection, providing improved signal stability and visibility for drivers.

“Prior to construction, the intersection had a dedicated right turn lane from westbound S.R. 44 onto C.R. 42 and a dedicated left turn lane from eastbound S.R. 44 onto C.R. 42. As part of this project, a new left turn lane from westbound S.R. 44 to the recently constructed Marina Entrance is being installed. The new signal will also have left turn arrows for both directions of S.R. 44 to accompany the dedicated left turn lanes. We anticipate completing the work at this intersection, as well as the entire project, in early spring 2025, pending weather or other unforeseen circumstances. More information about his project can be viewed at the project web page: https://www.cflroads.com/project/429556-1.

“In addition to these improvements, there is also a project currently in the design phase to add turn lanes, lighting, and other safety features on S.R. 44 from south of Forest Ridge Road to north of Misty Lane in Lake County. Construction is expected to start in 2027. For more information, visit the project’s CFLRoads webpage here: https://www.cflroads.com/project/453086-1

“In the meantime, our Traffic Operations team is evaluating this stretch of roadway to identify additional safety measures that could be implemented in the interim.

“While engineering solutions and roadway improvements play a vital role, it is critical for drivers to adhere to speed limits, traffic signals, “No Passing” zones, and avoid reckless or aggressive driving behaviors to prevent crashes and stay safe on the road. The number one thing that drivers should be doing is driving, not dividing their attention with cell phones and other distractions. Sometimes the simplest behavior, such as all vehicle occupants buckling their seatbelts before even starting the car, can save a life. We all play a role in making sure everyone gets home safe.”