New lower speed limit on Mayport Road in Jacksonville

Newly reduced speed limit signs are now in place on a portion of Mayport Road.

The speed limit was lowered from 45 mph to 40 mph because of concerns about speed and safety.

The reduction to 40 mph goes all the way up to the A1A fork.

It's been a hot debate for years, but the push gained momentum after 12-year-old Hunter Cope was hit and killed while walking to school in 2017 at the intersection of Wonderwood and A1A.

Kelley Permenter, 37, faces DUI manslaughter charges on Hunter's death.

She had cocaine and alcohol in her system at the time of the crash, JSO said.

Permenter has pleaded not guilty.

In a Facebook post, Atlantic Beach Mayor Ellen Glasser said the speed limit change had been on their wish list for years due to concerns about speed and safety.

Suzie Chisholm described Mayport Road as being like a speedway.

“I hope they will obey and they will think about driving a little bit slower because it is a race track,” Chisholm said.

Some neighbors argue the speed limit isn’t the problem, but it’s the lack of police enforcement.

The mayor of Atlantic Beach also said the slower speed could help promote business, which Chisholm agrees.

“I think it will be great for the businesses because people will be driving slower. They can see the signs. They can see what’s around them, what stores there are,” Chisholm said.

Cox Media Group