Local

Officers staffed at crosswalks in St. Augustine Beach during busy season

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Tj Cangeni knows just how busy it can get on St. Augustine Beach.
That's why he makes sure to use these bight orange flags as he tries to cross the street.
 
"People down here aren't the best drivers and don't really pay attention and I thought it was a good idea," said Cangeni.
 
Officers say the flags help, but now they're running into a bigger issue.
 
"It's been a great thing and its worked for years. The problem were running into now is that were overwhelmed with traffic and visitors and so fourth," said Commander Jim Parker.
 
In a five-minute period, I counted more than 100 cars going past this cross walk.

A few people who didn't want to use the flag, include Mike Vanvlymen.
 
"The reason I didn't want to use the flag was because it reminded me of when I was in grade school and we had the crossing guards and it made me feel like I was being a little kid by using the flag," said Vanvlymen.
 
Officers say they are going to keep these flags in place, but have added something new.

"The flags are great for many years but in that particular location, it's gone beyond that and we have to staff it," said Parker. 
 
Parker says this means putting officers at the cross walks during busy periods and events.