Speed Limit Bill Passes Through Senate Transportation Committee

It seems like Florida is feeling the need for speed.

On Thursday, a bill sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth,hightailed it our of the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill was approved by a 5-1 vote.

The bill would allow the Florida Department of Transportation to increase speed limits on four-lane interstate highways from 70 miles per hour to 75 mph. Other highways with 65 mph and 60 mph speed limits could get theirs raised as well if the DOT finds it necessary to help with traffic problems.

Brandes said the bill would help adjust highways to have more vehicles, and supporters of the bill say there's no real evidence that having a higher speed limit makes roads any less safe.

Opponents of the bill, however, are not too convinced raising the speed limit is a good idea.

The highways of Florida are not the German Autobahn. Im really concerned about lives, said Sen.Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, who voiced concerns about Tampa's already hazardous roads.Its congested. Theres accelerated road rage. There are people texting. There are people all over the place."

Joyner cast the only vote against the speed limit increase.

The bill will now head to the Community Affairs Committee.