‘Twinkling lights’ on Miramar Parkway spark safety concerns from motorists
Motorists traveling along Miramar Parkway may notice something unusual at night: streetlights along the median that flicker on and off as cars pass by.
The issue — described by one city commissioner as “twinkling lights”— was raised during last week’s commission meeting after residents complained about dark stretches along the busy roadway.
Commissioner Avril Cherasard said she has been fielding frequent calls from residents who live near the condominium communities between Douglas Road and University Drive, where the problem appears to be most noticeable along the parkway at night.
She said the dark stretches create low visibility along one of the city’s busiest roads, which could pose safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians.
“It seems as you drive toward the condo community, the lights come on when your car is approaching and then shut off after you pass,” Cherasard said during the March 4 meeting. “It’s almost like when you’re walking in Target and the refrigerator lights turn on and off.”
Cherasard said the problem has become a major concern for residents who travel the corridor daily.
“I am getting a lot of calls from residents. It’s a high point of contention for people who live in the area and people who drive in the area,” she said, urging staff to push for a fast resolution.
The lighting infrastructure in the median along Miramar Parkway is owned and maintained by Florida Power & Light, not the city, according to Assistant Public Works Director Stephen Hastings, who addressed Cherasard’s concerns during the meeting.
Hastings said the flickering may be caused by above-ground electrical lines rustling in the wind. Because the wiring appears to run overhead through lined trees, movement from wind and branches may be interrupting the electrical connection and causing the flickering.
“When the breeze blows, apparently there’s some shortage there, so the lights go on and off,” Hastings said.
City staff said they are working with FPL to address the issue and are discussing relocating the wiring underground.
Last October, street lights along Pembroke Road between Flamingo Road and Hiatus Road were reported not working. Public works officials said the street light outages were caused by the theft of copper wire.
